INFOSYS 322 : Data Communications and the Internet

Business and Economics

2020 Semester Two (1205) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Examines topics related to the internet and communication networks, with an overall focus on the internet layered model, and services and capabilities that IT infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context to revolutionise business. Provides a pathway to complete the industry recognised CCNA certificate by including the 'Network Fundamentals' module of the Cisco Networking Academy Programme.

Course Overview

Furthering knowledge of Information Technologies must start by a comprehensive understanding of how modern digital communications work. Building upon a lecture based approach, the course discusses the principles of digital communications and the components of the OSI model, upon which the network layer approach has been designed. Supported on practical lab sessions, the course adopts the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)  training programme to allow for a hands-on experience with router configuration, to name one networking skill.  

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: 15 points from COMPSCI 101, 107, 130, INFOMGMT 192, INFOSYS 110 Restriction: INFOSYS 224

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Commerce

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of how the conceptual framework of a layered model contributes to the issues addressed in the domain of data communications. (Capability 1)
  2. Evaluate the theoretical concepts of the fundamental network protocols used in the data communications layered model and contrast how they differ in their application and specific implementation. (Capability 1)
  3. Describe specific processes and functions that apply the TCP/IP reference model and understand how IP and TCP provide the foundations for effective communications. (Capability 1)
  4. Practice configuration and implementation of small LAN and WAN networks using a software configuration test tool. Apply problem solving strategies specific to troubleshooting faults and problems in sending information across small data networks. (Capability 3)
  5. Value resilience of learning through completing assessment with solutions not readily available and value self-management of learning by setting your own longer term goal(s) such as attaining the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) industry recognised certification. (Capability 4.3 and 5.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Laboratories 30% Group & Individual Coursework
Test 30% Individual Test
Final Exam 40% Individual Examination
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
Laboratories
Test
Final Exam

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect: Lectures:  3x1-hour lectures per week; Laboratories:  1x2-hour laboratory (mandatory) per week (11 sessions) based on hands-on tasks in the context of data networks: Independent study: 5 hours per week on readings, theory exercise practice, lab preparation.  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Textbook (Students must have) 
Forouzan, B. (2013). Data Communications and Networking (5th Ed). McGraw-Hill 
ISBN-13 978-0-07-337622-6. Website: http://www.mhhe.com/forouzan 
Lecture Notes – Partially completed slides are provided online via Canvas. Students are required to take lecture notes. Lectures slides DO NOT provide a complete and organised summary of content and skills taught. 

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Please check Canvas to learn about our digital resources for Infosys 322

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.