Students
TELE3350 – Communications Networks
2024 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Iain Collings
Consultation during Prac sessions and via email appointment.
Lab Demonstrator
Sujan Shrestha
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp or (COMP2250 or COMP247) or Admission to MEngNetTeleEng or MEngElecEng
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| 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.
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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.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | 5% | No | End of Week 5 |
| Assignment 2 | 5% | No | End of Week 7 |
| Assignment 3 | 5% | No | End of Week 9 |
| Assignment 4 | 5% | No | End of Week 12 |
| Practicals | 20% | No | Weekly |
| Examination | 60% | No | Exam Period |
Assignment 1
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: End of Week 5
Weighting: 5%
Assignment 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.
Assignment 2
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: End of Week 7
Weighting: 5%
Assignment 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.
Assignment 3
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: End of Week 9
Weighting: 5%
Assignment 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.
Assignment 4
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: End of Week 12
Weighting: 5%
Assignment 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.
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.
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.
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, and practical sessions.
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 a full description of 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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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 changes since 2022
Unit information based on version 2024.01R of the Handbook