Network Foundations

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
INFO 1011
Course ID icon
Course ID
200110
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course aims to develop a foundational knowledge in networking concepts, theories, and technologies required for following more advanced networking courses. The course will use a top-down approach to study computer networks by taking the Internet and its protocol stack as the primary examples to illustrate fundamental principles. Introduction to networks with a focus on Internet protocols: Application layer protocols (HTTP-web, SMTP-mail, etc), Transport layer operation: (reliable transport, congestion, and flow control, UDP, TCP); Network layer operations (routing, addressing, IPv4 and IPv6), Data Link layer operations (error detection/correction, access control, Ethernet, 802.11).

  • Exploring The Network
  • Network Layered Model
  • Building A Small Network

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe the structure and operation of modern computer networks, including key concepts such as network architectures, protocols, data flow, and the roles of specific devices.
  • Analyse how data flows through each layer in the TCP/IP model to enable end-to-end communication in a network.
  • Apply an efficient IP addressing scheme and subnet masks to optimize network performance and scalability.
  • Configure network devices with fundamental settings and security measures to ensure proper functionality and protection.
  • Apply troubleshooting methodologies and diagnostic tools to systematically resolve network connectivity issues in small to medium-sized networks.
  • Design and configure a small to medium-sized network using industry best practices that ensures reliable and scalable network connectivity.

Assessment

Learning Journal, Learning Journal, Learning Journal, Short Response Questions, Skills Demonstration