FIT3165 Computer networks
Faculty of Information Technology
FIT3165 Computer networks is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It needs FIT1048, FIT1051, FIT1008, FIT1053 or FIT1045 and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.
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Requisites
Before FIT3165
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After FIT3165
1 unit list FIT3165 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
The unit introduces computer networks with an explicit software and system-centric focus. It provides foundation skills in data communications, networks, and associated software interfaces, and introduces basic principles in network design, configuration, management and security.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Flexible |
Assessment
- Laboratory ExercisesDemonstration20%
- Applied sessions ExercisesExercise20%
- Applied Problem Solving TasksQuiz / Test60%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain the network architecture standards for open systems;
- 2
Describe and apply the ISO reference and Internet models;
- 3
Implement programs using internetworking concepts, IP addressing, IPC and socket-level interface;
- 4
Analyse the fundamentals and technologies of cabled and wireless physical layer;
- 5
Analyse the fundamentals and technologies of cabled and wireless data-link layer;
- 6
Apply and implement the fundamentals and technologies of the network layer, including packet-switching and queueing concepts;
- 7
Analyse designs based on the functions and architectures of cabled and wireless LAN and WAN, including ALOHA and CSMA/CD models;
- 8
Implement system level designs based on LAN architecture for organisational requirements.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories18 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Applied sessions12 hours
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.
Learning resources
Technology resources
C & Java tools for network programming. Java SE 7 (download from https://www.oracle.com)
Cisco Packet Tracer , an innovative network simulation and visualization tool used by Cisco Networking Academy students and instructors. ( https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer-download/) Note: it requires enrolment using student ID to download and use it for free.
Wireshark is a free and open source packet analyser. It is used for network troubleshooting, analysis, software and communications protocol development, and education. (download: https://www.wireshark.org/download.html)
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Vincent Lee
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for FIT3165?
You need FIT1048, FIT1051, FIT1008, FIT1053 or FIT1045 before you enrol.
What can I take after FIT3165?
FIT3165 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including FIT3031.
When is FIT3165 offered?
In 2025, FIT3165 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is FIT3165?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does FIT3165 have an exam?
No. FIT3165 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.