Course Catalogue

Communication Networks (UESTC) UESTCHN2003

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Engineering
  • Credits: 16
  • Level: Level 2 (SCQF level 8)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course introduces the basic concepts and theories of communication networks based on the OSI 7-layer model, mainly covering physical layer, data link layer, media access sub-layer, network layer, transport layer and application layer. It combines the basic principles and experimental implementations of network layers, and the rapidly developed network technologies in recent years, such as the Internet and mobile communications.

Timetable

Course will be delivered continuously in the traditional manner at UESTCHN.

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

None

Recommended Entry Requirements

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Assessment

Total (100%) = coursework (15%) + lab assessment (10%) + final exam (75%).

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to help students build up the basic concepts and theories of network architecture, packet switching, protocols and routing technologies and appreciate the evolution of networking technologies. It also helps students considate a foundation for further study in communication technologies, networking, Internet of Things and information technology.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ explain the high level concepts in computer networks and network models, and recognise network components and structures, network types and architectures, and application models;

■ describe the principle of packet transmission over a network, list the requirements of a packet's structure, illustrate packet routing, and contrast connective and connectionless communication;

■ summarize the services provided by Data link layer and the main protocols;

■ recognise the characteristics of shared channel networks, differentiate current methods of collision detection, avoidance and recovery, and compute channel efficiency for simple (ALOHA) and more complex (CSMA/CD) approaches for dealing with channel contention;

■ state the functions of the network layer and recognise concepts such as hosts, routers, packet switching, forwarding tables, links, subnets and addressing;

■ apply the distance vector routing algorithm to realistic routing problems;

■ describe the transport service and protocol models, and the typical requirements of reliable transport and describe how network and transport layer concepts apply to the TCP/IP protocol;

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions