Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Data Communications & Networks I
Module Code	EE224
School	School of Electronic Engineering
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Gabriel-Miro Muntean Semester 2: Gabriel-Miro Muntean Autumn: Gabriel-Miro Muntean
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*
Tutorial	12	No Description
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent learning time	85	No 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 Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment 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
This module is category 1

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

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

DME

B.Eng. in Digital Media Engineering

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)