CSE3DC - Data Communications

Subject Overview

This subject provides an introduction to data communications, specifically dealing with the fundamental theory surrounding computer-to-computer communication. We use a bottom-up approach to the subject and place a strong emphasis on the TCP/IP layered network model. Current networking technologies are examined, providing an insight into the commercial needs and deployment of such technologies. The network and transport layers are also addressed, providing coverage of the protocols necessary to facilitate network based interprocess communication.

Subject Objective

Students who have successfully completed this subject will have a solid knowledge of data communication fundamentals, networking technologies and protocols.

Content

Topics expected to be covered include:

• Bottom-up view of data communications, with a strong emphasis on the TCP/IP layered network model, plus a little bit of OSI.
• The nature of physical links: bandwidth, Shannon's Law, Nyquist Theorem, media characteristics, hardware interface standards.
• The data link/MAC/LLC layers: concepts of typical systems, connection-oriented vs. connectionless approaches, protocols.
• Local Area Networks (LANs) and Personal Area Networks (PANs): design issues, limitations, wired and wireless technologies.
• Wide Area Networks (WANs) and high speed networking protocols.
• Internetworking - the network and transport layers: network design issues, routing, IP and TCP.
• Formal and informal protocol descriptions.

Offering

This subject is offered in Bendigo in "night" mode with one evening class per week. This class will incorporate the equivalent of two lectures and two tutorials. Students are expected to attend all classes. The current version of the timetable (as at 28th July 2009) is:

Lectures/Tutorials

Wednesday 6pm - 9pm (B1.30)

Lecturer and Tutor

Joel Sing

Email: j.sing@latrobe.edu.au
Office: B1.13
Phone: +61 3 5444 7253

Web Resources

Lecture notes and tutorial questions will be made available on the subject web pages. Students are, however, strongly advised that this is not a "web-offered" subject as such. The subject content is delivered in the lectures, and lecture notes are not guaranteed to be available on the web prior to the lecture time.

Texts and References

The recommended text for this subject is:

Stallings, W. (2007) Data and Computer Communications 8th Ed, NJ, Prentice Hall. ISBN 0131006819

We do not follow this book exactly in our subject (and quite a few topics are missing), but it's the most useful book we've found so far. Most lectures will provide a reference to a specific chapter or section of this text.

Other References & Resources

Throughout semester additional references and resources may be provided via the resources page.

Assessment

There will be a single 2.5 hour exam at the end of the semester, which will count for 60% of the marks in this unit. A sub-minimum of 40% of the possible exam mark (ie. 24 out of 60) will be required to pass the subject.

Two assignments (each 800 words or equivalent) will account for the remaining marks (each worth 20%). These are provisionally due in weeks 7 and 13.

Plagiarism

All student assignments must comply with the University's policy on plagiarism, available at:

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/staff/misconplagiarism.html.

This policy will apply to all assessable work submitted by students in this subject.

The Language and Academic Skills Unit of the Faculty of Science Technology and Engineering has produced an excellent guide on avoiding plagiarism. A copy can be found on the web at:

http://ironbark.bendigo.latrobe.edu.au/subjects/CT/2007/LAS_Plagiarism.pdf (168KB PDF)

You really should print yourself a copy and read it thoroughly!

Assignments

• Assignments must conform to the guidelines laid out in the La Trobe University, Assignment Manual unless directed otherwise by your lecturer.
• All assignments must be firmly bound into an A4 size folder (DO NOT use staples or plastic pockets!) Make sure that your name, your student number, the unit name and assignment number are clearly written on the folder and title page.
• It should be possible to read every page without undoing any fastenings.
• Output from printers must be clear and of good quality. Marks will not awarded for presentation but may be deducted for poor or unacceptable presentation of your work.
• All assignments must include a signed Statement of Authorship.
• Late submissions will not be accepted, unless a prior arrangement has been made or exceptional circumstances apply. In the case of exceptional circumstances, individual extensions may be granted after application using a Special Consideration form. If the necessity for an extension is based on medical grounds then a medical certificate is required. If the basis is personal circumstances, then the appropriate section of the Special Consideration form should be filled out.

Email

It is official policy that all email communication regarding academic matters should be conducted using your Student Online email address.

Etiquette

• Please ensure that mobile phones are switched off or otherwise silenced in lectures and tutorials.
• Please do not use electronic equipment in lectures or tutes that "beeps" or otherwise emits sounds when in use -- this includes sending and receiving SMS messages and the like.
• Please do not conduct private conversations in the lectures and tutes -- it's really annoying to others in the room. Attendance is not compulsory for most Bendigo students, so if you wish to chat to friends, do so elsewhere.