Data Communications

Aims of Course:

oThis course introduces networking concepts and principles of modern computer networks, with emphasis on protocols, architectures for both LAN and WAN with emphasis on Ethernet and Internet. Students should understand the basic and fundamental concepts of networking among heterogeneous subnets and should differentiate between Local Asynchronous Communication and Long Distance Communication in addition to LAN Technologies and topologies, Protocols and layering.
oThis course exposes the students to the basic principles of the technology of data communications and networking. Upon completion of this course, the students should have a good working knowledge of communication technology (network components, transmission links, link control, protocols, network topologies, error detection and correction), network management and security, privacy, legal and ethical issues, and Local Area Networks.

Learning Experiences:

The course is offered in 40 hours of lectures with case studies, individual exercises, class discussion, critical analysis, problem solving, and individual private study.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able:
oDescribe the hardware and software commonly used in data communications and networking.
oDefine the functions of the seven layers of the OSI reference model.
oCompare and contrast WAN and LAN protocols and topologies.
oDescribe the major WAN and LAN applications.
oExplain the functions of the major components in a network.
oTo understand the rules and procedures that mediate the exchange of information between two communication processes
oUnderstand how computer networks, network protocols and topologies operate.
oIdentify the security requirements of a network.
oTo illustrate the Internetworking among heterogeneous subnets in terms of addressing and routing
oTo examine the protocol header encoding rules
oTo analyze techniques for parsing protocol headers