Module 23644 (2011)

3 hours lectures a week, plus exercise classes

On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and issues involved in computer networking
• Demonstrate an understanding of the engineering principles of network and protocol design
• 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
• Recognise and appreciate fundamental characteristics of distributed systems: geographical distribution, concurrency, lack of global time, delay in communication, heterogeneity and existence of failures
• explain the main types of architectures and mechanisms of communication, such as client-server and communication protocols
• demonstrate an understanding of fundamental issues in distributed systems design such as timing, coordination and consensus
• 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
• explain and analyze the design, organization and operation of state of the art technologies and systems such as cloud computing, mobile and ubiquitous computing, and online social networks

• Sessional: 2 hour examination (80%), coursework (20%)
• Supplementary: 2 hour examination (80%), coursework (20%)