Interoperability and reliability of computer networks is made possible by the use of common methods of implementing and using communication protocols. So there is a need for a unit that examines the use of standards for data communication and networking protocols and the software environments that form the basis of modern computer networks, as well as the methods by which these standards are developed and promulgated. This unit will also enhance the choice of network specialisation study within the undergraduate degrees offered by the Faculty of Information Technology.

This unit has been updated as part of a 2009 review and comparison of data with current Handbook, Syllabus + and Callista data.

11 5 2012 - FIT1031 Computers and networks is being added as an alternative pre-requisite to FIT1005 to allow students outside of the BITS Information and communication technologies major to undertake FIT2019.

30/11/2017 - Unit disestablished at FEC 5/17 Item 7.3.

This is a core unit of the Net-centric major for the Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems (BITS). It builds on knowledge from core unit Networks and Data Communications, and is a key part of students' progression to studies in network technologies.

The unit provides an opportunity for specialist study in network protocol classification, specification and standardisation process, as part of the net-centric focus within the Faculty.

At the completion of this unit, students will:

• have detailed understanding of families of network protocols and their interdependencies, and developed skills in their application;
• understand the historical development of key internet protocols;
• be familiar with the source documents and specifications used to define key internet protocols, and developed skills in their usage;
• be familiar with the common methods used to define and promulgate network protocols
• be able to identify the national and international organisations whose roles involve the formation of standards in this area;
• be able to comprehend the notation used in network standard definitions including formal data and structure definition languages such as EBNF, ASN.1, SGML or XML, and developed skills in using this notation;
• have practical experience of methods used to capture and analyse network protocol packets.

020113

This unit introduces the idea of standards and the standardisation process within the networking and data communications area. It follows on from the core unit FIT1005 Networks and Data Communications with a focus on the: types of standards commonly found in information technology; creation, application and maintenance of networking standards; network protocol families, their interdependencies and sequence of development; methods used to define and maintain standards; composition and operation of the various national and international standards organisations; review of some key networking protocol standards and implementation issues.

On-campus

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs tutorials/wk

Network lab required

FIT

FIT1031 or FIT1005 or CSE2318 or CSE3318 or equivalent