Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

To be able to take this module, it is necessary for students to have a good foundation and knowledge of mathematics, MATLAB, communications and signal processing.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

Wired and wireless communications networks is one of the fastest growing fields in the engineering world, and a tremendous interest for this topic exists among students. The purpose of the course is to:

- introduce the students to advanced topics in wired and wireless communications networks and security, their evolution and impacts on modern society.

- introduce a broad coverage of modern communication networks and technologies.

- provide students with the knowledge to design and apply security and encryption techniques in modern life and
communication systems.

- develop students' lifelong learning skills by covering current and future security algorithms, encryption methods, and emerging communication technologies. Additionally, expose them to actively evolving research topics. This involves a lot of self-study, reading papers, technical magazines and handouts.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus will be divided into five parts as follows:

1.       Evaluation of communications networks, network types, networking issues and networking topologies.

2.       Description of Protocols and architectures: Detailed description of the ISO/OSI reference model and its application in networking. Comprehensive understanding of TCP/IP and its comparison with the OSI Model.

3.       Communications networks transmission principles: Examination of switching technologies and their role in modern communication networks; In-depth study of Error and flow control techniques and standards; Performance issues and analysis.

4.       Development of encryption algorithms for privacy and security as applied to modern communications:
Introduction to the concept of a cipher system and its relevance in modern communications.
Examination of public-key and private-key cryptosystems.
Hands-on development and implementation of encryption algorithms for enhancing privacy and security.

5.       Develop Self-Learning skills: Each student can select a topic from a list of recent advances in wired/ wireless communications and security, study it in depth and present it to his/her group.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module a student should be able to:

1)       evaluate communications networks and systems: This includes aspect such as performance, reliability, scalability, and fault tolerance and considerations for different types of networks (e.g., wired, wireless, local area networks, wide area networks) and their integration. (M1,M2 and M3)

2)       evaluate and compare commonly used flow and error control techniques as applied to communications networks:
These cover aspects like effectiveness, efficiency, and adaptability to different network environments.(M1,M2,M3)

3)       develop and implement encryption algorithms including consideration of emerging threats and the evolving
landscape of cybersecurity to emphasise the dynamic nature of the field (M3 and M4).

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module a student will be able to:

1)       demonstrate the proficiency in systematically analysing telecommunications systems, considering factors such as network architecture, protocols, and scalability. (M1,M2 and M3)

2)       design and implement encryption algorithms and protocols through hands-on experience with diverse software platforms. (M1,M2,M3,M4)

3)       develop skills to evaluate the practical implications of encryption choices, considering computational efficiency, resistance to attacks, and adaptability to evolving security standards. (M3, M5, M7)

4)       demonstrate advanced analytical skills in evaluating the performance of error and flow control techniques and systems, including the ability to identify bottlenecks and propose optimisations. (M3, M5)

5)       develop the ability to independently pursue "life-long" learning, staying abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and research advancements. (M4, M5)

6) function effectively as an individual and as a member or a leader of a team (M16)

7) communicate effectively on complex communication topics (M17)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Learning outcomes are achieved by a combination of lectures, workshops, and self-directed learning (SDL) parts. In the lectures, the students are introduced to the fundamentals of wired and wireless communications networks and security. The workshops provide a hands-on experience, allowing students to actively develop and implement encryption algorithms to enhance privacy and security, while in the SDL part of the module, the students are directed to study and investigate current and future trends and development in encryption techniques and communications network systems. In this part of the module the students will practice “life-long” learning, through covering new material and familiarising themselves with selected topics which are being developed in the research community. This will equip them with the necessary skills and time management required in self-study that will be needed in their future careers.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The concepts introduced in the lectures, workshops and through independent study will be assessed via one written report and one final written exam.      
A short mock exam provides students with feedback about their progress during the module. Marked but does not count towards the final mark.
The final exam will assess knowledge outcomes 1-3 and skills outcomes 1-4.
The report will assess knowledge outcome 3 and skills outcomes 5-7.

General Notes

N/A