IT professionals need to be aware of the fact that all computer systems today are deployed in a distributed computing environment. No longer does a computer system exist on just one host. It important to understand the technical issues involved in deploying distributed computing systems. As organisations wish to secure their assets against theft or interference, the security, of both network and host, is paramount. Distributed computing systems, via the nature of their distribution, are more exposed to malicious attack than single host systems.

2005: Existing unit CSE3002 Distributed Computing Systems updated with security issues relevant to computer systems distribution included.

FIT3075 Distributed Computing Systems 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 the technical and security issues in building a distributed computing system on the network.

It will provide students intending to follow a career in the field of data and network communications and software development, the opportunity to focus on distributed system implementation and security.

On completion of this unit, students should understand:

• what characterises a distributed computing system compared with a single host system
• operating systems design requirements to support distributed computing systems
• how inter-process communication can be achieved
• the management of file and database systems across multiple hosts
• the use of virtual clocks in the synchronising of events
• the protocols for implementing distributed database transactions
• the security issues: security models, risk analysis, security policy, privacy policy in deploying distributed computing systems

ASCED Discipline Group classification: 020113 Networks and communications

Architecture of distributed systems; networking and internetworking; interprocess communications; distributed operating systems; mobile computing systems; distributed database systems; distributed file systems; object technology in distributed systems; failure recovery and fault tolerance issues; concurrency control in distributed systems; synchronisation and replication in distributed systems. Introduces students to current practice for securing computer systems and open networks.

Architecture of distributed systems; networking and internetworking; interprocess communications; distributed operating systems; mobile computing systems; distributed database systems; distributed file systems; object technology in distributed systems; failure recovery and fault tolerance issues; concurrency control in distributed systems; synchronisation and replication in distributed systems. Introduces students to current practice for securing computer systems and open networks

• Coulouris G et al Distributed Systems: Concepts and Design, Addison-Wesley,(3E 2001)
• Jean Bacon, Concurrent Systems, Addison-Wesley, (2E 1998)
• M. L. Liu, Distributed Computing Principles and Applications, Pearson Addison-Wesley, (2004)
• William Stallings, "Wireless Communications and Networks", Prentice Hall (2E 2004)
• Mullender S, Distributed Systems, Addison-Wesley, (2E 1994)
• M. Singhal, N. Shivaratri Advanced Concepts in Operating Systems, McGraw Hill, (1994)
• A. Tannenbaum, Computer Networks, Prentice Hall, (1996)
• A. Tannenbaum, Distributed Operating Systems, Prentice Hall, (1995)
• Pfleeger C P et al Security in Computing Prentice Hall Pearson Education (3E 2003) Gollman Dieter, Computer Security, Wiley (1999)

On campus

2 hour lecture plus 2 hour laboratory session per 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.

Nil

Laboratory equipped with the Standard Operating Environment.

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

Adequate copies of at least the recommended texts listed above.

FIT

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

CSE2318 or CSE3318 or FIT1005 or equivalent