Coursework: Network Topology Analysis, TCP variants, and SDN Principles for Wireless Networks

Patch 1: Network topology analysis (ILO1, ILO2)

Patch 1: Network topology analysis (ILO1, ILO2)
Network topology often plays a vital role in the behaviour of the network itself in terms of performance, efficiency,robustness, etc. For this patch, you are to study two given networks (Network A and Network B). Download the following files from Brightspace Assessment.

The files contain the adjacency matrices of the two networks for consideration In this patch, you are to:
1. Compute the different properties of the two networks including but not limited to the following:
a. A selection of nodal level measures (e.g., different centrality measures)
b. A selection of network wide measures (e.g., network size, average path length, clustering coefficient,network diameter, etc.)
2. Using your computations above, critically compare the two networks.

Patch 2 Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) variants (ILO1, ILO2, ILO3, ILO4)
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) has been designed primarily for communication through reliable wired networks Since the proliferation of wireless communication technologies, it has been found that TCP suffers from various deficiencies. Following this, various new TCP variants have been proposed.
The main objective of the patch is to review and appraise the existing TCP variants in the literature In this patch, you are to:
1. Explain the key rationale and design decisions of the chosen TCP variants.
2. Elaborate and critically appraise the relevant TCP mechanisms on how they address specific TCP deficiency when
operating in wireless communication environment. Your appraisal should be supported with evidence (e.g.,
references from literature).

Patch 3 Software-Defined Networking (SDN) (ILO1, ILO2, ILO4)
Software-defined networking (SDN) is a recent new networking paradigm, adding flexibility to network control and
management.
In this patch, you are to:
1. Describe the main concept and principles of software-defined networks including elaboration on the role of SDN
controllers, flow tables and the relevant SDN interfaces
2. Appraise the benefits and challenges of SDN For all patches, diagrams may be used to help illustrate or support your descriptions.The text should be concise. All calculation methods must be clearly presented with repeated computation summarised.All material cited must be properly referenced.

The coursework is to be submitted electronically via Turnitin. Reference style should follow BU Harvard format. The coursework should not exceed 3000 words excluding references, diagrams and appendices. You are encouraged to use diagrams to support your work.

The following criteria will be used to assess the assignment Precision and clarity of the coursework including references: 10%
Patch 1: Network topology analysis (ILO1, ILO2): 30%
To pass: Students should at least identify and elaborate the basic network topology properties.To achieve higher mark: Students should also critically and comprehensively compare the two given networks based on multiple metrics on different aspects of network.

To pass: Students should at least identify and elaborate the key design of chosen TCP variants on how they address specific TCP deficiency.To achieve higher mark: Students should also critically appraise the performance of the chosen TCP variants.To pass: Students should at least elaborate the key concept and principles of SDN To achieve higher mark: Students should also critically appraise the benefits and challenges of SDN.

This unit assesses your ability to:
1. Critically evaluate the functions of network components
2. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of network structures, protocols and standards, including performance
3. Evaluate security mechanisms and propose solutions for improved cyber security
4. Demonstrate awareness of emerging paradigms, professional standards, legal and ethical issues relating to networks
and cyber security.

Undergraduate Coursework Assessments
If a piece of coursework is not submitted by the required deadline, the following will apply:
1. If coursework is submitted within 72 hours after the deadline, the maximum mark that can be awarded is 40%. If the assessment achieves a pass mark and subject to the overall performance of the unit and the student’s profile for the level, it will be accepted by the Assessment Board as the reassessment piece. The unit will count towards the reassessment allowance for the level; This ruling will apply to written coursework and artefacts only; This ruling will apply to the first attempt only (including any subsequent attempt taken as a first attempt due to exceptional circumstances).
2. If a first attempt coursework is submitted more than 72 hours after the deadline, a mark of zero (0%) will be awarded.
3. Failure to submit/complete any other types of coursework (which includes resubmission coursework without exceptional circumstances) by the required deadline will result in a mark of zero (0%) being awarded.

If you have any valid exceptional circumstances which mean that you cannot meet an assignment submission deadline and you wish to request an extension, you will need to complete and submit the online Exceptional Circumstances Form together with appropriate supporting evidence (e.g. GP note) normally before the coursework deadline. Please make sure that you read these documents carefully before submitting anything for consideration. For further guidance on exceptional circumstances please contact your Programme Leader.

Referencing
You must acknowledge your source every time you refer to others' work, using the BU Harvard Referencing system (Author Date Method). Failure to do so amounts to plagiarism which is against University regulations. Please refer to aware of Self-plagiarism, this primarily occurs when a student submits a piece of work to fulfill the assessment requirement for a particular unit and all or part of the content has been previously submitted by that student for formal assessment on the same/a different unit. Further information on academic offences can be found on Brightspace.