Internet Systems

Module description

Aims and Learning Outcomes

The aims of this module are:

• to provide an overall understanding of the communication model used on the Internet,
• to provide an in-depth understanding of the main underlying software components of the Internet,
• to provide an overview of the main languages used on the Internet,
• to provide an understanding of security threats to Internet application and main techniques used to tackle them.

On successful completion of this module, students will:

• Describe and explain foundational concepts and definitions of the communication models, architectures and protocols underlying the Web and Internet
• Explain and deploy data models, metadata description languages and programming languages to represent, deploy, and process data on the Web
• Recognise and differentiate the security of mechanisms used to protect Web and Internet applications and data from security attacks
• Apply appropriate tools and programming languages to analyse and interact with web traffic and applications as well as deployment of data over the internet

Syllabus

An indication of the type of topics:

• Introduction to the Internet
  • Historical perspective and current context
• Architecture of the Internet
  • Internet infrastructure
  • Addressing models
  • Web servers
  • Cloud servers
• Communication model
  • Internet reference model
  • TCP/IP
  • IPv4 and IPv6
  • Connection handling and flow control
  • Email protocols
  • HTTP and other application layer protocols
  • Resource location
• Internet paradigm shift
  • Mobile IP and TCP
  • Software-defined Networking
  • OpenFlow
  • Cloud-based services
• Studies in large networks
  • Network measurements and big data
  • Random graphs
  • Information flow and epidemics on the Internet

Assessment details

Please note: The below assessment details for the 2024/25 academic year may be updated. The confirmed details will be available on the Student Handbook and on the module KEATS page at the beginning of the semester.

• 100% Examination

Semester 1 only study abroad students will be required to take this exam in an alternative assessment format in the January exam period.

Full year study abroad students will be required to take this exam in person in January.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.