Data Communications and Networks Syllabus - BCIS (PU)

Course Description:

This course is to provide students with an overview of the concepts and fundamentals of data communication and computer networks. Topics to be covered include: data communication concepts and techniques in a layered network architecture, communications switching and routing, types of communication, network congestion, network topologies, network configuration and management, network model components, layered network, models (OSI reference model, TCP/IP networking architecture) and their protocols, various types of networks (LAN, MAN, WAN and Wireless networks) and their protocols. The course is supplemented by a practical components.

Course Objectives:

This course aims to provide the study of computer systems, computer communications and computer networks. The course includes different kinds of networking topologies and their structure and design.  This course also covers the telephone system, electronic email, data flows, networking protocols, and organization around ISO-OSI seven-layer architecture, with review of each layer.

At the end of the course, the students will be able to:

• Build an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computer networking.
• Familiarize the student with the basic taxonomy and terminology of the computer networking area.
• Introduce the student to advanced networking concepts, preparing the student for entry Advanced courses in computer networking.
• Allow the student to gain expertise in some specific areas of networking such as the design and maintenance of individual networks.

Course Outcomes:

After completing this course the student must demonstrate the knowledge and ability to:

• Independently understand basic computer network technology.
• Understand and explain Data Communications System and its components.
• Identify the different types of network topologies and protocols.
• Enumerate the layers of the OSI model and TCP/IP. Explain the function(s) of each layer.
• Identify the different types of network devices and their functions within a network
• Understand and building the skills of subnetting and routing mechanisms.
• Familiarity with the basic protocols of computer networks, and how they can be used to assist in network design and implementation.

Course Contents: 

Unit 1: Data Communication Fundamental 5 hours

Introduction, Block diagram, Data components, Simplex, Duplex, Half Duplex, Signal: Analog and Digital Modulation and its types, Multiplexing and its types, Data representation: Line coding, Transmissions impairments

Unit 2: Introduction to Computer Network 5 hours

Definition, Uses of network, Types of networking: LAN, WAN, MAN, Extra-Net, Intra-Net, Inter-Net, Networking Model: Client-Server, Peer-to-peer model, Active model, Protocols and Standards, Connection-Oriented and Connectionless Protocol, OSI Reference Model and TCP/IP Model, Comparison of OSI and TCP/IP Model, Example network: X.25, Frame Relay, NGN and MPLS

Unit 3: Physical Layer and its Design issues 6 hours

Introduction, design issues and duties of physical layer, Transmission media: Guided: Twisted Pair, Coaxial, Fiber optic. Unguided: Electromagnetic spectrum, Line of Sight, Satellite, Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11 standards. Bandwidth and Data Rate, Switching: Circuit switching, Packet switching. Devices: Hub, Repeaters

Unit 4: Data Link Layer 6 hours          

Services, Framing, Error Control: detection and Correction, Flow Control Elementary Data link protocol, Sliding Window Protocol, Go Back N, Selective Repeat. Example of Data Link Protocol: HDLC, PPP. The Medium Access Control Sub-layer, Multiple access protocol Devices: Switches, Bridges                                                                                                                                       

Unit 5: Network Layer  12 hours

Network layer and its Design issues, Devices: Routers, Gateway. Virtual Circuit and Datagrams Switching, Routing: Static vs. Dynamic, Routing algorithms: Shortest path algorithm, Flooding, Distance vector routing, Link state routing. Congestion Control algorithm: Leaky Bucket and Token Bucket. Internet Protocol: IPv4 frame format, IP Addresses and Classes, Subnetting and Subnet mask.  Introduction to IPv6, frame format, addressing, transition from IPv4 to IPv6: Dual stack, Tunneling and Header Translation.

Unit 6: Transport Layer 3 hours

Services provided to upper layer, Transport protocols: TCP, UDP, SCTP, Ports and Sockets                                                                                                                                       

Unit 7: Application Layer 3 hours

DHCP, DNS, HTTP, SMTP, PROXY, FTP, Example of Clients and Servers Tools

Unit 8: Network Management and Network Security  6 hours

Network Management: Introduction, Components & Internet Management Framework.

Network Security: Introduction, Goals. Attacks and countermeasures: Mapping, Packet sniffing, spoofing, Denial-of-Service Attacks and Hijacking. Cryptography: Symmetric Key and Public Key.  Network layer security: IPsec, VPN. Wireless LAN Security: WEP, WPA. Firewalls

Unit 9: Cloud Networking   2 hours

Introduction, concepts of cloud networking, Network virtualization

Laboratory:

• Network cabling and LAN setup
• Computer Networking on Windows Based Platform (Commands and Tools use)
• Computer Networking on Unix Based Platform (Commands and Tools use)
• Installation and Configuration of Different Types of Servers
• User of Traffic Analyzer
• Implement Network Security and Policies

Reference Books:

• Behrouz A. Forouzan, Data Communication and Networking, McGraw Hill Education
• Andrew S. Tanenbaum: Computer Networks, PHI
• Neil Jenkins and Stan Schatt: Understanding Local Area Networks, PHI
• Stalling, Data and Computer Communication, Macmillan Press
• Kurose & Ross, Computer Networking: A top down approach, Pearson Education