31270 Networking Essentials

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Recommended studies: some knowledge of computer networking is useful but not essential

Handbook description

Computer networks are now business critical in all modern organisations and business enterprises. They are important in everyday life. This subject introduces students to the fundamental issues in modern data communications and computer networks. This is essential knowledge for all users of IT, IT professionals and those who wish to specialise in computer networking. Students learn about the layered networking model and are introduced to networking devices and protocols. They learn how these are used in computer networks and in net-based application programs. The primary focus of this subject is Local Area Networks (LAN). Student practical work includes designing and building simple peer-to-peer networks and LANs that are connected to the Internet. The core set of protocols employed on the global Internet, TCP/IP, is studied.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the end of this subject the student will be able to:

1. List the major concepts, theories and principles that are used in the implementation of a Local Area Network (LAN) and how the LAN can connect to a Wide Area Network (WAN).
2. Apply VLSM Addressing to an Internet Protocol (IP) address given design criteria.
3. Summarise and describe the properties of higher layer protocols.
4. Compare and contrast (TCP/IP) model with the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.
5. Identify and briefly describe Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE) media access LAN standards.
6. Identify Layer 3 design principles and protocols, and describe how they achieve networking goals.
7. Be aware of the main media types and their limitations, copper based media, optical fiber media and wireless.
8. Identify and explain the major practical issues associated with the design and implementation of a LAN at Layers 1 and 2 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.
9. Construct simple LANs and reflect on the computer and network resources that must be configured.
10. Value individual strengths, and the sharing of skills and knowledge when achieving task goals in a group.
11. Participate in further work associated with the design, implementation and troubleshooting of network infrastructure that supports an organisation’s networking needs
12. Be able to describe a number of net-based applications and application programs

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

This is a student’s first subject in the important field of data communications and networking. Fundamental are developing an understanding of the basic networking encapsulation concepts and protocols (A1, A2, A5), and developing the skills required to building basic networks (B1, B2, B5, C3) and addressing them (C3, B4). These skills are enhanced by lab work, and demonstrated through quizzes and Case Study tasks. In researching the requirements of a case study students develop cooperative team skills (B6, D1, E3) required to manage and design a network project.

This Subject contributes to the following Graduate AttributesA1. Needs analysis, A2. Prioritize, A5. Apply systems thinking, B1. Problem solving, B2. Design, B4. Decision-making, B5. Implement and test solution, B6. Research skills, C3. Evaluate model, D1. Manage self, E3. Project management methodologies

A complete list and description of Graduate Attributes for the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology can be found at http://feit.uts.edu.au/faculty/graduate-attributes.html.

Teaching and learning strategies

Normal class contact time is comprised of 3 hours tutorial/laboratory session per week. In the laboratory a workshop approach is used which combines learning by doing small group and whole class discussion, web research, on-line activities, design activities, question and answer sessions, and on-line tests with immediate feedback. It is expected that students will need to spend an additional three hours in self-directed study for each lab session.

As noted above, the workload for this subject will require students to exercise considerable diligence and to strive for efficient utilisation of class time and laboratory facilities.  Accordingly, all computer activities which are not directly and expressly related to the curriculum are strictly prohibited in all networking labs.  Any detected infringement will result in immediate expulsion from the laboratory.

Content

1. Living in a Network Centric World.
   • Communicating in a Network Centric World
   • Communication – An Essential Part of Our Lives
   • The Network as a Platform
   • The Architecture of the Internet
   • Trends in Networking
2. Communicating Over the Internet.
   • The Platform for Communications
   • LANs, WANs, and Internetworks
   • Protocols
   • Using Layered Models
   • Network Addressing
3. Application Layer Functionality and Protocols.
   • Applications – The Interface between the Networks
   • Making Provisions for Applications and Services
   • Application Layer Protocols and Services Examples
4. OSI Transport Layer.
   • Roles of the Transport Layer
   • The TCP Protocol – Communicating with Reliability
   • Managing TCP Sessions
   • The UDP Protocol – Communicating with Low Overhead
5. OSI Network Layer.
   • IPv4
   • Networks – Dividing Hosts into Groups
   • Routing – How Our Data Packets are Handled
   • Routing Process – How routes are Learned
6. Addressing the Network – IPv4.
   • IPv4 Addresses
   • Addresses for Different Purposes
   • Assigning Addresses
   • Is It On My Network?
   • Calculating Addresses
   • Testing the Network Layer
7. Data Link Layer.
   • Accessing the Media
   • Media Access Control Techniques
   • Addressing and Framing Data
8. OSI Physical Layer.
   • Communication Signals
   • Physical Signaling and Encoding: Representing Bits
   • Physical Media – Connecting Communication
9. Ethernet.
   • Overview of Ethernet
   • Communication Through the LAN
   • The Ethernet Frame
   • Ethernet Media Access Control
   • Physical Layer
   • Hubs and Switches
   • Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
10. Planning and Cabling Networks
    • LANs – Making the Physical Connection
    • Device Interconnections
    • Developing an Addressing Scheme
    • Calculating the Subnets
    • Device Interconnections
11. Configuring and Testing Your Network.
    • Configuring Cisco Devices – IOS Basics
    • Applying a Basic Configuration Using Cisco IOS
    • Verifying Connectivity
    • Monitoring and Documenting of Networks

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Online module quizzes

Assessment Item 2: Tutorial exercises

Assessment Item 3: VLSM exercise

Assessment Item 4: Case Study

Assessment Item 5: Skills Based Assessment

Assessment Item 6: End of Semester Examinations (Written and Online)

Minimum requirements

Students must obtain a minimum of 50% of all marks to pass this subject.

Required texts

Online learning resource: Networking Basics,

http://www.iwork.uts.edu.au/enrolled/cisco

http://cisco.netacad.com

Recommended texts

Dye, Mark A, McDonald, Rick and Rufi, Antoon W: Network Fundamentals CCNA Exploration Companion Guide (1st Edition) Cisco Press 2008.

References

Kurose, James F and Ross, Keith W: Computer Networking – A top-down Approach (5th Edition) Pearson Education 2008.

Comer, Douglas: Computer Networks and Internets (4th Edition) Prentice Hall 2004.

Behrouz A. Forouzan: Business Data Communications, (1st Edition) McGraw-Hill, 2003.
 

Other resources

Online support for this subject will be provided through UTS Online. The URL is online.uts.edu.au

For further information regarding your candidature: my.feit.uts.edu.au/modules/myfeit/downloads/StudentGuide_Online.pdf