48740 Communications Networks

On completion of this subject students are able to appreciate the principles, design approaches, standards and new digital networks in the field of telecommunications networks. The first half of this subject concentrates on a number of basic principles that appear in this field and examines and evaluates alternative approaches to meeting specific requirements. Students acquire a reasonable understanding of current standards and their role in relation to future developments. Telecommunication networks are increasingly using broadband technologies to expand their functionality. As a result, telecommunication engineers are required to design and maintain these networks. The latter part of this subject concentrates on both narrowband and broadband switching technologies, network design concepts and performance measures associated with integrated services networks.

Topics include: data communications; data transmission; transmission media; data encoding; line coding; data communication interface; data link control; multiplexing; Wide Area Networks; circuit switching; packet switching; frame relay; ATM; Local Area Networks; LAN systems; bridges; communications architecture and protocols; protocols and architecture; Internetworking; Internet protocol; transport protocols; network security; distributed applications; ISDN; and broadband ISDN.

Assessment: Typically assessment in this subject involves laboratory work, quizzes, assignments and an examination.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus
Spring semester, City campus