Module: Data Communications & Networks I

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title	Data Communications & Networks I
Module Code	EEN1023 (ITS: EE224)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Electronic Engineering
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The overall aim is to familiarize the students with the operation and implementation of data communications used to exchange information between computer systems. In particular the course aims to provide a good understanding of the electrical characteristics of digital signals and the basic methods of data transmission, to introduce the concept of communication protocols and give an overview of Data Communication Standards and to give an introduction to the area of computer networks, with emphasis on the range of communication protocols utilized.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss key network design principles including network services, resource allocation, and layered protocol architectures.
2. Compare and contrast digital transmission techniques and apply various encoding and modulation techniques
3. Describe and apply the key design principles for correct point to point data transmission and analyse performance related parameters.
4. Discuss the design decisions behind various MAC and LLC protocols and analyse impact on delivery performance.
5. Determine optimal network routing using distance vector and link-state network routing protocols
6. Describe key features of protocols used in the implementation of various network layers.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	81	No Description
Laboratory	20	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10972	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	25%	Examination Weight	75%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jennifer McManis	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	perform 5 network related experiments and analyse results.	25%	As required
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

Network Design
Network services, resource allocation, layered protocol architecture

Physical Layer
Transmission Media, Attenuation and Distortion Sources, Bit transmission

Data Link Layer
Point to point data transfer, framing, errror detection and correction, conenction management

Data Compression
Encoding principals, Huffman coding

Local Area Networks
Principles of Medium Access Control and Data Link Layers. IEEE 802 protocol Suite.

The Network layer
Internetworking and Routing

The Internet
TCP/IP protocol stack.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Nick Feamster, and David Wetherall: 2021, Computer networks, 6, Pearson,
James Kurose and Keith Ross: 2025, Computer Networking: A Topdown Approach, 9,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None