ECE4044 · Telecommunications protocols

Overview

In this unit, you study the fundamentals of telecommunication network protocols by having the Internet's software architecture as its primary focus. Many protocols used in the application, transport, and network layers are examined and analysed. Client-server and peer-to-peer application architectures and their features are compared and contrasted. Reliable communication over an unreliable network layer, connection establishment and teardown, and multiplexing issues are covered. Protocols for network security, techniques for providing confidentiality, authentication, non-repudiation and message integrity are also studied. Finally, protocols used for network management are analysed.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook publishes no assessment items for this unit yet.

Continuous assessment: 40% Final assessment: 60% This unit contains a hurdle requirement that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. compare and contrast various protocols used in the Internet and contemporary applications
2. evaluate network tools used to query parts of the Internet infrastructure including name servers, routers, individual hosts, and websites
3. analyse techniques used for provision of security, confidentiality, authentication, non-repudiation and message integrity
4. write client-server applications using Internet protocols.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.