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Monash University

FIT2008 Networks and data communications - Semester 2, 2009

Chief Examiner:

Dr Asad Khan
Fax: +61 3 990 55159

Lecturer(s) / Leader(s):

Berwick

Mr Matthew Butler
Lecturer
Phone: +61 3 990 47163

Caulfield

Dr Jefferson Tan
Lecturer
Phone: +61 3 990 31172
Fax: +61 3 9903 1077

Clayton

Dr Asad Khan
Fax: +61 3 990 55159

Abdul Malik Khan

Gippsland

Dr Joarder Kamruzzaman
Senior Lecturer
Phone: +61 3 990 26665

South Africa

Mohan Das

Malaysia

Dr Simon Egerton

Introduction

Welcome to FIT2008 Networks and Data Communications for semester 2, 2009. This 6 point unit is core to the Bachelor of Software Engineering. The unit has been designed to provide you with an understanding of data communications and networks, including such topics as standard layered architecture approach and the OSI model and each of its layers. This will introduce the fundamental building blocks of a communications system.

Unit synopsis

This unit will introduce students to fundamentals of distributed networked environment. The unit provides knowledge of internetworking standards and understanding of the networking architecture, technology and operation.

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:
  1. Discuss network architecture standards for open systems;
  2. Describe ISO reference and Internet models;
  3. Explain fundamentals and technologies of physical, data-link and network layers;
  4. Understand the functions and architectures of LAN and WAN;
  5. Analyse and design LAN architecture for organisational requirements.

At the completion of this unit students will have developed attitudes that enable them to:
  1. Adopt a problem solving approach;
  2. Accept the code of professional conduct and practice;
  3. Act in accordance with best practice, industry standards and professional ethics.

At the completion of this unit students will have gained the practical skills to analyse data communication networks.

At the completion of this unit students will demonstrate the communication skills necessary to:
  1. Cooperate effectively within small groups;
  2. Present their work in various forms.

Contact hours

4 hrs/week

Workload

For on campus students, workload commitments are:

Each teaching week requires,

  • A two-hour lecture and
  • A two-hour tutorial (or laboratory) requiring advance preparation
  • A minimum of 2 hours of personal study in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.

You will also need to allocated 4 hours of personal study time in Week 7 for the Unit Test.

Off-campus students generally do not attend lecture and tutorial sessions, however, you should plan to spend equivalent time working through the relevant resources and participating in discussion groups each week.

Unit relationships

Prohibitions

BUS2062, CSE2004, CSE2318, CSE3318, GCO3812, CPE1007, FIT1005. BUS3150

Relationships

FIT2008 is a core unit of a core unit for some of the second year undergraduates in the Faculty of Information Technology (FIT). It is a prerequisite for FIT2018, FIT2020, FIT3030, FIT3031, and FIT3018.

Teaching and learning method

FIT2008 uses a lecture-tutorial teaching approach.

The lectures will discuss the weeks theoretical concepts and will also go through specific examples and demonstrations.

In tutorials students will discussin-depth fundmental aspects about networks and data communications and apply their understanding to practical examples. The tutorials are critical in helping student consolidate concepts andpractise their problem solving skills. Some tutorials will also contain a hands-on laboratory element.

Timetable information

For information on timetabling for on-campus classes please refer to MUTTS, http://mutts.monash.edu.au/MUTTS/

Tutorial allocation

On-campus students should register for tutorials/laboratories using the Allocate+ system: http://allocate.cc.monash.edu.au/

Unit Schedule

Week Topic Key dates
1 Introduction to Data Communications  
2 Data Transmission  
3 Transmission Media  
4 Signal Encoding 1  
5 Signal Encoding 2  
6 Digital Data Communication Techniques Assignment One due Fri 28/Aug, 12PM
7 Data Link Control Protocols Hands-on Lab Practical Assessment
8 Multiplexing Unit Test
9 Local Area Networks  
10 High-Speed LANs  
Mid semester break
11 Internetworking  
12 Internetworking and Transport Protocols Assignment Two due Fri 16/Oct, 12PM
13 Revision  

Unit Resources

Prescribed text(s) and readings

William Stallings, Data and Computer Communications, Prentice Hall, 8th Edition, 2007

Textbooks are available to purchase from Campus bookshops.

Recommended text(s) and readings

Behrouz A. Forouzan, Data Communications and Networking, 4th edition, 2007, McGraw-Hill.

David Stamper et al, Business Data Communications, 6th Edition, 2003, Prentice Hall.

Fred Halsall, Data Communications, Computer Networks, and Open Systems, 4th Edition, 1998, Addison-Wesley.

Required software and/or hardware

Web Browser is needed to access study and tutorial material.

Email Client is required.

Wireshark (freeware) is optional; recommeded for home/out-of-lab study.

Equipment and consumables required or provided

Students may use the facilities available in the computing labs. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook. You will need to allocate up to 2 hours per week for use of a computer, including time for newsgroups/discussion groups.

Study resources

Study resources we will provide for your study are:

(i) Study resources we will provide for your study are:

  • The FIT1005/FIT2008 web site on Moodle, where lecture slides, weekly tutorial requirements, assignment specifications, sample solutions and supplementary material will be posted.
  • Newsgroups/discussion groups that can be linked to from the Unit Homepage

(ii) Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) will be available to students enrolled for FIT2008:

The Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) scheme is a program of weekly group study sessions open to all students enrolled in FIT2008.  Each 50-minute session is run by a trained PASS Leader, a more experienced student who has previously studied the unit.  PASS sessions run from Weeks 2 – 12.

