Networks and Distributed Systems

Course Coordinator: Dr Ndudi EZEAMUZIE, BSc (NAU), MSc (HKU), PhD (HKU)

Course Developers: Chris Leung Ching-hong, Consultant (Units 1–3); Kendrew Lau Chu-man, Consultant (Units 4–10)

The overall aim of this course is to provide students with knowledge of computer networks and distributed systems. This area is changing rapidly, with new technologies and applicational needs emerging all the time. This course will give you a good grounding in the principles of distributed systems, which helps you understand how things work 'under the hood'. You will also get a good foundation to work from, whether you go on to be part of a team implementing and putting together a distributed system, or your role is to communicate with others about such systems and to make professional judgements.

Advisory prerequisite(s)
This course assumes knowledge of the Java programming language as well as basic knowledge of the Internet. You are advised to complete COMP S201 Computing Fundamentals with Java before studying this course. In addition, having learnt the following courses would also be helpful, though not necessary, for your studying in this course:

• COMP S311 Advanced Java Programming and Mobile Application Development
• COMP S260 Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
• ELEC S212 Network Programming and Design

Aims
The course aims to:

• provide you with knowledge of networks and distributed systems;
• enable you to participate in the design and implementation of distributed systems.

Contents
The course covers the following topics:

• Computer networks and socket programming
• Distributed systems
• Multi-tasking programming with locks and conditions
• Persistence and transactions with JPA
• Client and Web development with Spring
• Developing business logic with enterprise beans
• Security for Web and enterprises
• Web services with SOAP and REST
• Messaging with JMS
• Cloud computing

Learning support
There will be about ten two-hour tutorials and a number of following-up surgery lessons.

Assessment
There will be four assignments and a final examination. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE) and attend the examination according to the course arrangement.

Online requirement
This course is supported by the Online Learning Environment (OLE). You can find the latest course information from the OLE, including the course materials, announcements and updates of arrangements about tutorials and surgery lessons, and you will be required to make submissions through the OLE. Through the OLE, you can also communicate electronically with your tutor and the Course Coordinator as well as other students. Therefore, the use of the OLE is required for the study of this course and to access the OLE, and students will need to have access to the Internet.

Equipment
To complete the assignments and programming-related project development, you will need access to a computer with the following minimum configurations:

• 500 MHz Intel Pentium III CPU
• 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
• 750 MB free hard disk space (1 GB recommended)
• Internet access (broadband recommended)

Software
You will need access to the following software:

• An operating system of Microsoft Windows Vista or above
• Web browser: IE 8 or compatible

Set book(s)
There is no compulsory textbook for this course.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs
The audio and visual components of this course may cause difficulties for students with hearing or vision impairments. You are encouraged to seek advice from the Course Coordinator before enrolling in the course.