COMMUNICATIONS & NETWORKS - 2020/1

Module Overview

 





Expected prior learning:  Learning equivalent to Year 1 of EE Programmes




Module purpose:  Digital communication and data networking technologies are key components of modern revolutionary technologies. This module provides the students with the knowledge to understand digital communication systems and the functions of the Internet. In addition, the student gain related analytical skills that can be applied in designing digital communication systems and data networks.





 

Module provider

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Module Leader

QUDDUS Atta (Elec Elec En)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

 None

Module content

 





Part A - Networking and the Internet

[1] Architecture and functions of the Internet (how the Internet works)

[2] Data link layer: framing, error control, sliding windows, flow control

[3 - 5] Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols: ALOHA, slotted ALOHA, persistent and non-persistent CSMA, CSMA/CD, IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.11 MAC sub-layers

[6 - 8] Network layer / Internet Protocol (IP): forwarding, addressing, routing (distance vector and link-state routing protocols)

[9 - 10] Transport layer protocols with focus on TCP/UDP

[11 - 12] Application Layer Protocols, HTTP, FTP

[13 - 15] Security: encryption, authentication, access control

 Part B  - Signals and communications

[16] Elements of an electrical communication system

[17 – 19] Review of the relevant concepts in signals, linear systems, probability and stochastic processes

[20 – 21] Principles of digital data transmission through bandlimited channels

[22 – 27] Principles of digital modulation / demodulation and detection / estimation theory

[28 – 30] Concepts of information theory and coding in digital communication systems





 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy for this module is designed to test students' knowledge of the fundamental concepts in digital communication systems and data networks. In addition, students' analytical capabilities in the investigation of communication systems and networks will be tested. Finally, the students will be assessed on their capabilities to apply their knowledge to synthesise basic technique and solutions in both digital communication systems and data networks.

 

The aforementioned summative assessment objectives will be achieved by:

·         2-hour, closed-book written examination (80% weighting)

·         One assignment on networking (10% weighting); set in Week 5 and due in Week 7

·         One assignment on communications & signals (10% weighting); set in Week 8 and due in Week 10

Any deadline (dates) given here is indicative. For confirmation of exact dates and times, please check the Departmental assessment calendar issued to you.

 

Formative assessment and feedback will be provided to help students measure their learning progress in the module by:

·        During lectures, by electronic voting

·        During lectures, by question and answer sessions.

·        During tutorials 

Module aims

• develop a solid understanding of typical point-to-point digital communication systems, the function of individual subsystems and the interactions among them;
• build a clear and good knowledge data networking technologies and protocols that used in the modern internet.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

 





The learning and teaching strategy is designed to achieve the following aims:

• Analysis and description of the functions of digital communications systems and data networks


• Synthesises key solutions for main problems in digital communication systems and data networks

• Lectures (3 hours per week)

• Group discussions


• Classroom discussion of problems

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: EEE2040

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.