ECE4044 - Telecommunications protocols - 2018

In this unit, students study the fundamentals of telecommunication network protocols by having the Internet's software architecture as its primary focus. Many protocols used in the application, transport, and network layers are examined and analysed. Client-server and peer-to-peer application architectures and their features are compared and contrasted. Reliable communication over an unreliable network layer, connection establishment and teardown, and multiplexing issues are covered. Protocols for network security, techniques for providing confidentiality, authentication, non-repudiation and message integrity are also studied. Finally, protocols used for network management are analysed.

At the end of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Compare and contrast various protocols used in the Internet and contemporary applications
2. Evaluate network tools used to query parts of the Internet infrastructure including name servers, routers, individual hosts, and websites
3. Analyse techniques used for provision of security, confidentiality, authentication, non-repudiation and message integrity
4. Write client-server applications using the Internet protocols.

Continuous assessment: 40% + Examination (2 hours): 60%.

Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component (assignments, tests, mid-semester exams, laboratory reports) and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

2 hours lectures, 3 hours laboratory/practice classes and 7 hours private study per week

See also Unit timetable information

Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering