Some of the changes to the unit were caused by replacement of the previous unit coding scheme with the current one. The unit now includes a mid-term unit test, which impacts the Assessment and related headings. The class size was increased to 60 since the original number of about 30 or so was no longer valid.

N/A

At the completion of this unit, students should:

1. have a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of data communications
2. possess a sound understanding of the equipment and standards relevant to data communications and computer networks
3. be aware of the techniques for inter-process communication in networked environments
4. be equipped to tackle network application development and support functions.

Prescribed text:

F. Halsall: Data Communications, Computer Networks and OSI (4th edition), Addison-Wesley, 1996.

Recommended Books:

Tanenbaum - Computer Networks 0133942481 Kurose - Computer Networking 0201477114 Schiller - Mobile Communications 0201398362

Other References:

W. Stallings, Data and Computer Communications, (5th edition), Prentice Hall, 1997.

The teaching of the unit will be conducted through lectures and tutorials (held in computer labs). The lectures will present the conceptual and theoretical aspects of the unit (Objectives 1-4). The tutorials/lab-sessions will enhance the students' understanding of the unit materials through guided hands-on exercises. Case studies will also be presented in the tutorials (Objectives 3 & 4). Hands-on work would be included within the assignments (Objectives 1 and 2).

Coursework - Objectives 3 and 4

The hands-on work links the theoretical concepts with the practical application of these concepts. The assignments provide an opportunity to the students to work independently and in a team enviroment. The assignments also aim to develop the research skills and an ability to deal with open ended situations using a real life network design scenario.

Examination - Objectives 1 to 4

The unit test is aimed at a mid-term revision and the reinforcement of the concepts. The final exam tests the students over the entire breadth of the unit to ensure that an acceptable level of competence has been achieved for the unit.

Students are expected to spend an average of 12 hours per week for a semester on this unit, with the following detailed breakdown:

• 2 hours per week: lecture
• 2 hours per week: tutorial/lab
• 8 hours per week: private study and completing assignments

• Software Title:
• Vendor:
• Version:
• OS: MS Windows XP ( ) and/or LINUX ( )
• License Details: (A valid software license certificate/s or Vendor permission must be available upon request if the software is to be installed for teaching)
• Are we currently licensed: Yes ( ) or No ( ) (If unsure, please check with your local IT support )
• If (Yes), who is the contact person for this software?:
• If (No), will the software license be arranged by: Staff member requesting the software ( ) or Technical Services* ( ) ? *If the latter is selected, please discuss your requirement/s with myself ASAP, prior to finalising your request, as there could be financial or resourcing implications.
• Is the software to be installed and accessed from a: Client/Workstation ( ), or Server ( ) ?
• Type of license: Site License ( ), Freeware ( ), FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) ( ), Shareware ( ), Lab based ( ) # of Licenses needed ____
• In what week will you commence using the software in class? Semester 1 (Week ___ ) and/or Semester 2 (Week ___ ):
• Nominated Staff For Acceptance Testing Software: (Name) (Phone) (Email)
• Additional Information: Special Requirements, Software Configuration/Installation Requirements, etc:

None