The PASS program in FIT2008 has five main objectives:

  • To provide a comfortable environment where students can assist one another to revise and discuss coursework and therefore, achieve better results
  • To promote deeper understanding and learning of the concepts in the unit
  • To allow students to build a network of friends, whom they can turn to for support
  • To offer students extra support to aid in the successful transition from high school to university and;
  • To demonstrate to students effective learning and study techniques that can be extended to private study and other subjects and promote the development of students as independent learners, including note taking, questioning techniques, vocabulary acquisition, problem solving, and exam preparation.

It is important to understand that PASS sessions are not tutorials and therefore the leader does not simply offer answers to problems, but promotes a coordinated group effort to find the solution.

How do I sign up for PASS?
To sign up, visit the FIT2008 Blackboard/Moodle site on MUSO in Week 1 to view the schedule of PASS sessions.  Choose a session that fits in with your timetable, and sign up.  PASS will be most beneficial to you if you attend your session each week, so please try to make it to all your sessions.  Remember, PASS sessions start in Week 2.

Assessment

Overview

Assignments: 40%; Examination: 60%.

Faculty assessment policy

To pass a unit which includes an examination as part of the assessment a student must obtain:

  • 40% or more in the unit's examination, and
  • 40% or more in the unit's total non-examination assessment, and
  • an overall unit mark of 50% or more.

If a student does not achieve 40% or more in the unit examination or the unit non-examination total assessment, and the total mark for the unit is greater than 44% then a mark of no greater than 44-N will be recorded for the unit.

The minimum requirements that need to be satisfied to pass the unit are:

  • a minimum result of 40% in the Unit Exam
  • a pass in the Non-Exam Component of the unit that ensures the final result for the unit is 50% or greater

Failure to meet the minimum requirements will result in a fail grade, with a maximum achievable final result of 44 N.

It is also a requirement that students attend at least 80% of tutorials. Failure to do so may preclude the student achieving a pass in this subject.

It is recommended that students attend at least 80% of lectures, as success in this subject requires good understanding of the material which cannot be gained by reading lecture notes alone.

DE Students Only: Alternative assessment to Practical work & Unit/Class Test will be given to Distance Education students during teaching week 8

Assignment tasks

Assignment coversheets

Assignment coversheets are available via "Student Forms" on the Faculty website: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/forms/
You MUST submit a completed coversheet with all assignments, ensuring that the plagiarism declaration section is signed.

Assignment submission and return procedures, and assessment criteria will be specified with each assignment.

  • Assignment task 1
    Title:
    Assignment 1
    Description:
    This assignment tests your theoretical understanding of the introductory data communications concepts through a series of short answer questions.
    Weighting:
    15%
    Due date:
    Fri 28/Aug, 12PM
  • Assignment task 2
    Title:
    Assignment 2
    Description:
    This is a group assignment. It provides an opportunity for you to apply data communications concepts to a practical networking example. You will be required to analyse a case study and make networking recommendations based on the user requirements. This assignment will also allow you to present your solutions in a formal report format.
    Weighting:
    20%
    Due date:
    Fri 16/Oct, 12PM
  • Assignment task 3
    Title:
    Hands-on Lab Practical
    Description:
    Students will be asked to perform a set of networking tasks in the lab and note their results. The results will be assessed.
    Weighting:
    5%
    Due date:
    During the week starting from 31/Aug (Semester teaching week 07)

Examinations

  • Examination 1

    Weighting: 50%
    Length: 2 hours
    Type (open/closed book): closed book

  • Examination 2

    Weighting: 10%
    Length: 1 hour
    Type (open/closed book): Closed book
    Remarks:

    This will be the mid-term (unit) test. It will be conducted during the lecture of Semester teaching week08.

See Appendix for End of semester special consideration / deferred exams process.

Due dates and extensions

Please make every effort to submit work by the due dates. It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are not regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions. Students are advised to NOT assume that granting of an extension is a matter of course.

Students requesting an extension for any assessment during semester (eg. Assignments, tests or presentations) are required to submit a Special Consideration application form (in-semester exam/assessment task), along with original copies of supporting documentation, directly to their lecturer within two working days before the assessment submission deadline. Lecturers will provide specific outcomes directly to students via email within 2 working days. The lecturer reserves the right to refuse late applications.

A copy of the email or other written communication of an extension must be attached to the assignment submission.

Refer to the Faculty Special consideration webpage or further details and to access application forms: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/equity/special-consideration.html

Late assignment

Assignments received after the due date will be subject to a penalty of 5% per day or part thereof including Saturday and Sunday.

Assignments received later than one week after the due date will not normally be accepted.

Return dates

Students can expect assignments to be returned within two weeks of the submission date or after receipt, whichever is later.

Appendix

Please visit the following URL: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/appendix.html for further information about:

  • Continuous improvement
  • Unit evaluations
  • Communication, participation and feedback
  • Library access
  • Monash University Studies Online (MUSO)
  • Plagiarism, cheating and collusion
  • Register of counselling about plagiarism
  • Non-discriminatory language
  • Students with disability
  • End of semester special consideration / deferred exams
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