Data Communication and Network Technology: Understanding, Evaluation, and Investigation

Module Learning Outcomes

1.Demonstrate a broad understanding of the knowledge base of this module, and its terminology and discourse (with specific reference to transmission media, data encoding, transmission modes, error detection and correction, flow control, multiplexing, switching techniques, and routing);

2.Identify and evaluate the principles and concepts underlying theoretical frameworks highlighted in this module, and demonstrate an ability to identify their strengths and weaknesses, especially in relation to the evolving networking scene (covering network topologies, protocols, layering, standardisation, LANs, internetworking, management, and multicast);

3.Collect and evaluate information from a variety of authoritative sources to inform a choice of solutions to standard data communication and network problems highlighted in this module, including online open source and subscription-only literature;

4.Evaluate the reliability of data and information provided in this module, using pre-defined techniques and/or criteria, especially in relation to free resources.

Learning outcomes assessed within this piece of work as agreed at the programme level meeting This assignment will assess the following learning outcomes:

3Collect and evaluate information from a variety of authoritative sources to inform a choice of solutions to standard data communication and network problems highlighted in this module, including online open source and subscription-only literature;

4Evaluate the reliability of data and information provided in this module, using pre-defined techniques and/or criteria, especially in relation to free resources.

Assessment deadline:

Individual Report to be submitted on 01/04/2019 (no later than 2pm). This should be submitted via Turnitin on Moodle as a Microsoft Word file.  

Assignment Task

This is an individual assignment based on the case study scenario presented below. This assignment will assess your understanding of the principles of networks and the ability to research a common network problem. It will also assess your ability to evaluate the reliability of data and information, especially in relation to free resources.

You are required to research one of the technologies listed below and produce a report that teaches your fellow students about:

·Body-Area-Networking

·Global Positioning System (GPS)

·Mobile devices and network security

·Any other topic agreed upon with the tutor

Your report should show understanding, evaluation and investigation of these technologies in many areas of concern such as the usability, legislation, security, regulation, technology and potential applications.

Task

You are required to research one of the above technologies and produce a report covering the issues related to the underlying technology, in relation to data communication and networks. You should use online open source materials, together with the subscription-only resources available to you via the University’s electronic library. Using your research, you should develop a report, which should address the following questions:  

1)Select one of the listed technologies and explain the fundamental method by which it operates, exploring the underlying networking principle.

2)Discuss, evaluate and investigate the weaknesses and potential applications.

3)As part of this assignment, you will use online open-source and subscription-only sources of information. You should consider the reliability and quality of the information sources you used in your research, especially with regard to free resources. You should use the following criteria to evaluate the reliability of data and information used in this assignment and give examples as appropriate:

·Accuracy  

·Authority

·Objectivity

·Currency

Coverage

1.All components of the assignment report must be word processed (hand written text or hand drawn diagrams are not acceptable), font size must be within the range of 12 point to 14 point including the headings, body text and any texts within diagrams.

2.Standard and commonly used fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri should be used.

3.Your document must be aligned left or justified with line spacing of 1.5.

4.All figures, graphs and tables must be numbered and labelled.

5.Material from external sources (both free and subscription-only) must be properly referenced and cited within the text using the Harvard referencing system.

6.All components of the assignment (text, diagrams. Code etc.) must be submitted in one word file.