Information and networks

What it covers

This unit provides an introduction to underlying technologies, major components and system-wide architectures of modern telecommunication systems. After introducing concepts of block and stream delivery, requirements of a telecommunications network and representation of analogue signals (e.g. voice and video) in digital form, the unit will cover all the major functions in layered architectures. In the physical layer, this unit will discuss fundamental concepts such as modulation, bandwidth, noise, error rates and error control coding. In the link layer, LAN protocols such as Ethernet and Wifi are discussed. In the network layer, topics include multiplexing, addressing and routing algorithms, and strategies used in the transport of data packets in the Internet. Particular emphasis is given to the major functions that combine to allow communication across key modern digital telecommunication systems such as the Internet, mobile telephony, digital TV and Digital Audio Broadcasting.

Assessment

Hurdle tasks must be passed regardless of your overall mark.

When and where