Overview
This course examines the principles, architectures, protocols, and technologies that support computer networks and Internet communication. Topics include the OSI and TCP/IP models; transmission media and signaling; bandwidth, latency, throughput, multiplexing, error control, and framing; Ethernet, switching, MAC addressing, VLANs, and wireless networking; IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting, route aggregation, and core network services.
The course further considers ARP, DHCP, DNS, ICMP, NAT, routing, transport-layer services, TCP reliability and congestion control, UDP, application protocols, network virtualization, cloud networking, and foundational network security. Laboratory activities develop practical skills in packet analysis, network configuration, simulation or emulation, socket programming, and systematic troubleshooting. Students apply these principles to the analysis, implementation, diagnosis, and secure design of scalable networks.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain layered network communication using the OSI and TCP/IP reference models.
- Calculate and assign IPv4 and IPv6 address spaces, including subnetworks and route aggregates.
- Configure and diagnose basic switched, routed, wireless, and virtual network environments.
- Analyze packet captures to identify protocol operations, performance characteristics, and communication faults.
- Compare the behavior and service models of TCP, UDP, and common application-layer protocols.
- Implement basic networked programs using socket-based communication.
- Evaluate network performance using measures including bandwidth, latency, throughput, loss, and congestion.
- Identify common network vulnerabilities and attacks, and recommend appropriate controls involving firewalls, encryption, authentication, and intrusion detection.
- Design and justify secure, scalable network solutions for specified operational requirements.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Weekly quizzes (8 × 2.5%) | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Network configuration and troubleshooting assignments (2 × 10%) | 20.00% |
| Deliverable | Packet analysis and protocol evaluation | 15.00% |
| Test | Practical network configuration test | 15.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 30.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
