General

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of data communication systems and networking principles. It covers the fundamentals of data transmission, error detection, compression techniques, and network protocols, including the ISO-OSI and TCP/IP models. Students will explore network design, configuration, security, and management, as well as the practical applications of network operating systems and internet technologies. Laboratory sessions reinforce theoretical concepts through hands-on experiments and demonstrations.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to:

1. Introduce the foundational concepts and technologies in data communication and networking.
2. Explain the layered architecture of networks and their corresponding protocols.
3. Explore error detection, correction, and data compression techniques.
4. Provide practical skills in network setup, configuration, and troubleshooting.
5. Address security threats and mechanisms in networking.
6. Develop proficiency in implementing client-server applications and understanding network operating systems.

Overall Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Identify various network services, characteristics, elements, standards, and technologies.
2. Describe the layered architecture of computer networks and the operation of main protocols in the TCP/IP model.
3. Compare and contrast different techniques and design issues, such as addressing, routing, internetworking, switching, multiplexing, error and flow control, medium access, and coding.
4. Implement simple client-server applications using socket programming.
5. Set up a small network and configure network components, including switches, routers, and services (e.g., RAS, FTP, DNS, Web, DHCP, POP3).
6. Explain potential threats to network resources and various security mechanisms.