Module ENGI4527: Communications Networks 4

Department: Engineering

ENGI4527: Communications Networks 4

Tied To

• H100: General Engineering
• H711: Engineering (Electronic)
• H712: Engineering (Electronic) with Year Abroad
• H713: Engineering (Electronic) with Placement

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
• To provide an overview and explain some of the challenges facing designers of communications networks.
• To provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of key networking technologies used in modern communication networks.
• To understand the principles underpinning the design of communications networks.
• To provide a firm foundation for a broad range of careers in communications networks.

Content

• Layered architectures
• Data link layer protocols
• Local area networks (LANs) and personal area networks (PANs)
• Network layer protocols
• Transport layer protocols
• Network Security

Learning Outcomes

• An understanding of the fundamentals of communications networks.
• An appreciation and understanding of the operation of current widely used communications technologies and protocols.
• An understanding of the importance of security in communications networks.
• AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module.
• M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (exam assessed).
• M3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (exam assessed).

• An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practises along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.
• An ability to understand the design of complex engineering systems.

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
• Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.
• Problem solving skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem solving capability.
• Students are encouraged to make use of staff 'Surgeries' (otherwise "Office Hours") to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for up to one hour per week.
• Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

N/A