CM0521 Further Networks

Further Networks Image This module is designed to serve as an introduction to the theory and practice of computer networking. The module uses a well-equipped network laboratory containing industry-standard routers and switches. It emphasises practical aspects of building and maintaining Local Area Networks.

The main ideas are communicated in a series of 12 lectures. The laboratory sessions are used by students to put these ideas into practice in a variety of networking exercises. By the end of the module, students should be able to design, configure, document and maintain a small LAN and to understand the basic principles underlying the Internet.

Module Team

Module Tutor
David Kendall david.kendall@northumbria.ac.uk
Lecturer
Gerhard Fehringer gerhard.fehringer@northumbria.ac.uk

Teaching Arrangements

Lecture Mon 10.00 - 11.00 EB A102A
Lab/Seminar EB Lab D003 North

  • Thu 09.00 - 10.00
  • Thu 13.00 - 14.00

Synopsis

The aim of the module is to enable students to learn intermediate networking theory and skills, with particular regard to routing and switching. A particular feature of the module is that it includes much of the syllabus pertaining to CCNA 2 and 3. There is an emphasis on practical work and students will have an opportunity to work with industry standard routers and switches. The module is assessed by coursework assignment.

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

  1. Explain in detail the structure of the OSI Reference Model and the concepts of a layered data communication model.
  2. Apply appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of Local Area Networks.
  3. Discuss the design principles and implementation of a variety of key networking protocols and algorithms and critically evaluate their effectiveness in a range of practical applications.
  4. Review the concepts and operation of network layer security and apply their knowledge to a variety of practical networking scenarios

Teaching Plan

The following is a provisional guide to the organisation of the module for this year. These arrangements are subject to change during the course of the module.

Week W/c Lecture Practical
1 17-Jan Introduction. IP Addressing and Subnetting (FLSM) Introduction to Packet Tracer
2 24-Jan Introduction to Routing and Packet Forwarding Configuring a simple network
3 31-Jan Static Routing Configuring static routes
4 07-Feb Introduction to Dynamic Routing Protocols Configuring RIP v1
5 14-Feb Distance Vector Routing Configuring RIP v1
6 21-Feb RIP version 1 No supervised lab sessions
7 28-Feb IP Addressing and Subnetting (VLSM); Classless Routing; RIPv2 [Slides] Assignment Introduction; VLSM exercises [Lab]
8 07-Mar Network Security (Firewalls and Access Control Lists) [Slides] RIP v2 configuration (Packet Tracer) [Lab]
9 14-Mar Link State Routing [Slides] ACL configuration (Packet Tracer) [Lab]
10 21-Mar Switching and Switches [Slides] RIP v2 and ACL configuration (Physical) [Lab]
11 28-Mar Spanning Tree Protocol [Slides] Assignment Preparation (Packet Tracer)
12 04-Apr Assignment surgery Unsupervised lab session
Assignment Preparation (Physical)
13 02-May Assignment demos - 2 hour session starting at the usual time Assignment demos - 2 hour session starting at the usual time

Note

In addition to the taught sessions, you are expected to undertake independent and directed learning. On average, you should be spending about 8 hours per week on this module.

Assessment

Summative assessment comprises:

  • A practical networking exercise, involving some group work in the lab and an individual written report.

Formative assessment comprises a variety of theoretical and practical exercises with opportunities for discussion with tutors and colleagues.

Recommended Reading

You are strongly advised to obtain either of the first two texts from the list below for your personal use. The CCNA exam certification guide is useful for Cisco-specific information and for preparation for vendor-certification should you choose to undertake it. Try the Northumbria University campus bookshop.

  • Kurose, J., Ross, K. Computer Networking: A Top-down Approach Featuring the Internet (3rd Edition), Addison Wesley, 2004 [Amazon] [Student Resources]
  • Tanenbaum, A., Computer Networks (4th edition), Prentice Hall, 2002 [Amazon]
  • Odom, W, Cisco CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, Cisco Press, 2006 [Amazon]

Selected articles from the technical literature, as directed by your tutors, e.g.

  • IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking
  • IEEE Transactions on Communications
  • RFCs, IEEE & IETF standards
  • Industry white papers and technical documentation

Other resources