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Module Catalogue

WM162-15 Network Protocols and Infrastructure

Department
WMG
Level
Undergraduate Level 1
Module leader
Alaa Al Sebae
Credit value
15
Module duration
2 weeks
Assessment
60% coursework, 40% exam
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

The advent of computer networks has revolutionised industries across all sectors. Computer networking allows businesses to grow by providing cost-effective resource sharing, improving storage efficiency, access and flexibility, and cutting costs on software and securing valuable information.

Module web page

Module aims

This module aims to equip students with the fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networked computer systems. The main components of a personal computer and network elements required to build a small-networked computer will be discussed in detail. A focus will be on switching basics and small-scale routing. This includes topics such as advanced IP addressing techniques, command-line interface (CLI) configuration of Ethernet switches, routers and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). Software based real-world scenarios are used to enhance the theoretical knowledge of network devices and configure both Ethernet switching and IP addressing. An introduction to automotive communication network protocols that includes Flex Ray, CAN and LIN will also be covered. Skills acquired in this module will enable students to identify, plan, build and maintain networked PC systems, as well as troubleshoot common hardware and software problems in an industrial environment.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Computer architecture.
Basics of inter-networking.
The OSI Reference Model, TCP/IP reference model.
Network Devices.
Ethernet technology.
IP addressing and routing.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Describe the purpose and functions of various computer components and processor architectures.
  • Explain the Open System Interconnection (OSI) and TCP/IP model and their associated protocols.
  • Describe the function of OSI protocols and the benefits of using private and public IP addressing.
  • Interpret network diagrams and implement appropriate addressing schemes to design sub-networks.
  • Use appropriate instructions to configure and troubleshoot network connectivity.

Indicative reading list

A.S. Tanenbaum, D.J. Wetherall, “Computer Networks”, 5/E, Pearson, ISBN: 9781292024226, (2013).

W. Stallings, “Computer Organization and Architecture”, 10/E, Pearson, ISBN: 9781292096858, (2016).

S. Tanenbaum, T. Austin, “Structured Computer Organization”, 6/E, Pearson, ISBN: 9780273769248, (2013).

J. Kurose, K. Ross, “Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach”, 7/E, Pearson, ISBN: 9781292153599, (2017).

W. Odom, “CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-105 Official Cert Guide, Academic Edition”, Cisco Press, ISBN: 978-1-58720-597-2 (2016)

W. Odom, “CCNA Routing and Switching ICND2 200-105 Official Cert Guide, Academic Edition”, Cisco Press, ISBN: 978-1-58720-579-8 (2016)

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Students should be able to know:

  • The fundamental building blocks (e.g. routers, switches, hubs, storage, transmission) and typical architectures (e.g. server/client) of computers, networks and the Internet.

  • The main features of routing and Internet network protocols in use, their purpose and relationship to each other, including the physical and data link layer (e.g. HTTP, SMTP, SNMP, TCP, IP, etc.).

  • The main factors that affect network performance (e.g. the relationship between bandwidth, number of users, nature of traffic, contention).

  • The issues that may arise in the day to day operation of networks and how to resolve them.

Transferable skills

Students should be able to demonstrate:

  • How teams work effectively to produce technology solutions.

  • Applies analytical and critical thinking skills to systematically develop, analyse and apply structured problem solving techniques to complex systems and situations.

Study time

Type Required Optional
Lectures 20 sessions of 1 hour (15%)
Seminars (0%) 5 sessions of
Practical classes 10 sessions of 1 hour (8%)
Work-based learning 100 sessions of 1 hour (77%)
Online learning (independent) (0%) 5 sessions of
Total 130 hours

Private study description

No private study requirements defined for this module.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group D1
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Post Module Assessment 60% 12 hours Yes (extension)

Post Module Assessment:
(typically a report of up to 1600 words on network design and implementation plan)
Written Examination 40% 8 hours No

The exam assesses the fundamentals of Computer networks.
Feedback on assessment

Feedback given as appropriate to the assessment type:

  • verbal feedback given during lectures and/or seminar sessions,
  • verbal formative feedback on lab activities,
  • written cohort-level feedback on the examination,
  • written summative feedback on post module assessment.

Past exam papers for WM162

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 1 of DWMS-H652 Undergraduate Digital and Technology Solutions (Data Analytics) (Degree Apprenticeship)
  • Year 1 of DWMS-H653 Undergraduate Digital and Technology Solutions (Network Engineering) (Degree Apprenticeship)
  • Year 1 of DWMS-H654 Undergraduate Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineering) (Degree Apprenticeship)