2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ELEC1405 Communications Networks and Signals

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Mohsen Razavi
Email: m.razavi@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In order to pass this module, students must obtain a mark of at least 30% in the final examination, as well as obtaining an overall mark of at least 40% for the module.

Objectives

This module gives students an introduction to various layers in modern communications networks and how the Internet works. It provides the student with relevant programming tools (MATLAB) to model communication signals and systems.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:

- demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the principles behind the organisation and operation of communications networks;
- demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the layered structure of communications networks and showing some detailed knowledge about each layer;
- use programming tools to model some of the basic signals/components/applications of communications systems;
- appreciate, through basic case studies, the technical challenges in both the design and implementation of modern communications networks.

Syllabus

Part 1: Networking and Internet

Data communications; sending bits around
Data communication networks; Internet
The use of layering, protocols, and interfaces
TCP/IP structure
Packet switched networks
Transmit control protocol
Network layer and Internet protocol
Data link layer and Physical layer
Application layer, e.g, email communications

Part 2: MATLAB Programming and Signals

Introduction to communications signals; Sine waves, frequency, phase, amplitude
Introduction to MATLAB programming; how variables are defined and manipulated;
Representing important communication signals with MATLAB; learning about sine waves, frequency, phase and amplitude; sum of harmonics
Basics of programming; if statements; for loops, with simple applications in communication networks
Modelling certain communication tasks, e.g., analogue to digital conversion by MATLAB
Modular programming; how to write and call functions and its application to communications protocols

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Class tests, exams and assessment	1	2.00	2.00
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Practical	6	2.50	15.00
Private study hours			63.00
Total Contact hours			37.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

23 hours reading text books relevant to networking concepts
20 hours working on (unfinished) MATLAB assignments
20 hours revision for exam

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored in lab classes. The January test will give quantitative feedback on student progress.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course Assessment	(MATLAB) Assignments	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 08/09/2016

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