CSM1510 - COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS

Module Identifier	CSM1510
Module Title	COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Mr Christopher Loftus
Semester	Available all semesters
Pre-Requisite	CSM1110 , CSM1020
Course delivery	Contact Hours	34 Hours plus about 45 hours of self study and practical work
Assessment	Course work		20%
	Exam	2 Hours	80%
Further details	http://www.aber.ac.uk/compsci/ModuleInfo/CSM1510

General description

This module introduces the methods and technology used in modern computer based communications systems. It covers the basic concepts and terminology of point to point and broadcast communications over both public and private networks. Ethernet is studied in detail as an example of a local area network. Some background information is provided on the history and development of public telephony. The nature and potential of telematics applications and the component technologies are discussed, as are the characteristics of new high speed technologies.

Aims

The purpose of this module is to introduce the problems encountered and the methods used in modern computer-based communications and to provide an insight into the nature and potential of telematic applications.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will understand:

the basic techniques and terminology of computer communications;
the importance of standards;
the structure and operation of an Ethernet;
the facilities commonly provided by network operators;
the structure and operation of TCP/IP networks;
the potential of telematics systems;
the problems associated with routing and naming in large networks.

Syllabus

Standards
The needs for standards and the areas they cover. The standards setting process and the standards setting bodies - including BSI, ISO, ANSI, IEEE, ITU and IAB. Local and organisational standards and their relationship to national and international standards. The ISO Model. The weakness of standards and the standard setting process. De facto standards.

Basics of Data Communication
Analogue and digital data transmission; synchronous and asynchronous transmission; parallel and serial transmission. Modems, concentrators, time division and statistical multiplexors. Co-ax, twisted pair, fibre optic media. Speed, distance and error rates of the various transmission media.

Local Area Networks
Bus, ring and star topologies. Cost of attaching devices to networks. Project 802. A case study of Ethernet.

Wide Area Communications and Networks
The idea of a common carrier. Public switched networks and private lines. Kilostream, Megastream and similar services. Examples of wide area networks. Telecommunications development, regulation and history in Singapore.

The Internet as a Basis for Telematic Systems
History of Internet development; modern Internet applications.

Communications Protocols and Internetworking
Datalink protocols: IP, TCP, UDP. Naming in large networks; routing in large networks

Integrated Services Networks
N-ISDN; B-ISDN; Fast LANs; MANs; optical networking.

Reading Lists

Books
** Essential Reading
B A Forouzan. (2001) Data communications and networking. 2nd. McGraw-Hill 0071181601