This subject studies the standard models for the layered approach to communication between autonomous machines in a network and the main characteristics of data communication (transmission protocols) for the lower layers. It introduces several application layer protocols from a distributed systems viewpoint, and considers alternative lower layer methods such as ATM, and problem areas in the Internet protocol suite.
The following topics are included: introduction to communication network architectures; the physical layer (transmission media, signal representation, limits to data capacity); the data link layer (error detection and recover, point-to-point protocols); the medium access layer (protocols for Local Area Networks and satellite communication); the network layer (routing algorithms, congestion control); internetworking (addressing, internetwork routing and protocols, quality of service); the transport layer (connection-oriented transport layer services and protocols); application protocols for distributed systems.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On completion of this unit the student should be able to:
- describe the basis and structure of an abstract layered protocol model
- describe, analyse and compare a number of datalink, network, and transport layer protocols
- design and implement datalink or network layer protocols within a simulated networking environment
- describe and analyse various related technical, administrative and social aspects of specific computer network protocols from standards documents and other primary materials found through research
- identify and apply basic theorems and formulae for the information-theoretic basis of communication and the performance of physical, datalink and network protocols
Indicative Assessment
Assignments (30%); Quizzes (5%); Final Exam (65%)
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Workload
Thirty one-hour lectures and six two-hour laboratory/tutorial sessions.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Tanenbaum, Andrew S. Computer Networks, Prentice Hall, 4th edition, 2003.
Stevens, W. Richard TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1, Addison Wesley, 1994
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $1980 | |
| 2014 | $2952 | |
| 2013 | $2946 | |
| 2012 | $2946 | |
| 2011 | $2946 | |
| 2010 | $2916 | |
| 2009 | $2916 | |
| 2008 | $2190 | |
| 2007 | $2088 | |
| 2006 | $2088 | |
| 2005 | $2088 | |
| 2004 | $2088 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3450 |
| 2014 | $3762 |
| 2013 | $3756 |
| 2012 | $3756 |
| 2011 | $3756 |
| 2010 | $3750 |
| 2009 | $3618 |
| 2008 | $3618 |
| 2007 | $3618 |
| 2006 | $3618 |
| 2005 | $3534 |
| 2004 | $3450 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5052 | 17 Feb 2014 | 07 Mar 2014 | 31 Mar 2014 | 30 May 2014 | In Person | N/A |
