BN106 - Networking Fundamentals

Credit Points: 15 credit points

Workload: 48 hours

Prerequisite: BN103 Platform Technologies

Co-requisite: N/A

Aims & Objectives

This is a second trimester core unit out of a total of 24 units in the Bachelor of Networking (BNet). and Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Telecommunications) (BEngTech(Tel)). This unit addresses the BNet and BEngTech(Tel) course learning outcomes and complements other courses in a related field by developing students’ knowledge and skills in networking fundamentals. For further course information refer to: http://www.mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/bachelor-networking and http://www.mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/bachelor-engineering-technology-telecommunications. This unit is part of the AQF Level 7 (BNet and BEngTech(Tel)) courses.

Computer Networks are built with a combination of computer hardware and computer software. Emphasizing both the fundamental principles as well as the critical role of performance in driving protocol and network design, it explores in detail all the critical technical areas in data communications used in wide-area networking and local area networking.

The topics covered in Networking Fundamentals are:

  • Fundamentals of data communications and networking.
  • Types of communication, encodings and modulation, bandwidth and capacity.
  • Guided medium (Cable, twisted pair, and fibre optics) standards and categories.
  • WAN technologies and protocols.

Learning Outcomes

4.1 Course Learning Outcomes
The Course learning outcomes applicable to this unit are listed on the Melbourne Institute of Technology’s website: www.mit.edu.au 
    
4.2 Unit Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit students should be able to 
a. Explain the principles of networking protocols and standards;
b. Identify reference models and layered architectures in networking;
c. Recognize network topologies, media types and network components;
d. Identify the network (OSI) layers at which various network devices operate;
e. Use some basic tools/utilities for network analysis;
f. Employ basic cabling and network design techniques to connect devices.

Weekly Topics

This unit will cover the content below:

Week # Lecture Topic Laboratory
1 Introduction to Computer Networks Overview of networks
2 Media Network Hardware
3 Connections Wireshark Introductory Lab
4 Multiplexing and Compression 1 Network Topologies and Technologies
5 Multiplexing and Compression 2 Introduction to data communications
6 Mid-Term Review Physical layer
7 LAN Mid-term test
8 Switch Network Media and Network Protocols
9 Wireless Network Operating System
10 WAN Supporting a Small Business Network
11 Routing Wide Area Network Essentials
12 Review Review

Assessment

Assessment Task Due Date A B Learning Outcomes Assessed
Formative Assignment 1 Week 3 (10/04/2022) 5%   a-b
In-Class Test Week 7 (03/05/2022)   10% a-c
Assignment 2 Week 11 (01/06/2022) 25%   a-f
Laboratory participation & submissions Week 2 – 11 (8/06/2022) 10%   a-f
Final Examination (2 hours)     50% a-f
TOTALS   40% 60%  

Task Type: Type A: unsupervised, Type B: supervised.

Class Participation and Contribution
This unit has class participation and student contribution as an assessment. The assessment task and marking rubric will follow the Guidelines on Assessing Class Participation (https://www.mit.edu.au/about-us/governance/institute-rules-policies-and-plans/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/Guidelines_on_Assessing_Class_Participation). Further details will be provided in the assessment specification on the type of assessment tasks and the marking rubrics.

Presentations (if applicable)
For presentations conducted in class, students are required to wear business attire.

Textbook and Reference Materials

TextBook:

  • C. M. White, Data Communications and Computer Networks: A Business User's Approach, Eighth Edition, 2016, Cengage Learning.

Reference Reading:

  • M. A. Niazi, Modeling and Simulation of Complex Communication Networks, Institution of Engineering and Technology, 2019.
  • W. Stallings, Data and Computer Communications, 10th ed. Prentice Hall, USA, 2014.
  • A. S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, 5th ed,, Prentice Hall, 2010.
  • J. Fitzgerald, Business data Communications and Networking, 12th ed., Wiley, 2014.
  • D. E. Comer, Computer Networks and Internets, 6th ed,, Pearsons, 2014.
  • J. O. Padallan, Computer Networks and Communications, Arcler Press, 2019.

Adopted Reference Style: IEEE

Graduate Attributes

MIT is committed to ensure the course is current, practical and relevant so that graduates are “work ready” and equipped for life-long learning. In order to accomplish this, the MIT Graduate Attributes identify the required knowledge, skills and attributes that prepare students for the industry.
The level to which Graduate Attributes covered in this unit are as follows:

Ability to communicate Independent and Lifelong Learning Ethics Analytical and Problem Solving Cultural and Global Awareness Team work Specialist knowledge of a field of study

Legend

Levels of attainment Extent covered
The attribute is covered by theory and practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students always play an active role, e.g. workshops, lab submissions, assignments, demonstrations, tests, examinations.
The attribute is covered by theory or practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students mostly play an active role, e.g. discussions, reading, intepreting documents, tests, examinations.
The attribute is discussed in theory or practice; it is addressed by assessed activities in which the students may play an active role, e.g. lectures and discussions, reading, interpretation, workshops, presentations.
The attribute is presented as a side issue in theory or practice; it is not specifically assessed, but it is addressed by activities such as lectures or tutorials.
The attribute is not considered, there is no theory or practice or activities associated with this attribute.