Module: Broadband Networks

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Broadband Networks
Module Code	EEN1002 (ITS: EE552)
Faculty	Electronic Engineering	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

Advances in fibre communications, together with the growth of demand for multimedia and other networking services, has created a demand for the implementation of broadband networks. This module is intended to equip students with a deep understanding of the issues involved at layers two to four in implementing broadband networks using packet switching protocols. Prior exposure to elementary probability theory and a working knowledge of basic programming sufficient to write simulation code is assumed

Learning Outcomes

1. evaluate competing packet switching technologies to support a range of applications
2. numerically evaluate delay and packet loss in router/switch buffers
3. evaluate the performance of switches and multiplexers by computer simulation
4. describe the architecture of a broadband network supporting Quality of Service, including its control plane protocols
5. evaluate competing architectures for the design of high-throughput packet switches

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Assignment Completion	44	No Description
Independent Study	108	No Description
Lecture	36	No Description
Assignment Completion	44	No Description
Independent Study	108	No Description
Total Workload: 376

Section Breakdown
CRN	20857	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale		Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category		Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Two assignments, involving computer simulation of switches or multiplexers	25%	Week 1
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	75%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Module Content
The module emphasis is on how Quality of Service can be supported in networks. It considers data and media stream packetisation, theoretical bounds on the performance of switches and routers, router and switch architecture, modelling of buffers, delay and loss in network equipment, Quality of Service guarantees and enforcement, and QoS routing. Indicative topics: Types of networks - circuit-switched, packet-switched, connection-oriented, connectionless, single-rate, multi-rate. Framing, time slots, headers. Evolution of networks - the telephone network, the Internet, local area networks. The move to broadband networks. Quality of Service in networks. Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) vs. IP vs. MPLS. The ATM protocols:physical layer, ATM layer, adaptation layer. Source models, statistical multiplexing, multiplexing gain. Admission control. Access control. Leaky Bucket algorithm. Available Bit Rate in ATM. Weighted Fair queuing. Electronic packet switches. Single stage vs multi stage. Throughput of multi-stage switches. Deflection routing. Ideal circuit switch and packet switches compared. Head-of-line blocking. Output-buffered switches. Large-scale switches. Discrete-time queuing theory. Kendall's notation. Probability generating functions - definition and properties. PGFs of some distributions. Arrival processes. Batch arrivals. The Geo[x]/D/1 queue. Numerical calculation of moments and probabilities. Queuing model of output-buffered switch. Queuing model of input-buffered switch. Throughput of input-buffered switches. Numerical calculation of loss probabilities. Routing protocols supporting QoS.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Keshav, S,: 0, "An Engineering Approach to Computer Networking," AddisonWesley, 1997. Schwartz, Mischa, "Broadband Integrated Networks", Prentice Hall, 1996 Reference Texts: De Prycker, M., "Asynchronous Transfer Mode: Solution for Broadband ISDN", 3rd ed., Ellis Horw,
Arnold O. Allen: 0, Probability, statistics, and queueing theory, 0120510510
by Giovanni Giambene: 2005, Queuing theory and telecommunications, Springer, New York, 0387240659
Robert B. Cooper: 1990, Introduction to queueing theory, CEEPress Books, Washington, D.C., 0941893030

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None