Module 23640 (2013)

Module Description - Networks and Distributed Systems (Extended)

The Module Description is a strict subset of the Syllabus Page, which gives more information

Module TitleNetworks and Distributed Systems (Extended)
SchoolComputer Science
Module Code06-23640
DescriptorCOMP/06-23640/LM
Member of StaffMirco Musolesi
LevelM
Credits20
Semester2
Pre-requisites-Very good programming skills (including concurrency/multi-threading) in an object-oriented programming language or C in a *nix environment.
-Very good knowledge of data structures and algorithms (including algorithm complexity), operating systems fundamentals, computer architecture, and hardware-software interface issues.
Co-requisitesNone
RestrictionsMay not be taken by anyone who has taken or is taking 06-23644 (Networks and Distributed Systems).
Contact hours55
Delivery3 hours lectures a week, plus exercise classes
DescriptionThis module will explore the basic concepts, technologies and standards in the areas of Computer Networks and Distributed Systems. It will cover topics related to the Internet architecture and protocols, networking technologies, distributed systems and algorithms. It will also introduce the students to the recent trends in network technologies and systems, such as wireless networks, mobile computing, cloud computing and online social network applications. The module will be based on the discussion of real-world case studies, research papers and standardisation documents.
Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:Assessed by:
demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and issues involved in computer networking Examination
demonstrate an understanding of the engineering principles of network and protocol design Examination, Continuous Assessment
demonstrate an understanding of the layered organization and structuring of computer networks, distinguish the problems involved at each layer and understand the techniques and algorithms that have been devised to address these problems Examination, Continuous Assessment
recognise and appreciate fundamental characteristics of distributed systems: geographical distribution, concurrency, lack of global time, delay in communication, heterogeneity and existence of failures Examination, Continuous Assessment
explain the main types of architectures and mechanisms of communication, such as client-server and communication protocols Examination, Continuous Assessment
demonstrate an understanding of fundamental issues in distributed systems design such as timing, coordination and consensus Examination, Continuous Assessment
apply the theoretical concepts and abstractions discussed in the module to the analysis of real-world case studies and design of novel and innovative networked systems Examination, Continuous Assessment
explain and analyze the design, organization and operation of state of the art technologies and systems such as cloud computing, mobile computing and online social networks Examination, Continuous Assessment
apply state-of-the-art techniques and technologies, including those recently presented in research papers and standardisation documents, in the development of networked and distributed systems Examination, Continuous Assessment
AssessmentSessional: 2 hour examination (80%), continuous assessment (20%)
Supplementary (where allowed): 2 hour examination (100%)
TextsJames F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross, Computer Networking. A Top-Down Approach. 5th Edition, 2010
George Coulouris, Jean Dollimore, Tim Kindberg and Gordon Blair, Distributed Systems. Concepts and Design. 5th Edition, 2011
Larry L. Peterson and Bruce S. Davie, Computer Networks. 5th Edition, 2011
John Day, Patterns in Network Architecture, 2008
Srinivasan Keshav, An Engineering Approach to Computer Networking, 1997
Andrew S. Tanenbaum and Marteen Van Steen, Distributed Systems: Principle and Paradigms. 2nd Edition, 2006
Sape Mullender, Distributed Systems. 2nd Edition, 1993
, Research papers and standardisation documents (see module web page),