The majority of academic material will be delivered via lectures and laboratory workshops such that the lecture directly supports the hands on lab content. Material will also be made available on eLearning Portal (Blackboard) for students to access notes and laboratory scripts reading ahead of the current weeks study. The hands-on workshops will be performed in groups to facilitate student interaction. Directed and independent learning material will enable you to read further (using RFCs, IETF standards, relevant publications etc.) around the subject to support further learning.

Lecturers/tutors will offer you guidance on studying and what they expect of you. A significant amount of support and feedback would come from laboratory workshops where students get instant and detailed feedback on their weekly task. Feedback will also be made availabe via your classroom based sessions. You can access a number of University resources and guidance for example, how to study effectively, write assignments, revise for your exams and avoid plagarism.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge and Understanding
1. Understand and explain the fundamental networking principles related to data transmission, layered architecture, reference OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite.

Intellectual/Professional Skills & Abilities:
2. Theoretically design small networks and IP schemes
3. Build and test small networks involving hubs, switches, routers and wireless access point
4. Demonstrate an understanding LAN, WAN technologies and supporting protocols

Personal Values Attributes:
Communicate results of work in an accurate and reliable manner

The summative assessment for the module consists of two examinations, each worth 50%. The first exam will take place at the end of Semester 1 and the second at the end of Semester 2. Exam 1 will cover MLOs 1, 2 and Exam 2 will cover MLOs 3, 4 and 5

None

None

The aim of this module is to provide a thorough introduction to basic principles and technologies in modern computer networks. Students are introduced to the theory underpinning the communication architecture in modern networks. Students learn about the reference communication architecture, communication protocols, networking devices, IP addressing and important performance metrics for communication networks. The module examines specific examples in the context of communication reference model. The concepts introduced in lectures are reinforced with the help of extensive hands on laboratory workshops. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their practical networking skills by using Cisco IOS, configuration of switches and routers, analysing Wireshark traces and designing networks using simulators.