Module: Modern Data Communications & Networks

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Modern Data Communications & Networks
Module Code	ICT1004 (ITS: CTA)
Faculty	Electronic Engineering	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	20

Description

This module describes key mechanisms for maintaining network integrity. It also demonstrates contemporary network transmission methods and routing protocols and raises awareness of network management methods.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the protocols and technologies used in modern data communications networks
2. Compare the network protocols used in the specification and management of data communications systems
3. Understand and manage cyber security issues.
4. Justify the most appropriate mechanisms and technologies for use in a variety of reliable networking design situations
5. Specify components and architectures of small to medium sized enterprise networks
6. Contrast the coding standards and methodologies used across defined layers of data communications systems
7. Select and apply formal description techniques for modelling network protocols
8. Quantify network metrics for design and integration of communications protocols
9. Research new networking technologies for use in enterprise networking and applications

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	21	Face-to-face tutorials are held in DCU on Saturdays and Virtual Classroom tutorials on weekday evenings according to the timetable
Online activity	16	Interaction with tutor and fellow students
Independent Study	463	Reading, study, research and problem solving
Total Workload: 500

Section Breakdown
CRN	11786	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Richard Bolger	Module Teacher	Ciaran Motherway

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Assignment covering units 1 - 4	7%	Week 9
Assignment	Assignment covering units 1 - 8	9%	Week 20
Assignment	Assignment covering units 1 - 12	9%	Week 27
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

COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS
Data Networks and Applications/Wireshark Protocol Analysis Tool/ TCP/IP Protocol / Interconnecting Networks / Link Layer Protocols / Multimedia Services/Wireless Networking/Network Management / Cyber Security.

COMMUNICATIONS SCIENCE
Waves and Electro-Optical Signals / Traffic, Queues and Quality of Service / Source Coding / Channel Coding / Reliability and Integrity / Modelling Communication Systems

Indicative Reading List

Books:

James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross: 0, Computer Networking: A top down approach. International Edition, 9780273768968

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None