This subject studies the standard models for the layered approach to communication between autonomous machines in a network and the main characteristics of data communication (transmission protocols) for the lower layers. It introduces several application layer protocols from a distributed systems viewpoint, and considers alternative lower layer methods such as ATM, and problem areas in the Internet protocol suite.

The following topics are included: introduction to communication network architectures; the physical layer (transmission media, signal representation, limits to data capacity); the data link layer (error detection and recover, point-to-point protocols); the medium access layer (protocols for Local Area Networks and satellite communication); the network layer (routing algorithms, congestion control); internetworking (addressing, internetwork routing and protocols, quality of service); the transport layer (connection-oriented transport layer services and protocols); application protocols for distributed systems.

1. describe the basis and structure of an abstract layered protocol model
2. describe, analyse and compare a number of datalink, network, and transport layer protocols
3. design and implement datalink or network layer protocols within a simulated networking environment
4. describe and analyse various related technical, administrative and social aspects of specific computer network protocols from standards documents and other primary materials found through research 
5. identify and apply basic theorems and formulae for the information-theoretic basis of communication and the performance of physical, datalink and network protocols