Course Title: Network Fundamentals and Applications

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Network Fundamentals and Applications

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

EEET2368

City Campus

Undergraduate

125H Electrical & Computer Engineering

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

EEET2368

City Campus

Undergraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 1 2023

EEET2597

RMIT University Vietnam

Undergraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

Viet2 2020,
Viet2 2021,
Viet1 2023

Course Coordinator: Dr Saman Atapattu

Course Coordinator Phone: -

Course Coordinator Email: saman.atapattu@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

OENG1206 – Digital Fundamentals or an equivalent course, or provide evidence of equivalent capabilities. You will need the necessary software skills to complete the laboratory parts of the course.  
and 
MATH2161 – Mathematics for ECE or an equivalent course, or provide evidence of equivalent capabilities. You will need the necessary fundamentals in the areas of probability theory and statistics to better design networks and analyse their performance.  
If you are in doubt as to the adequacy of your skills please contact the lecturer. 


Course Description

This course provides an introduction to telecommunication network fundamentals. The lectures start with a broader introduction to connected devices that form a network and the OSI 7-Layer model for standardizing networking functionalities. The course mainly covers Layer-1, Layer-2, Layer-3, and Layer-4 of the OSI model with example networks such as the Internet, Wi-Fi access network, cellular access and core networks (3G/4G/5G network), and the optical fibre transport network. Teletraffic engineering is introduced in the course by covering some basic traffic theories and their design implications on networks for providing the expected quality of service (QoS) and optimizing the network resources.  

The lab sessions will cover network design and performance analysis using a network simulator. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours):

1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.


On completion of this course you should be able to:

  1. Describe key elements of the OSI 7-Layer model and TCP/IP model for networking operations and the associated functionalities. 
  2. Explain different types of protocols for various types of networks.
  3. Optimally design networks using teletraffic engineering. 
  4. Use software tools to design and analyse the performance of networks.
  5. Critically analyse the design requirements and the performance of networks.


Overview of Learning Activities

The networking fundamentals, concepts of protocols and example networks will be explained in pre-recorded lecture videos.

Design of networks and analysis of the network performance using traffic theories will be practiced through solving tutorial problems and using a network simulator in the laboratory sessions.

The laboratory exercises will explain how to conduct network simulations and develop skills related to the design and analysis of networks.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be able to access course information and learning materials through RMIT University’s online systems.

Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.

You will also have access to a network simulator software tool and the necessary documentation and tutorials associated with it.


Overview of Assessment

☒ This course has no hurdle requirements.

The course is assessed by lab activities/reports, Mid-semester assessment and quizzes,  End-of-semester assessment, and a Project Assignment. Upon the completion of each lab report/activities you will be provided with written, verbal, rubric, or recorded feedback. See the extensive lab guide and the project guide for marking rubrics. 
 
Assessment Task 1: Laboratory performance and reports (total 6 Reports)
Weighting 30%
This assessment is a group-based learning activity
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5. 

Assessment Task 2: Mid-semester Assessment and Quizzes
Weighting 25%, Comprising: 

- Mid Semester Assessment, 20%: Mid-semester assessment to be completed in two hours at any time within a time window of 24 hours.
- Two quizzes, each 2.5% 

This is an individual learning activity.
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, & 5.

Assessment Task 3: End-of-semester Assessment
Weighting 15%
This is an individual learning activity. End-of-semester assessment to be completed in two hours at any time within a time window of 24 hours.
This assessment supports CLOs 1,2,3 & 5.

Assessment Task 4: Project Assignment Weighting 30%
This is an individual learning activity.
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, & 5.