Compulsory. Magee Web dependent None None. Dr Kevin Curran Dr Kevin Curran. Independent study (including assessment)

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1 MODULE TITLE: MODULE CODE: Computer Networks & Operating Systems COM320 DATE OF REVISION: 2009/10 MODULE LEVEL: 2 CREDIT POINTS: 20 MODULE STATUS: SEMESTER: 2 LOCATION: E-LEARNING: PREREQUISITE(S): CO-REQUISITE(S): MODULE CO-ORDINATOR(S): TEACHING STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR MODULE DELIVERY: HOURS: Compulsory Magee Web dependent None None TOTAL EFFORT HOURS: 200 ACADEMIC SUBJECT Dr Kevin Curran Dr Kevin Curran Lectures Seminars Tutorials Practicals Independent study (including assessment) COM 24 hrs 12 hrs 12 hrs 24 hrs 128 hrs RATIONALE It is important that students have a strong foundation in the principles of digital communication between computer systems in the context of both local and wide area networks and core underlying principles of operating systems. AIMS 1. To provide an understanding of the theory of data communications, networks and operating systems, which will be underpinned through a series of lab based practical work and experiments. This treatment will reinforce software engineering best practice. 2. To introduce the key concepts of computer networking and provide expertise in applying the principal techniques associated with planning, deploying and working with modern networks. 3. To distinguish between different types and concepts of operating system and to provide expertise in applying the principal techniques associated with using and applying operating systems.

2 A successful student will be able to show that he/she can: KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING K1 K2 K3 K4 Understanding of computer networking issues Use network simulators & network tools to understand how Ethernet and related networking protocols operate Appreciate the issues for configuring networks Demonstrate an understanding of operating system concepts, principles, and theories. INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1 I2 I3 I4 Solve a wide range of problems related to the analysis, design and construction of computer networks. Design and implement computer network applications. Identify a range of network based problems Critically evaluate Operating Systems and research findings. PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 P2 P3 P4 Prepare and deliver coherent and structured verbal and written technical reports. Design and debug computer networks using appropriate skills. Use laboratory equipment as a diagnostic tool and use appropriate computer-based simulation tools. Write reports and research papers in operating systems & computer networks TRANSFERABLE SKILLS T1 T2 T3 T4 Display an integrated approach to the deployment of communication skills. Communicate effectively using various media and variety of audiences. Strike the balance between self-reliance and seeking help when necessary in new situations Display personal responsibility by working to multiple deadlines in complex activities.

3 CONTENT Data Communications 1. First Principles: The Information capacity of a channel: Shannon s Law. 2. Representation of information as data; Redundancy and coding methods. 3. The nature and characteristics of errors; Error detection and Correction: Parity; Cyclic Redundancy Codes; Hamming Code. 4. The requirements for and characteristics of communications systems; Bit oriented Protocols; Character Oriented Protocols; Flow Control. 5. Components of communications systems.transmission media; A/D conversion. 6. PSTN and Data Communications: Modems; ADSL; Broadband Communications. Computer Networks 1. The need for networks; Standards for LANs and WANs. 2. Wide Area Networks: Topology and design, Management and Control: Layered Communication Protocols; TCP/IP. 3. Protocols; Error detection and correction, Congestion avoidance and recovery. 4. Local Area Networks: Topologies: Ring, Bus and Token passing ring. 5. CSMA/CD; Token Rings; Access methods; Integration with WANs 6. Data Security, Counter-measures and Encryption. 7. Data Compression techniques. Introduction to Operating Systems 1. Operating Systems and Networked Operating Systems. 2. Unix/Linux, MAC-OS, Windows (XP), WebOS, server OS, mainframe OS, virtualisation, multimodal and intelligent systems, computer games, virtual worlds, mobile and ambient computing, wireless networks (TinyOS), 3. Security and protection: Overview of system security; policy/mechanism separation; security methods and devices; protection, access, and authentication; models of protection. TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS Lectures will be used to present the theory and concepts. All lecture and supplementary material will be accessible via the faculty's intranet. A three-hour weekly practical session will provide the student with the opportunity to back up the theory covered in formal lectures and discussed in tutorials with practical experience, with examples to back up concepts. Students will be encouraged to read journals related to the module content, as independent study and in relation to assignments. Practicals provide demonstrations and usage of networks and Operating Systems platforms for developing applications.

4 ASSESSMENT Coursework 1: This assignment will measure the students ability to implement and maintain a network and operating systems related blog for the 12 week period of the module. Percentage contribution: 25% of total coursework mark Coursework 2: This assignment will measure the student s achievement of implementing a web site. Percentage contribution: 25% of total coursework mark Coursework 3: This assignment will measure their knowledge of researching in depth and presenting their findings in the form of a state of the art essay on a topical network or Net Centric Operating Systems subject matter. This critical study and evaluation of a research paper will focus on the aims and objectives, results and claims of the paper. This assignment will measure the student's achievement of learning outcomes: K4, I2, I4, P1, P4, T1, T2, T4. Percentage contribution: 50% of total coursework mark Examination: A 3-hour paper with between 5 and 8 questions in which there will be an element of choice. The examination will measure the student s achievement of implementing and assessing relevant computer network equipment, network protocols, cryptography, security, LANs, WAN s, network topologies, knowledge of integrating network based software applications and various aspects of operating systems such as core principles, cloud computing and OS digital forensics. Module learning outcomes (i), (iv) and (vi) will be assessed by coursework. Module learning outcomes (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) will be assessed by the examination. 50 % Coursework 50 % Examination READING LIST Recommended Stallings, W. (2004) Computer Networking with Internet Protocols. Prentice Hall, ISBN-10: Stallings, W. (2008) Operating Systems, internals and design principles. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall (6th ed.). Tanenbaum, A.S. (2007) Modern operating systems. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall (3rd ed.). Tanenbaum, A.S., (2004), Computer Networks, (5th ed.), Prentice-Hall International.

5 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION This module provides an in-depth study of computer, communications and networks. This module will introduce the concepts and principles of computer networks to guide the installation and maintenance of modern, high quality reliable networks. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to learn how to configure and test networks, deploy network based software applications and resolve network infrastructural problems. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of basic skills in networking, and an appreciation for emerging themes that could impact networking in the future. Students will also have a basis for undertaking further development work/research in the area of Computer Operating Systems, a fundamental core and vital area of computing with a particular emphasis on the emerging network operating systems paradigm.