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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2016 - 2017

Module Title Data Communications & Networks I
Module Code EE224
School School of Electronic Engineering

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Gabriel-Miro MunteanOffice NumberS326
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of layered network protocol stack models.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the electrical interface and the basics of digital data transmissions at physical layer, in particular encoding and modulation techniques
3. Demonstrate knowledge of framing, error detection and correction solutions
4. Demonstrate knowledge of MAC and LLC protocols, Ethernet, token ring, token bus, FDDI, WLAN
5. Demonstrate knowledge of distance vector and link-state network routing protocols
6. Solve network-related problems



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial12No Description
Lecture24No Description
Independent Study85No Description
Total Workload: 121

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

1) Network Reference Models: OSI and TCP/IP

2) Physical Aspects (Basics) - Transmission Media, Attenuation and Distortion Sources, Signal Types, etc.

3) Physical Aspects (Advanced) - Data Transmission, Error Detection Methods, etc.

4) Data Link Layer - Go-Back-N retransmission techniques

5) Local Area Networks (Basics) - Ethernet, Token Ring, Token Bus, etc.

6) The Network layer - Routing, Inter-networking, etc.

7) The Transport layer (Basics) – UDP and TCP Protocols

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment0% Examination Weight100%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Andrew S. Tanenbaum: 2003, Computer networks, 4, Prentice Hall PTR, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 978-0130661029
  • Fred Halsall: 2005, Computer Networking and the Internet, 5, Addison-Wesley, Pearson Education, ISBN 0-321-26358-8
  • Fred Halsall: 1996, Data Communications, Computer Networks and Open Systems, 4, Addison-Wesley, Pearson Education, ISBN 0-201-42293-X
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
ECEBEng Electronic & Computer Engineering
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
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