ENN523 Advanced Network Engineering

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

This is an advanced-level networks unit highlighting the systems approach and top-down method for service-oriented planning and design of large-scale computer networks. It introduces the theory and methodology to assemble various network technologies in a cohesive fashion for network planning and design to address the connectivity, scalability, reliability, security, quality-of-service, cloud data centres, and other recent developments of networks. Computer networks have become an integrated part of the fundamental infrastructure in modern industries and societies. Building new networks or upgrading existing networks requires a deep understanding of the concepts and principles of advanced network engineering and particularly network architecture. This advanced network engineering unit helps develop such a deep understanding. The knowledge and skills developed from this unit are relevant to networks and cybersecurity, and other related majors.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. A detailed understanding of the development of technical specifications from business requirements for computer network planning;
2. Skills to undertake planning and design of computer networks to satisfy a set of requirements specifications with a particular focus on network architecture for connectivity, scalability, reliability, security and QoS;
3. Advanced knowledge of network performance evaluation for network analysis and planning; and
4. Advanced collaborative and communication skills through a group project and formal technical report.

Content

Learning Approaches

Teaching Mode:
Hours per week: 4
Lecture: 2
Lab/Tutorials/Mentoring, Self-paced study sessions: 2

Learning Approaches:
There is a total of 52 hours of contact devoted to this unit comprising 26 hours of lectures, 26 hours of tutorials and labs, and general instruction including self-paced reading, formal presentations and other student-centred discussion.

This unit offers a combination of theory and practical case studies with emphasis placed on the solution of technical problems and the knowledge required to solve these problems. The lectures will be based on industry practice and experience and these will be underpinned by tutorials, demonstrations, reading and the application of knowledge to solving problems. Tutorial sessions will involve individual questioning as well as group work and peer interaction rather than guided problem solving, with feedback coming from the whole group.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Formative feedback will occur through verbal tutor and peer group interactions throughout the semester. Written and verbal feedback will be provided for assessment results.

Assessment

Overview

There are three assessment items. Assessment 1 is a group report based on some technical tasks that are related to, but may not be fully covered in, the main content of the unit. Assessment 2 consists of four Quizzes/Tests in the second half of the semester. Assessment 3 is a final examination.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Project (applied)

You will research topics related to but not covered directly in the main content of the unit in a team environment. You will prepare a written technical report addressing the tasks assigned to you in the Assignment 1 handout.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions. 

Assessment: Quizzes/Tests

Through four quizzes/tests, you will individually apply discipline knowledge to solve specific problems covered in the main content of the unit.

Assessment: Examination (online)

You will individually apply discipline knowledge to solve specific problems covered in the main content of the unit.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Y.-C. Tian and J. Gao, Network Analysis and Architecture, Springer, 2023. ISBN 978-981-99-5647-0 (Hardcover), 978-981-99-5650-0 (Softcover), 978-981-99-5648-7 (eBook)

Risk Assessment Statement

You will undertake lectures in the classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. The unit will require you to work in the software laboratories at QUT and to perform the safety inductions for these laboratories. You are also required to follow the Health and Safety protocols associated with software laboratory work.

Course Learning Outcomes

EN50 Master of Engineering

1. Apply advanced discipline knowledge, concepts and practices in engineering systems and processes.
   Relates to: Project (applied), Quizzes/Tests, Examination (online)
2. Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering problems to achieve research informed solutions.
   Relates to: Project (applied), Quizzes/Tests, Examination (online)
3. Apply systematic approaches to plan, design, execute and manage an engineering project.
   Relates to: Project (applied)
4. Communicate complex information effectively and succinctly, presenting high level reports, arguments and justifications in oral, written and visual forms to professional and non-specialist audiences.
   Relates to: Project (applied)
5. Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering decision making and professional accountability.
   Relates to: Project (applied)

EN55 Master of Professional Engineering

1. Apply advanced and specialist knowledge, concepts and practices in engineering design, analysis management and sustainability.
   Relates to: Project (applied), Quizzes/Tests, Examination (online)
2. Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering problems to achieve research informed solutions.
   Relates to: Quizzes/Tests, Examination (online)
3. Apply systematic approaches to plan, design, execute and manage an engineering project.
   Relates to: Project (applied)
4. Communicate complex information effectively and succinctly, presenting high level reports, arguments and justifications in oral, written and visual forms to professional and non specialist audiences.
   Relates to: Project (applied)
5. Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering decision making and professional accountability.
   Relates to: Project (applied)