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Module number:

MM32021/CO32006

Module name:

Computer Networks and Distributed Systems

Module leader:

Dr William Buchanan, School of Computing, Napier University, Edinburgh.

Email:

w.buchanan@napier.ac.uk

WWW reference:

http://www.dcs.napier.ac.uk/~bill/cnds/cdsTNa.html

PDF reference:

http://www.dcs.napier.ac.uk/~bill/cnds/cdsTNa.PDF

Week 1

INTRODUCTION

The first unit contains an introductory chapter which gives an overview of networking and the Internet. This should then follow onto a discussion on the OSI model and the typical applications used at each layer. In the first week, the students should also be introduced to the local network, and be given login’s, as well as being shown how to access the Internet. The first Practical Worksheet is provides a gentle introduction to the WWW, and its search facilities.

Week 2

NETWORK FUNDAMENTALS

The second unit covers some of the fundamentals of networking, and discusses networking topology, networking elements, and an introduction to network cabling. In the tutorial session, the students will be given the first multiple-choice tutorial, which is based on the material in Unit 1.

Week 3

NETWORKING (Ethernet)

The third unit covers Ethernet, and should provide a foundation in the methods that Ethernet uses to communicate, and the different types of Ethernet. In the tutorial, the students will be given the second multiple-choice tutorial, which is based on the material in Unit 2. [CSMA/CD Demo]

Week 4

NETWORKING (Ethernet)

This is a continuation of the Ethernet material and discusses vLANs and ARP. In the tutorial, the students will be given the third multiple-choice tutorial, which is based on the material in Unit 3.

Week 5

NETWORKING (ATM)

The forth unit gives an introduction to ATM. The main points to emphasize are that ATM integrates different types of networking traffic, and the method that ATM uses to route cells around the network. If possible discuss a practical network which uses ATM (see EaStMAN and SuperJANET structure, for an example).

Week 6

NETWORK LAYER AND IP

The fifth unit provides the first formal coverage of TCP/IP (although students should have encountered IP and TCP in the Practical sessions). This unit presents the network layer in a general way, in respect to its two main functions: network addressing and path determinination. It then discusses the most widely used network layer protocol, which is IP. The main points to emphasize are data encapsulation, the IP header, IP classes and IP allocation.

Week 7

TRANSPORT LAYER AND TCP

The sixth unit provides a foundation in TCP/UDP. As with the unit on IP, this unit presents the functionality of the transport layer, and then discusses the most widely used transport layer, which is TCP/UDP. The main point to emphasize is the functions of the Transport Layer, such as flow control and windowing, and how these are implemented in the TCP protocol. Particular attention should be paid to the difference between TCP and UDP, and that UDP would be used where a higher level protocol provides error detection, and recovery.

Week 8

TRANSPORT LAYER AND TCP

This is a continuation of the TCP/UDP material. The main points to emphasize are the TCP/UDP headers, and usage of sockets. The three-way handshake is not important and should only be covered if time permits.

Week 9

SESSION LAYER (HTTP)

The seventh unit discusses the WWW.

Week 10

SECURITY

The eight unit discusses security. If possible, relate security to the local institution, and how security is implemented locally. Also, a practical example of a security breach helps to make the subject more interesting (such as Melissa or the Love Bug).

Week 11

FIREWALLS

The ninth unit discusses firewalls. Again, if possible, relate the usage of firewalls to the local institution, or a local company.

Week 12

SESSIONLAYER (Electronic mail)

The tenth unit discusses electronic mail. The main points to emphasize are how the header information integrates with the message, and how MIME improves the basic electronic mail system.

Week Number

Lecture/Tutorial 1

Lecture/Tutorial 2

Practical/Project

 (see below)

1

Unit 1 (Introduction)

Unit 1 (OSI Model)

Worksheet 1  (Network Introduction and Introduction to the WWW) [HTML]

2

Unit 2 (Networking Fundamentals)

Tutorial 1 (Introduction) On-line test

3

Unit 3 (Ethernet)

Tutorial 2 (Networking Fundamentals) On-line test

Worksheet 2 (ping) [HTML]

4

Tutorial 3 (Ethernet) On-line test

Worksheet 3 (tracert) [HTML]

5

Unit 4 (ATM)

Tutorial 4 (ATM)

Worksheet 4 (netstat/IPconfig) [HTML]

6

Unit 5 (TCP/IP)

Project

7

Unit 6 (TCP/UDP)

Tutorial 5 (TCP/IP)

8

Tutorial 6 (TCP/UDP)

9

Unit 7 (WWW)

Tutorial 7 (WWW)

10

Unit 8 (Security)

Tutorial 8 (Security)

11

Unit 9 (Firewalls)

Tutorial 9 (Firewalls)

12

Unit 10 (Electronic Mail)

Tutorial 10 (Electronic Mail)