Prerequisite: COSC 110, and MATH 121 or 125, and MATH 214, 216, or 217, or equivalents.
Data communications, computer network architectures, functions of various network layers, communication protocols, internetworking, emerging high-speed networks.
Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1) Analyze the basics of data communications and network architecture.
2) Analyze functions of each layer of a computer network.
3) Evaluate essential features of specific protocols in the common protocol suite.
4) Analyze the methodology and the rationale behind addressing, routing, and congestion control.
5) Evaluate the various multiplexing and switching methods used in networks.
6) Evaluate wireless LANs, high-speed digital access, such DSL and cable modem, cellular phone and satellite networks
Detailed Course Outline:
1. Introduction to Computer Networks — 1.0 week
A. Application of Computer Networks
B. Network Hardware
C. Network Software
D. OSI Model
E. Internet Model
2. Physical Layer — 2.5 weeks
A. Transmission Media- Guided and Unguided
B. Wireless Transmission
C. Communication Satellites
D. High-speed Digital Access- DSL, Cable Modem
E. Multiplexing- FDM, WDM, TDM
F. Mobile Telephone Network
3. Data Link Layer — 2.5 weeks
A. Data Link Layer Design Issue- Framing, Error and Flow Control
B. Error Detection and Correction
C. Elementary Data Link Protocols
D. Sliding Window Protocols
E. Example Data Link Protocols- HDLC
TEST-I — one class period
4. Medium Access Control (MAC) Sublayer — 2.5 weeks
A. Multiple Access Protocols
B. LANs – topologies and protocols
C. Ethernet
D. Wireless LANs – topologies and protocols
E. Broadband Wireless
F. Data Link Layer Switching – Hubs, bridges, switches, routers, and gateways
5. Network Layer — 2.5 weeks
A. Network Layer Design Issues
B. Routing Algorithms
C. Congestion Control Algorithm
D. Quality of Service (QoS)
E. Internetworking
F. Network Layer in the Internet
G. Development in Internet Protocols
6. Transport Layer — 1.5 weeks
A. Elements of Transport Protocols
B. Internet Transport Protocols – TCP and UDP
C. Performance Issues
TEST-II — one class period
7. Application Layer — 1.5 week
A. Fundamentals of the Session and Presentation Layers
B. Domain Name System (DNS)
C. E-mail
D. File Transfer Protocol
F. WWW and Multimedia
Total = 14 weeks
Final Exam: During Final Exam week
Evaluation Methods:
The final grade of the course will be determined as follows:
Two Class Tests 30%
Final Exam (Comprehensive) 25%
Projects 15%
Assignments 15%
Quizzes 15%
Example Grading Scale:
The grading scale will be:
90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, and < 60% = F.
Undergraduate Course Attendance policy:
The attendance policy will conform to the university undergraduate course attendance policy.
Required Textbook, Supplemental Books and Readings:
Tanenbaum, Andrew S. Computer Networks (4/e), Prentice Hall, 2003, ISBN #0-13-066102-3
