ELEC3227 Embedded Networked Systems

Module Overview

With rapid popularity and advancements in technologies like the internet-of-things (IoT) and network-on-chip (NoC), the ability to connect and network embedded devices is becoming ever more commonplace, and a feature of most electronic devices. This module is concerned with how electronic and computing devices can network with one-another. The module is not deeply concerned with physical layer communications, e.g. modulating signals onto carriers, as students already have a solid background in this from modules in previous years. The module explores the structure and purpose of layers in protocol stacks, through to example protocols (such as Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, ZigBee) and security implications of networking approaches and appropriate countermeasures. A key part of the module is the coursework, in which students design and implement their own network protocol(s).

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

The principles of layered networking models
Architectures and protocols which enable embedded networking
Issues regarding the security of embedded networks
The impact of protocol design on energy-consumption and energy-efficiency

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Balance the trade-offs between performance and efficiency in networking protocols
Select appropriate protocols to meet application/QoS requirements

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Interpret standardisation documents
Communicate your technical work

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Design, implement and test embedded networking protocols

Syllabus

Network architectures and principles Physical networks and their design Layered networking models: - Data link layer principles and protocols - Network layer principles and protocols - Transport layer principles and protocols - Application layer principles and protocols Example network protocols and architectures (e.g. Bluetooth, ZigBee, LoRa/LoRaWAN, TCP/IP) Network-on-chip protocols Energy and power efficiency Network security Emerging network technologies Standardisation of communication protocols

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Syllabus material will be taught through the lectures and supporting tutorials. Learning will be through a combination of independent study alongside the taught sessions, the coursework and lab activities.

Type	Hours
Tutorial	12
Completion of assessment task	21
Lecture	24
Revision	10
Follow-up work	12
Preparation for scheduled sessions	12
Wider reading or practice	59
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Andrew S. Tanenbaum, David J. Wetherall. (2011). Computer Networks.

Assessment

Assessment Strategy

Laboratory sessions (typically scheduled in the labs on level 2 of the Zepler building). Length of each session: 3 hours Number of sessions completed by each student: 3 Max number of students per session: unlimited Demonstrator:student ratio: 1:12 Preferred teaching weeks: 3 to 5

Summative

Method	Percentage contribution
Continuous Assessment	40%
Final Assessment	60%

Repeat

Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Referral

Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External

Linked modules

Pre-requisites: ELEC1201