Communication and Networking Technologies - 2019 entry

Communications and networking technologies are rapidly evolving, and have revolutionised the ways in which we socialise, and network in business. This module gives you the chance to gain in-depth knowledge of these technologies, and the ways in which they are used. You will learn all about protocols - the set of rules and instructions that computers and other devices follow when they communicate with each other across a network. Furthermore, you will gain invaluable practical experience, using the Internet as a tool to assist on your own project, in which you will conduct a risk analysis, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact that viruses can have on computer networks. You will also get the chance to see computer applications and protocols in action, when lecturers give demonstrations, using real life examples.

The aim of this module is to equip you with the underlying theory and knowledge that underpins the fields of communications engineering and computer networking. You will learn about the nature and purpose of key telecommunication and networking principles, and apply these principles to addressing typical telecommunications and networking problems. You will demonstrate what you have learnt by critically evaluating a specified communication system, and providing an appropriate technical solution to a problem associated with that system. 

This is a constituent module of one or more degree programmes which are accredited by a professional engineering institution under licence from the Engineering Council. The learning outcomes for this module have been mapped to the output standards required for an accredited programme, as listed in the current version of the Engineering Council’s ‘Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’ document (AHEP-V3).

This module contributes to learning outcomes: SM1p, SM1m, SM4m, EA1p, EA1m, EA2p, EA2m, EA3p, EA3m, EA4p, EA4m, D2p, D2m, ET6p, ET6m, EP4p, EP4m, EP6p, EP6m, G1p-G3p, G1m-G3m

A full list of the referenced outcomes is provided online: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/subjects/engineering/accreditation/

The AHEP document can be viewed in full on the Engineering Council’s website, at http://www.engc.org.uk/

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: SM1p, SM4m, EA1p, EA1m, EA2p, EA2m, ET6p, ET6m, EP2p, EP2m, EP6p, EP6m

1 identify the need to standardise communication networks, and for devices within those networks to work together;
2 appreciate the characteristics of various transmission and networking technologies and the main factors that affect their performance;
3 demonstrate a working knowledge of a number of different protocols, the network standards to which devices must comply to ensure they can work together, and hardware and software components;
4 show knowledge of the design and operation of a number of telephone and Internet networks and systems;
5 compare and contrast the characteristics of different types of networks, and protocols used;
6 understand the principles of network security;
 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: SM1p, SM1m, EA1p, EA1m, EA3p, EA3m, EA4p, EA4m, D2p, D2m

7 grasp the theoretical principles underlying communication systems and networks through application and problem solving;
8 use network software tools to simulate, design and analyse Internet based communication networks.
 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and  Knowledge: EP4p, EP4m, G1p, G1m, G2p, G2m, G3p, G3m

9 monitor your own progress through tutor-marked assignments (TMA) and self-assessment questions (SAQ);
10 assess the effectiveness of your learning strategies, including time management, and modify appropriately;
11 utilise a variety of information sources to understand and supplement lecture material.

Basic Telecommunication Principles:
 

- inter-link communication;

- electrical signals;

- analogue and digital modulation;

- pulse code modulation;

- asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL);

- Bluetooth.

 

Introduction to the Internet:
 

- the 5 layer Internet protocol stack;

- the key functions and protocols of the application layer;

- Domain Name System (DNS), FTP and Email (SMTP & POP3);

- multimedia streaming over the Internet;

- TCP and UDP transport protocols;

- the IP protocol;

- Ethernet LANS.
 

Introduction to Telephony:

- analogue telephony networks, integrated digital networks, next generation networks;

- overview of GSM mobile networks: mobile phone system, base station subsystem, network switching subsystem and operation and maintenance subsystem.
 

Not applicable

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module: