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,
Sem 1 2024

EEET2597

RMIT University Vietnam

Undergraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

Viet2 2020,
Viet2 2021,
Viet1 2023,
Viet1 2024

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

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed the below courses before you commence this course.

  • 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.
  • 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.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


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 (PLOs) for Bachelor of Engineering plans ending in P23:
BH073P23 Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering) (Honours)
BH073VRI23 Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering) (Honours)
BH091CNH23 Bachelor of Engineering (Computer and Network Engineering) / Bachelor of Computer Science
BH111ECH23 Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering) (Honours) / Bachelor of Business

PLO 1: Demonstrate an in-depth understanding and knowledge of fundamental engineering and scientific theories, principles and concepts and apply advanced technical knowledge in specialist domain of engineering.
PLO 2: Utilise mathematics and engineering fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to design engineering systems for complex engineering challenges.
PLO 4: Apply systematic problem solving, design methods and information and project management to propose and implement creative and sustainable solutions with intellectual independence and cultural sensitivity. 

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for all other Bachelor of Engineering plans specialising in:
Electronic and Computer Systems and Electrical Engineering and associated double degrees:

1 Knowledge and Skill Base
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 Engineering Application Ability
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.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will 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

You will be actively engaged in a range 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. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.  

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.  

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

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal


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. 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.