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.
UTS: Information Technology: Computing and CommunicationsCredit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksAnti-requisite(s): 31467 Networking 1 AND 32524 LANS and Routing AND 48720 Network Fundamentals
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
On successful completion of this subject students will be able to:
1. Explain the characteristics and functions of each layer of the OSI model in the network, and describe how data is moved across network, specifically, those relevant to the Internet Protocol.
2. Describe and contrast the fundamentals of networking processes within and between networking hardware (packet forwarding with routers; frame forwarding of switches; media connections between routers, switches and PCs).
3. Explain basic components of a Cisco router and a Cisco switch, and use Cisco IOS commands to complete configuration, management and troubleshooting tasks for: Basic router, switch and host TCP/IP configuration; & Enabling basic security on these devices.
4. Apply VLSM Addressing to an Internet Protocol v4 (IPv4) Address given design criteria.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in designing and implementing a hierarchical IPv4 and IPv6 addressing scheme.
6. Recognise and make suitable choices for physical networking equipment and media, and build a small network.
7. Demonstrate teamwork capability and communication skills.
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 Attributes:
A1. Needs analysis, A2. Prioritize, A3. Constraints, uncertainties & risks, 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: Exploring the Network
· Networks and their Impact on our lives
· Providing Network Resources – Server, Clients & Peer-toPeer Environments
· Components of a network – Devices, Media & Services
· LANs, WANs Intranets, Extranets and the Internet
· Reliability consideration for a network
2: Configuring a Network Operating System
· Operating Systems and their basic command structures
· Basic communication across networked media
· Configuring IP Addresses between end hosts
· Verification of Connectivity between end devices
3: Network Protocols and Communications
· Rules – How are they used to facilitate communication
· Protocols and Standards – How they to establish interoperability for Network Communication
4: Network Access
· Explain how physical layer protocols supports communications across data networks
· Build a simple network
· Explain the role of the data link layer for Communications
· Compare media access control techniques and logical topologies
5: Ethernet
· Understand the Ethernet SubLayers
· Describe the purpose and characteristics of the Ethernet MAC address
· Define and clarify the purpose of ARP
· Understand Basic Switching Concepts
6: Network Layer
· IPv4 Addressing
· Networks – Dividing Hosts into Groups
· Routing – How Our Data Packets are Handled
· Routing Process – How routes are Learned
· IPv6 Addressing
7: Transport Layer
· Roles of the Transport Layer
· The TCP Protocol – Communicating with Reliability
· Managing TCP Sessions
· The UDP Protocol – Communicating with Low Overhead
8: IP Addressing
· Calculating binary numbers
· Network, Host and Broadcast Addresses for IPv6
· Unicast and Broadcast Transmissions
· Public and Private Addresses
· The need for IPv6
· IPv6 Addresses, Link local, Global Unicast
· IPv6 configuration
· Configuring IPv6 routing
9: Subnetting IP Networks
· IPv4 Addresses
· Addresses for Different Purposes
· Assigning Addresses
· Is It On My Network?
· Calculating Addresses
· Testing the Network Layer
10: Application Layer
· Applications – The Interface between the Networks
· Making Provisions for Applications and Services
· Application Layer Protocols and Services Examples
11: It's a Network
· Configuring Cisco Devices – IOS Basics
· Basic Security and Authentication
· Verifying Connectivity with ping and traceroute
· Monitoring and Documenting of Networks
· Backup and Troubleshooting
Assessment
Assessment Item 1: Online module quizzes
| Intent: | Intended for students to self check their progress. |
| Objective(s): | Objectives: 1 - 6 |
| Weighting: | Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark |
Assessment Item 2: Tutorial exercises
| Objective(s): | Objectives: 1 - 6 Graduate Attributes: A2, A5, B4 |
| Weighting: | 10% |
Assessment Item 3: VLSM exercise
| Intent: | Test initial understanding of subnetting concepts. |
| Objective(s): | Objectives: 4 & 5 |
| Weighting: | 5% |
Assessment Item 4: Case Study
| Intent: | Develop Cooperative skills. Understand basic research objectives. Present findings in a logical format. |
| Objective(s): | Objectives: 4 - 7 |
| Weighting: | 20% |
Assessment Item 5: Skills Based Assessment
| Intent: | To demonstrate competence to build basic networks |
| Objective(s): | Objectives: 4 - 7 |
| Weighting: | 10% |
Assessment Item 6: End of Semester Examinations (Written and Online)
| Intent: | To Check students understanding of the materials covered in this course. |
| Objective(s): | Objectives: 1-7 |
| Weighting: | 55% |
Minimum requirements
Students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of eight (8) chapter tests. Students must obtain a minimum of 50% of all marks to pass this subject.
Required texts
Online learning resource: Introduction to Networks,
Recommended texts
There is no recommended text at this time. Once one becomes available students will be informed by email.
References
Kurose, James F and Ross, Keith W: Computer Networking – A top-down Approach (5th Edition) Pearson Education 2008.
Tanenbaum, Andrew S, Wetherall, David J: Computer Networks (5th Edition) Prentice Hall 2011
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
