Networked Systems Architecture 3 (2007-2008)
Networked computer systems are becoming ubiquitous, whether in the form
of desktop and laptop computers connected to the Internet, mobile
phones, television set-top boxes, or the myriad of networked sensors and
embedded computing systems that surround us in our everyday life. An
understanding of the operation of these systems is essential for
practising engineers and computer scientists, both to manage, design, or
implement the next generation of networked systems, or to make effective
use of the current generation. This module introduces the fundamental
concepts in networked systems architecture, using a layered reference
model, and outlines some strategies for low-level communications
software development, as a basis for the future study of large-scale and
high-level communications models.
Aims and Objectives
To provide a solid understanding of the technologies that support modern
networked computer systems, and to give students the ability to see
through the hype generated by telecommunications and computer networking
vendors, and evaluate and advise industry on networking deployment.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
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Describe and compare capabilities of various communication
technologies and techniques
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Know the differences between networks of different scale, and how
these affect their design
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Describe the issues in connecting heterogeneous networks
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Describe the important of layering, and the OSI reference model
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Understand demands of different applications on quality of service
requirements for the underlying communication network
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Understand a description of a LAN-based computer system, and explain
the purpose and function of its various components
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Write simple communication software
Prerequisites
Computer Systems 2
Timetable
This course comprises 19 lectures, and 8 weekly laboratory sessions.
The labs cover network programming with C and pthreads on Linux, and
provide practical work to complement the theory from lectures.
Students are expected to attend all laboratory sessions.
Recommended Reading
Any good text on computer networks, e.g.,:
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Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, 4th Edition, Prentice Hall, 2002, ISBN 0130384887
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Peterson and Davie, Computer Networks: A Systems Approach, 3rd
Edition, Morgan Kaufman, 2003, ISBN 1558608338
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Stallings, Data and Computer Communications, Prentice Hall, 2003, ISBN 0131833111
Credits
This is a level H course, worth 10 credits.
Assessment
This course will be assessed 100% by examination. Material covered in
the labs will be explicitly examined.
Lecture Slides
Laboratory Sessions
Past exam papers