CS2ON: Operating Systems and Computer Networking

Module code: CS2ON

Module provider: Computer Science; School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Lily Sun , email: lily.sun@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module provides a foundational understanding of modern operating systems and computer networks. It consists of two parts, 1) Operating Systems offers an overview of operating systems, including their history, development, and core functionalities. It covers key components, associated algorithms, and security measures for operating system protection; and 2) Computer Networking introduces fundamental networking theories and their real-world applications in computer communications. It also explores network security and preventive measures.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Apply the concepts and structure of an secured operating system, compare various CPU (Central Processing Unit) scheduling algorithms;
2. Understand the differences between segmented and paged memories, compare polled, interrupt-driven, and DMA-based access to I/O devices;
3. Apply the core concepts and knowledge of secured network architecture, communication protocols; and
4. Implement the concepts with security measures incorporated in real world network applications.

Module content

The module covers the following topics:

• Operating Systems
  • Introduction to operating systems Structure
  • Process concepts, lifecycle, process management, inter-process communication
  • Scheduling fundamentals, CPU-I/O interleaving, (non-) pre-emption, context switching
  • Scheduling algorithms: FCFS, SJF, SRTF, priority scheduling, round robin
• Memory Management and File System
  • Segmentation, Paging
  • File management
  • Directory and storage, hierarchies, and access control
• Input and Output
  • General structure
  • Application I/O interface
  • Block and character devices
  • Buffering
  • Blocking versus non-blocking I/O
• OS Security and Protection
  • Protection domain
  • Authentication
• Core concepts of network architecture and communication protocols
  • Framework of multi-tier architectures
  • Ethernet protocols; Internetworking
  • Local Area Networking (LAN) routing
  • Error, congestion, and flow control
• Network technologies ranging from local area networks to the Internet
  • Ethernet with TCP/IP
  • IP addressing; Routing protocols
  • Congestion control schemes within the Internet
• Core Internet applications
  • Email, web serving and name resolution
• Wireless network
  • Concepts of symmetric and asymmetric key cryptography
  • Authentication Protocols
  • Firewalls
  • Intrusion Detection
• Network Security
  • Concepts of symmetric and asymmetric key cryptography
  • Authentication Protocols
  • Firewalls
  • Intrusion Detection

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module is delivered via lectures, and lab sessions throughout the semester.

Study hours

At least 44 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning acti