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CIT854Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Network Design And Programming

This course introduces networking concepts and programming techniques. It covers networking architecture and underlying mechanisms. The course integrates theoretical concepts with practical techniques through case studies. It starts with basic building blocks of a computer network and progresses to interconnection of networks and communication across them. It also covers programming techniques for utilizing network resources and discusses the use of sockets in programming.

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39h

Study Time

13

Weeks

3h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

network programmingnetwork designcomputer networksinternetworkingsocket programming

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

➕

Math Level

Basic Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Network architecture

2

Network protocols

3

Network addressing

4

Network design

5

Network programming

6

Network troubleshooting

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of computer operations

Basic knowledge of programming

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Network Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Network Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

System Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Network Programmer

Apply your skills in this growing field

IT Support Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

TelecommunicationsInformation TechnologyComputer NetworkingSoftware DevelopmentData Communication

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Network Basics and Architecture

3h

Unit 1: Network Overview

3 study hours

•Read the definition of computer networks.
•Understand the roles of computer networks in today's business.
•Identify the various classes of computer networks and their applications.
•Discuss the reasons for installing networks.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

2

Module 1: Network Basics and Architecture

3h

Unit 2: Nodes and Links

3 study hours

•Discuss the basic building blocks of a computer network.
•Explain the rationale for nodes and links in a network.
•Discuss the factors to be considered in the choice of link.
•Discuss the types of signals available.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

3

Module 1: Network Basics and Architecture

3h

Unit 3: Network Topology

3 study hours

•Discuss the meaning of network topology.
•Understand the various topologies available.
•Determine the type of topology(ies) that suites a particular application.
•Understand the various implementations of the various topologies.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

4

Module 1: Network Basics and Architecture

3h

Unit 4: Network Adaptors and Cabling

3 study hours

•Identify the various types of cables available.
•Appreciate the various types of adaptors available.
•Carefully select appropriate cable(s) required for an application.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

5

Module 1: Network Basics and Architecture

3h

Unit 5: Network Operating System

3 study hours

•Explain the rationale for NOS in computer networks.
•Understand the basic functions of NOS.
•Identify the various types of NOS that we have.
•Discuss freely the specific characteristics of each of them.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

6

Module 1: Network Basics and Architecture

3h

Unit 6: Network Technologies

3 study hours

•Understand the concept of collision.
•Illustrate how media access control mediate access by multiple nodes to a common link.
•Illustrate the various MAC protocols available.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

7

Module 1: Network Basics and Architecture

3h

Unit 7: Encoding and Error Detection

3 study hours

•Understand the rationale for encoding and error detection in data transmission.
•Illustrate the various encoding schemes available.
•Understand the various error detection schemes.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

8

Module 1: Network Basics and Architecture

3h

Unit 8: OSI 7-Layer and Internet 4-Layer models

3 study hours

•Describe the concept of the OSI model and Internet model, and their differences.
•Explain the concept of layering internetwork structure.
•Understand the routine for layering in network protocols.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

9

Module 1: Network Basics and Architecture

3h

Unit 9: Network Hardware Components

3 study hours

•Understand the relationship between network devices and protocols.
•Describe the features of different network devices.
•Demonstrate the use of network devices in different network designs.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

10

Module 1: Network Basics and Architecture

3h

Unit 10: The roles of IP, TCP,and UDP

3 study hours

•Identify the different roles of IP, TCP and UDP in Internet communication.
•Describe the features of the Internet protocol.
•Discuss the TCP and UDP mechanism.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

11

Module Two: intertletW

6h

Unit 1: IP Naming and Addressing

3 study hours

•Discuss IP naming and address translation mechanism.
•Understand the relationship between the physical address and the IP address.
•Discuss the various classes of IP address available.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Unit 2: IP Routing

3 study hours

•Understand the issues involved in analysing network requirement.
•Understand the traffic analysis of a network.
•Know how to apply network simulation for solutions to problems.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

12

Module Two: intertletW

6h

Unit 3: The TCP

3 study hours

•Analyse the importance of TCP in the TCP/IP protocol suite.
•Understand the difference between ports and socket addresses.
•Discuss the synchronisation process in a TCP connection.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Unit 4: The UDP

3 study hours

•Discuss the underlying principles behind UDP transport-layer protocol.
•Understand why UDP is preferred to TCP in some applications.
•Use the UDP checksum to detect errors in the data transmitted.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Week

13

Module Two: intertletW

6h

Unit 5: Design Goals

3 study hours

•Analyse the trade-offs among key network variables.
•Evaluate the costs required and the benefits provided by the network.
•Determine the specific size and type of circuits and equipment that constitute the network system.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

Unit 6: Analysis of Network Requirements

3 study hours

•Understand the steps involved in network implementation.
•Understand the importance of network maintenance and management.
•Explain the functional area of network management.
•Discuss the major components of a network management system.
•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions thoroughly.

2

Create concept maps linking Units 1-3 network architecture and topology concepts.

3

Practice subnetting and IP addressing problems from Units 1 and 2 of Module Two.

4

Focus on understanding the differences between TCP and UDP protocols (Units 3 and 4 of Module Two).

5

Study the OSI and TCP/IP models, focusing on the functions of each layer (Unit 8 of Module One).

6

Practice writing simple socket programs in C, focusing on error handling and network I/O (Module Three).

7

Understand the differences between various network devices and their functions (Unit 9 of Module One).

8

Review the different routing algorithms and their characteristics (Unit 2 of Module Two).

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