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Department of Computer Science, Unit Catalogue 2010/11


CM30078: Networking

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours
Click here for further information Period: This unit is available in...
Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 25%, EX 75%
Click here for further informationSupplementary Assessment: CM30078 Mandatory Extra Work (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take CM10138 or equivalent.
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To understand the Internet, and associated background and theory, to a level sufficient for a competent domain manager.

Learning Outcomes:
Students should be able to:
1. Explain the acronyms and concepts of the Internet and how they relate;
2. State and apply the steps required to connect a domain to the Internet and explain the issues involved to both technical and nontechnical audiences;
3. Discuss the ethical issues involved with the internet, and have an "intelligent layman's" grasp of the legal issues and uncertainties.
4. Be aware of the fundamental security issues;
5. Be able to advise on the configuration issues surrounding a firewall.

Skills:
IT - Networking, Legal Awareness (T, A).

Content:
The ISO 7-layer model. The Internet: its history and evolution - Predictions for the future.
The TCP/IP stack: IP, ICMP, TCP, UDP, DNS, XDR, NFS and SMTP. Berkeley. Introduction to packet layout: source routing etc.
Various link levels: SLIP, 802.5 and Ethernet, satellites, the "fat pipe", ATM. Performance issues: bandwidth, MSS and RTT; caching at various layers.
Who 'owns' the Internet and who 'manages' it: RFCs, service Providers, domain managers, IANA, UKERNA, MANs, commercial British activities. Routing protocols and default routers. HTML and Electronic publishing.
Legal and ethical issues: slander/libel, copyright, pornography, Publishing versus carrying. Security and firewalls.
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.