IT professionals in the data communications networking area need to be familiar with network performance issues. Today, computer applications, both business and technical, must operate in a networked environment. A network manager must to be able to define performance parameters, monitor network performance and predict network performance to ensure the successful deployment of a company's computer applications

2005: Existing unit CSE3151 Network Performance being updated to fit into the new BITS degree structure with new FIT unit code.

FIT3055 Network Performance is an elective 3rd level unit in the Caulfield BITS major in Systems Development.

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

It will provide students intending to follow a career in the field of data communications and networks the opportunity to focus on advanced topics in network performance

On completion of this unit, student should understand:

1. measures of network performance in terms of response time, transaction rate,
   device utilisation and protocol overhead
2. the use of queuing theory and simulation as a means of predicting
   network performance
3. the importance of fault tolerance in as a means of improving the
   reliability of communication networks
4. the quality of service that can be provided by different network
   technologies
5. the Erlang traffic load formula and its application to
   telecommunications systems
6. the derivation of a quantitative relationship between bandwidth
   and bit rate
7. the affect of noise on communication links and the techniques used to
   minimise the impact
8. understand how link utilization can be improved by tuning flow control
   parameters

On completion of this unit students will have developed attitudes that enable them to:

9. Adopt a problem solving approach
10. Accept the code of professional conduct and practice
11. Act in accordance with best practice, industry standards and professional
    ethics

On completion of this unit:

12. Students will gain practical skills to analyse and monitor the performance of data communication networks

On completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate the communication skills necessary to:

13. work cooperatively in small teams
14. present their work in various forms - verbal and written

ASCED Discipline Group classification: 020113 Networks and communications

Measuring the performance of data communication networks for optimising network performance. Topics include data communication network hierarchical configuration; queuing theory; elements of tele-traffic engineering; blocking delay; throughput; utilisation; network modelling and performance analysis of both circuit-switched networks and packet-switched networks; network traffic controls; network design using simulation packages; network management tools and methodologies.

Measuring the performance of data communication networks for optimising network performance. Topics include data communication network hierarchical configuration; queuing theory; elements of tele-traffic engineering; blocking delay; throughput; utilisation; network modelling and performance analysis of both circuit-switched networks and packet-switched networks; network traffic controls; network design using simulation packages; network management tools and methodologies.

• Stallings, William (2004) Data and Computer Communications 7th edition, Prentice Hall
• Stallings, William (1998) High Speed Networks, Prentice Hall
• Halsall, Fred (2005) Computer Networking and the Internet 5th edition, Addison-Wesley
• Walrand et al (2000) High-Performance Communication Networks 2nd edition, Morgan Kaufmann

On campus

2 hours of lecture plus 2 hours of 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 (2hours): 60% + Practical assignments: 40%

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.

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

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

Suitable Simulation Software

At least 3 copies of each of the recommended texts listed above.

Faculty of Information Technology

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

CSE2318 or FIT1005