Computer Networks
Introduction
- Historical perspective, theoretical and practical models of network architecture particularly the ISO OSI and TCP/IP Models. Example networks and services including prototype new technologies. These would include X.25, Frame Relay, ISDN and ATM.
Digital Communication
- Physical properties of copper media, fibre optics, radio communication, data communication standards. Maximum data rates (theoretical and practical) for different media including some simple analysis of signals. Data encoding of digital signals. The distinction between, and analysis of, physical media and wireless media properties. The difference between narrow band and broad band technologies with particular reference to ISDN and ATM.
Local Area Networks
- Types of LAN covering standards, topology and performance. Example architectures such as ethernet and fast ethernet, token ring, FDDI and ATMs. Wireless LANs and emerging technologies. Bridges and routing.
Wide Area Networks
- Circuit vs packet switching and associated routing and flow control. Detailed examples of existing and emerging architectures such as frame relay and ATM.
Inter Networks
- Principles of inter networking, architectures and protocols. Particular reference to TCP/IP.
Errors
- The main causes of errors and the effect on transmission. Single bit and burst errors. Various error detection and correction strategies including parity, block sum, Hamming Codes and Cyclic Redundancy Checks. Forward vs backward error control. Statistical analysis of the effectiveness of error detection and correction code.
Network Security
- Requirements of security and types of attack. Private vs public keys and electronic signatures. Practical examples including RSA, DES. Analysis of the effectiveness of algorithms and methods of attack.