This introductory unit in computer systems networking covers basic networking topologies, Ethernet fundamentals, ISO OSI layers, routing, switching and sub-nets, the Internet architecture, networking protocols including TCP/IP, important networking devices such as repeaters, hubs, bridges, routers and gateways, basic management and security issues. This unit is also the first of three units which will prepare students for industry based networking certification.

This unit provides students with an in-depth understanding of the applications of computer networks and the concept of internetworking through the TCP/IP suite of protocols. Some of the network security threats along with their appropriate counter measures are also discussed. The main focus of the unit is on communication and network devices.

Students successfully completing this unit will gain the necessary design skills and knowledge required to build and configure a complex network. This unit builds on the work of Networking Fundamentals and Computer Networks and Internets. The unit also provides the student with an opportunity to develop problemsolving techniques and decision-making skills to resolve networking issues. Students completing this unit and its prerequisites should now be prepared to attempt world recognized network industry certification.

This unit is concerned with the protection of information transferred over computer networks. It includes discussion of techniques for securing data transported over local and wide area networks. At the conclusion of the unit students will have a good understanding of the practical aspects of securing a computer network against internal and external attacks.

The rapid progress in technology, the increasing demand for IT services, and the strong expansion of the Internet have resulted in heterogeneous interconnected networks with many distributed systems that run on them. To ensure access and efficient utilization of network resources, subject to organisational policy restrictions, networked systems must be managed properly. This unit addresses the issues relevant to such management. It covers the principles and current practices pertinent to integrated management of networks, systems, services, and applications. The unit helps the student to understand management functions and architectures as well as current standards and relevant protocols.

This unit covers networking technologies, and standards of broadband networks that dominate both the WAN and LAN markets. These include frame relay, ATM, broadband ISDN and high-speed LANs. Quality of Service (QoS) issues, and the need to support multimedia and real-time traffic, the need to control congestion and the need to provide different levels of QoS to different applications are the focus.