Embedded Networked Systems | ELEC3227 | University of Southampton

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 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).

Linked modules

Pre-requisites: ELEC1201

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

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:

Communicate your technical work
Interpret standardisation documents

Knowledge and Understanding

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

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
The principles of layered networking models

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Design, implement and test embedded networking 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. Tutorials and lab activities provide an opportunity for teaching and learning which provides a foundation for the practical skills required by the coursework.

Study time
Type	Hours
Revision	16
Wider reading or practice	20
Tutorial	12
Completion of assessment task	60
Preparation for scheduled sessions	9
Lecture	24
Specialist Laboratory	9
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Andrew S. Tanenbaum, David J. Wetherall. (2011). Computer Networks. Boston, Mass. ; London: Pearson.

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

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	60%
Coursework	40%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External