CE321-6-AU-CO:
Network Engineering

The details
2023/24
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
17 June 2022

 

Requisites for this module
CE231
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BENGG420 Computer Networks,
BENGG421 Computer Networks (Including Year Abroad),
BENGG520 Computer Networks (Including Foundation Year),
BENGI120 Computer Networks (Including Placement Year),
BENGH641 Communications Engineering,
BENGHP41 Communications Engineering (Including Foundation Year),
BENGHPK1 Communications Engineering (Including Placement Year),
BENGHQ41 Communications Engineering (Including Year Abroad)

Module description

This module develops on networking in CE155 and CE231 to look at more advanced concepts in networking including wide area networking, securing networks and network virtualisation.

Module aims

The aims of this module are to address the suitability of WAN and LAN protocols for communications infrastructure. Simulation and network analysis performance are evaluated for contemporary networks. Access technologies and router configurations in WAN and LAN based networks are studied to evaluate their place in modern networks.

Module learning outcomes

After completing this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Discuss and analyse the fundamental principles behind contemporary network architectures and protocols, and understand how and why new protocols are created by standardization bodies
2. Explain and configure Internet routing protocols for interconnecting WAN and LAN technologies
3. Understand the principles of access technologies and configure routers to use these technologies
4. Assess the suitability of relevant WAN protocols within a modern communications infrastructure
5. Explain, design and analyse quality of service mechanisms for networks

Module information

Outline Syllabus

Network architectures and principles of network protocols
o Core, metro and access networking
o Transport network technologies - leased-lined, SDH
o Communicating routing algorithms and protocols
o Access control lists
o Multi-protocol label switching

Quality of service mechanisms in networking
o Prioritisation of traffic
o queuing algorithms (FIFO, WFQ, CBWFQ, LLQ)
o QoS models (best effort, integrated services, differentiated services

Data link layer protocols and access technologies
o PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
o ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
o Frame Relay
o DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

Wide area network access
o Configuring routers for WAN access
o Comparison of WAN protocols
o Securing WAN networks

Network Virtualisation
o Cloud and virtualisation
o Software defined networking

This module includes Cisco CCNA Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation and which requires that students have taken CCNA Semseters 1-2 as taught in CE155 and CE231.

Learning and teaching methods

Lectures and Cisco laboratory

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have any essential texts. To see non - essential items, please refer to the module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   CISCO ENSA Test (online MCQ) closed book     33.3% 
Coursework   Networking Engineering Assignment     66.7% 
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
30% 70%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
30% 70%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Martin Reed, email: mjreed@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Martin Reed
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770

 

Availability
Yes
No
Yes

External examiner

Prof Sandra Dudley
London South Bank University
Professor of Communication Systems
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 38 hours, 18 (47.4%) hours available to students:
18 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
2 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information

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