IT professionals in the data communications area need to be familiar with network technology. This subject mainly deals with basic data communication theories with the main emphasis on design issues and technologies of the two lower layers (physical layer and data link layer) of the communication stack.

2005: Existing unit CSE3020 Network Technology being updated to fit into the new BITS degree structure with new FIT unit code.

FIT3053 Network Technology is an elective 3rd level unit in the Caulfied BITS major in Systems Development.

This unit extends the knowledge students gained in FIT1005 with specific emphasis on network technologies.

It will provided students intending to follow a career in the field of data communications and networking the opportunity to focus on advanced topics in networking.

On completion of this unit, students should:

• understand the various networking technologies in common usage
• be familiar with common types of media and systems used in contemporary networks
• understand the terminology used in the design and support of networks
• be familiar with network design concepts for the planning for the future needs of organisations

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to design simple networks to satisfy organizational requirements.

ASCED Discipline Group classification: 020113 Networks and communications

Modulation and coding techniques; multiplexing and switching; modern technology; LAN technologies and MAC techniques: Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, etc.; N-ISDN and ATM; wireless LANs, WAN architecture and technologies; satellite communications.

Network technology concepts and techniques including: Modulation and coding techniques; multiplexing and switching; modern technology; LAN technologies and MAC techniques: Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, etc.; N-ISDN and ATM; wireless LANs, WAN architecture and technologies; satellite communications.

Required Text:

William Stallings, "Data and Computer Communications (6th edition)", Prentice-Hall, 2000.

Recommended Reading:

• 1. William Stallings's website: http://williamstallings.com/DCC6e.html (6th Edition).
• 2. William Stallings's website: http://williamstallings.com/DCC/DCC7e.html (7th Edition).
• 3. Fred Halsall, "Data Communications, Computer Networks and Open Systems, Fourth Edition.", Addison-Wesley, 1995.
• 4. Behrouz A. Forouzan, "Data Communication and Networking, Second Edition", McGraw-Hill, 2001. (http://www.mhhe.com/forouzan/).

On campus

One 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour laboratory session each week.

Knowledge and understanding objectives are achieved mainly through lectures and tutorial exercises.

Attitudes and beliefs objectives are achieved mainly through laboratory exercises and assignment work.

Practical skills objectives are achieved mainly through laboratory exercises and assignment work.

Relationships, communication and team work objectives are achieved mainly through laboratory exercises and assignment work.

Examination (2 hours): 50%

Assignments: 50%

Knowledge and understanding objectives are assessed mainly through the examination.

Attitudes, values and belief objectives are assessed mainly through the examination and assignment work.

Practical skills objectives are assessed mainly through assignment work.

Relationships, communication and team work objectives are assessed mainly through assignment work.

12 hours per week including lectures, laboratory sessions and private study.

High-tech lecture theatre with data display and internet connection, with a PC and facility to plug in a laptop, for two hours per week throughout the semester.

Laboratory equipped with the Standard Operating Environment. A laboratory with routers, switches and hubs for practical assignments.

One lecturer per semester. One tutor per laboratory session per semester.

Adequate copies of at least the recommended texts listed above.

Faculty of Information Technology

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

CSE2318 or FIT1005 or equivalent