Students

TELE3350 – Communications Networks

2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances, North Ryde

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Iain Collings
iain.collings@mq.edu.au
Tutor
Sobia Omer
sobia.omer@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above or (COMP2250 or COMP247) or Admission to MEngNetTeleEng or MEngElecEng
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit develops core knowledge and understanding in telecommunications engineering examining the technology, concepts and general principles used in modern data communication networks. The focus is on layers 1 and 2 of the OSI reference model spanning local-area, wide-area, metropolitan and access networks and includes Ethernet, wireless networks, optical networks, time-division multiplexing networks and cellular networks. The unit examines these technologies from a number of different perspectives including physical-layer communications, medium access control (MAC), link-layer, network structure, devices, modelling, performance analysis and quality of service. A practical component gives students skills in using and configuring network equipment and modelling and analysis tools.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Critique and compare, using acquired knowledge, different communication technologies and networks.
  • ULO2: Evaluate the advantages and performance of a range of networking technologies.
  • ULO3: Demonstrate knowledge of a range of modelling techniques, including mathematical modelling and simulation modelling, including appropriate simulation tools, to design and analyse communication technologies and networks.
  • ULO4: Design, build and operate networks using switches and routers.
  • ULO5: Apply a systems perspective in the analysis of networks and communications systems.
  • ULO6: Effectively collaborate in small groups while solving networking problems.

General Assessment Information

Each of the four Tests has the following condition: If the mark is less than 50%, then the student will be given a second chance to achieve a mark of 50%, by completing extra assessment to a satisfactory standard. The extra assessment will be in the form of a take-home assignment, for which the student will need to achieve a mark of greater than 50%. If the assignment mark is not greater than 50%, then the original Test mark will stand.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Test 1 5% No 29 Aug
Practicals 20% No Weekly
Test 3 5% No 10 Oct
Test 2 5% No 12 Sep
Examination 60% No Exam period
Test 4 5% No 3 Nov

Test 1

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: 29 Aug
Weighting: 5%

Test on the topic of Ethernet
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique and compare, using acquired knowledge, different communication technologies and networks.
  • Evaluate the advantages and performance of a range of networking technologies.

Practicals

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 20%

Weekly Practical Sessions
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Design, build and operate networks using switches and routers.
  • Apply a systems perspective in the analysis of networks and communications systems.
  • Effectively collaborate in small groups while solving networking problems.

Test 3

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: 10 Oct
Weighting: 5%

Test on the topic of Frame Relay and Optical Networks
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique and compare, using acquired knowledge, different communication technologies and networks.
  • Evaluate the advantages and performance of a range of networking technologies.
  • Apply a systems perspective in the analysis of networks and communications systems.

Test 2

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: 12 Sep
Weighting: 5%

Test on the topic of Queuing
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique and compare, using acquired knowledge, different communication technologies and networks.
  • Evaluate the advantages and performance of a range of networking technologies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a range of modelling techniques, including mathematical modelling and simulation modelling, including appropriate simulation tools, to design and analyse communication technologies and networks.

Examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 27 hours
Due: Exam period
Weighting: 60%

Examination
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique and compare, using acquired knowledge, different communication technologies and networks.
  • Evaluate the advantages and performance of a range of networking technologies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a range of modelling techniques, including mathematical modelling and simulation modelling, including appropriate simulation tools, to design and analyse communication technologies and networks.
  • Apply a systems perspective in the analysis of networks and communications systems.

Test 4

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: 3 Nov
Weighting: 5%

Test on the topic of modulation, WiFi, and Cellular
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique and compare, using acquired knowledge, different communication technologies and networks.
  • Evaluate the advantages and performance of a range of networking technologies.
  • Apply a systems perspective in the analysis of networks and communications systems.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

The unit will be delivered via lectures, tutorials and practicals.

Practical sessions

There will be weekly laboratory sessions, starting in Week 2.

Technology used

Library and internet search engines, word processing and presentation software, switches and routers, Matlab software.

Laboratory Safety

No student will be permitted to enter the laboratory without proper footwear. THONGS OR

SANDALS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. NO FOOD OR DRINK may be taken into the laboratory.

Suggested reference text book:

Computer Networking James F Kurose & Keith W Ross, 6th Edn, 2012.

Other reference book(s)

Communication Networks A Concise Introduction, by J. Walrand and S. Parekh, Morgan &

Claypool Publishers, 2010.

Networking, Second edition, J. S. Beasley, Pearson, 2009.

Data Communications and Networking, 4th Edition by B. A. Forouzan, McGraw-Hill, 2007.

Data and Computer Communications, 9th ed W. Stallings, Pearson, 2012

Lecture and laboratory notes

Lecture notes, laboratory notes, assignments and resources are provided online through iLearn.

Unit Schedule

Refer to iLearn for unit schedule

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

No major changes from the previous offering. 

Unit information based on version 2021.04 of the Handbook