Module Identifier CS35110  
Module Title THE INTERNET: ARCHITECTURE AND OPERATION  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Dr Mark Ratcliffe  
Semester Intended for use in future years  
Next year offered N/A  
Next semester offered N/A  
Pre-Requisite CS14020 or CS15210 or CS25010  
Course delivery Lecture   22 lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   (Up to) 4 seminars / tutorials  
  Practical   (Up to) 4 x 2 hr sessions  
Assessment Supplementary examination   Will take the same form, under the terms of the Department's policy    
  Exam   2 Hours   100%  
Further details http://www.aber.ac.uk/compsci/ModuleInfo/CS35110  

Aims


This module is designed to provide an insight into the internal architecture of the Internet, and the functioning of its most critical protocols. The module builds on a basic understanding obtained through study of module CS15210. The module is complementary to module CS25610 which concentrates on application design and construction, whereas this module is concerned with internal behaviour and functionality of the Internet and its protocols. The Internet is an evolving network environment. New applications and supporting protocols are being designed and many of these provide new and different demands from the Internet. The module will conclude by addressing progress towards meeting those demands.

Syllabus


1. The Overall Architecture of the Internet and its Operation - 3 Lectures
Overall architecture, the IP protocol, ICMP and UDP.


2. The TCP protocol - 6 Lectures
Connection establishment and termination, flow control under various load conditions, timeouts and retransmission, newer features and performance.


3. The Domain Name System - 2 Lectures
The DNS and its use.


4. Routing in the Internet - 3 Lectures
Some routing "problems". Interior and exterior routing protocols.


5. SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol - 4 Lectures
Management stations and managed elements, Management Information Bases (MIBs), Structure of Management Information (SMI) and the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).


6.IP New Generation - IPv6 - 4 Lectures
The requirement for a new generation of the Internet, current progress and the key properties of IPv6.

Learning outcomes


On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

Brief description


The Internet is a complex, multi-organisation network reaching nearly all parts of the world. The functioning of the network and the applications running upon it depend on a complex set of protocols. This module addresses the fundamental aspects of the most important issues that permit the network and its applications to operate successfully.

Reading Lists

Books
** Should Be Purchased
W. Richard Stevens. (1994) TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1: The Protocols. Addison-Wesley ISBN 0-201-63346-9