| CODE | CCE3412 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Data Communications | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Communications and Computer Engineering | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit continues to build on CCE2414 Computer Networks and in particular discusses in detail the lower two layers of the OSI 7-layer model, i.e. the physical and the data link layers. The different types of physical media used in computer networks and the corresponding transmission impairments are discussed. Consequently, data rate limits will be examined. Modulation, multiplexing, multiple access and switching techniques will also be described. Line coding techniques as used in Computer Networks will be described. The study-unit covers the data-link layer in detail, including media-access control, flow and error control and other data link control services. In particular, this study-unit discusses the spanning tree protocol, protocols used on wired networks, including Ethernet, and also protocols for wireless networks, in particular Wi-Fi. Queuing theory is applied to determine delays experienced by packet switching. This study-unit complements other topics in Computer Networks and Communication Systems. Study-Unit Aims: Study-unit aims at providing a solid background to the lower two layers of the OSI 7-layer model. Particular emphasis will be given to the data link layer. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Describe and compare copper, optical and wireless media that are used to convey information; - Describe typical data communications devices; - Describe basic baseband and passband modulation schemes to convey data over physical media; - Describe multiplexing and multiple access techniques that are used to convey information over shared links; - Describe different line coding schemes; - Describe data-link layer protocols; - Describe how the data link layer interacts with the Internet Protocol to transmit packets end-to-end over a network; - Describe how errors can be prevented, detected and controlled using CRC and ARQ; - Describe the effect of queues. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Model data communications systems and networks; - Compare the characteristics of physical media and quantify their information capacity; - Compare different baseband and passband modulation schemes used to convey data over physical media; - Compare and contrast different multiplexing and multiple access techniques used at the physical and data link layers; - Calculate the link utilisation and the throughput, including when error control protocols are used; - Analyse the effect of queues on packet delay; - Use software tools to analyse network traffic and to simulate computer networks. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Behrouz A. Forouzan, Data Communications and Networking, McGraw-Hill, Fifth edition, 2012. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Qualifications: CCE2414 (Computer Networks) | ||||||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study, Practicum & Tutorial | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Victor Buttigieg |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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