Communication Networks

Subject 431-462 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-six hours of lectures and 12 hours of laboratory or project work.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 431-325 Stochastic Signals and Systems
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview:

On completion of this subject students should understand the basic principles of communication network design, the layered architecture, and network protocols. Students will obtain a good understanding of the way optimisation and random process models are used in network design, and will undertake a network design project.

Topics include network topologies for core and access networks; voice and circuit-switched networks; packet switching and statistical multiplexing; layered network architecture; physical layer multiple access (TDM, WDM); link layer protocols, Medium Access Control; network layer topologies, routing algorithms and protocols (IP); transport layer protocols (TCP); flow control, ARQ error control, analysis of utilisation; random process models for analysing delay; optimisation methods for network design, network reliability; quality of service issues; and LAN protocols, MPLS. All concepts illustrated by examples from the Internet.

Assessment: One written 3-hour examination 70% (end of semester), one class test not exceeding 1 hour 10% (mid-semester), one design project 8%, with report not exceeding 10 pages (commencing in the second half of semester, due at the end of semester), continuous assessment: laboratories worth a total of 6%, class problems worth a total of 6%.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals

  • in-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline

  • ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

  • ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member

  • understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development

  • expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so

  • capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

  • intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity

  • profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship
Notes:

Students may not obtain credit for both this subject and 431-223 Telecommunication Networks.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering)
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)
Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering)

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