COMP2001J Computer Networks

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module introduces key topics of the existing Internet infrastructure. Some topics are cross-layers such as packet-switching, performance measurements, network protocol designs, and network security. Others are layer-specific, for example, network caching in the application layer, reliable transmission in the transport layer, routing and forwarding in the network layer, and multi-access control in the data link layer. Those topics will be discussed with the case studies of popular protocols such as HTTP2, DNS, TCP/UDP, QUIC, OSPF, BGP, ARP, Ethernet etc. Students will also use simulators and packet analysers to study how these protocols work in systematic and realistic settings.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On the completion of this module, students should be able to:
- understand the architecture of the Internet;
- compare the packet-switching and circuit-switching;
- assess the performance of a computer network system using known metrics;
- explain the motivations and the flow of important network protocols;
- explain the existing mechanisms for key computer network topics such as reliable data transmission and congestion control;
- use network simulators and packet analysers to create a required network scenario, then interpret how the existing network protocol works in realistic settings.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Computer Aided Lab

22
Autonomous Student Learning

68
Total

120
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures and lab work 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
This module is delivered overseas and is not available to students based at the UCD Belfield or UCD Blackrock campuses.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered

Not yet recorded.

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

1. Kurose, J, & Ross, K. "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 8th Edition", 2020
2. Tanenbaum, S. A., Feamster, N., & Wetherall, J. D. "Computer Networks, 6th Edition", 2021
Name Role
Dr Seán Russell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Jiaying Guo Tutor