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CIT303Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Principles Of Communication Technology

This course introduces the principles of communication technology, covering essential concepts and models. It explores analog and digital signal transmission, various communication media, and computer networking fundamentals. Students will learn about network protocols, standards, and topologies. The course also delves into the application of computers in data transmission and security, including cryptography and network operating systems. This course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of communication technologies and their practical applications in modern networks.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Communication TechnologyNetworkingData TransmissionProtocolsSecurity

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Data Communication

2

Network Models

3

Signal Transmission

4

Computer Networking

5

Communication Media

6

Network Security

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Network Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Data Security Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Telecommunications Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Network Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

IT Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

TelecommunicationsInformation TechnologyNetwork SecurityData ManagementComputer Science

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Basic Concepts of Communication Technology

6h

Unit 1: Data Transmission

3 study hours
  • •Understand the fundamental characteristics of data communication systems.
  • •Explore the components of a data communication system.
  • •Differentiate between simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex data flow.

Unit 2: Networks

3 study hours
  • •Define computer networks and their role in distributed processing.
  • •Examine network criteria such as performance, reliability, and security.
  • •Distinguish between point-to-point and multipoint connections.
Week
2

Module 1: Basic Concepts of Communication Technology

6h

Unit 3: Protocols and Standards

3 study hours
  • •Understand the importance of protocols and standards in computer networks.
  • •Explore the key elements of a protocol: syntax, semantics, and timing.
  • •Identify various standards organizations and their roles.

Unit 1: OSI: Physical Layer

3 study hours
  • •Describe the functions of the Physical Layer in the OSI model.
  • •Understand the Physical Signaling Sub Layer.
  • •Explore examples of Physical Layer technologies and hardware.
Week
3

Module 2: Models of Communication

6h

Unit 2: Data Link layer

3 study hours
  • •Explain the role of the Data Link Layer in transferring data between network nodes.
  • •Understand the sub-layers of the Data Link Layer: LLC and MAC.
  • •Explore protocol examples such as Ethernet and PPP.

Unit 3: OSI: Network and Transport layers

3 study hours
  • •Describe the functions of the Network Layer and Transport Layer in the OSI model.
  • •Understand connection-oriented and connectionless communication.
  • •Explore the relation of the Network layer with TCP/IP.
Week
4

Module 2: Models of Communication

6h

Unit 4: OSI: Session Layer

3 study hours
  • •Explain the role of the Session Layer in managing communication sessions.
  • •Understand Session Layer services such as authentication and session restoration.
  • •Explore Session Layer protocols such as NetBIOS and SSH.

Unit 5: OSI: Presentation Layer and Application Layer

3 study hours
  • •Describe the functions of the Presentation Layer and Application Layer in the OSI model.
  • •Understand Presentation Layer services such as encryption and compression.
  • •Explore Presentation Layer protocols such as AFP and ASCII.
Week
5

Module 2: Models of Communication

6h

Unit 6: TCP/IP Model

3 study hours
  • •Understand the TCP/IP model and its advantages.
  • •Explore TCP/IP services and protocols.
  • •Describe the characteristics of the Internet Protocol (IP).

Unit 1: Analog Signal

3 study hours
  • •Understand the tools used in Analog Signal Processing.
  • •Explain Signals and Systems.
  • •Differentiate between Time and Frequency Domains.
Week
6

Module 3: Analog and Digital Signal transmission

6h

Unit 2: Digital Signal

6 study hours
  • •Explain Digital Signal Processing.
  • •Understand Digital Signal Domain.
  • •Discuss Signal sampling.
  • •Discuss Time and Space Domains.
  • •Explain Frequency Domain
Week
7

Module 4: Computer Networking

6h

Unit 1: Networking Methods

3 study hours
  • •Describe Networking Methods.
  • •Explain Local Area Network (LAN).
  • •Explain Wide Area Network (WAN).
  • •Explain Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).
  • •Explain Wireless Networks (WLAN, WWAN).

Unit 2: Network Topology

3 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of Network Topology.
  • •Explain Bus Topology.
  • •Explain Ring Topology.
  • •Explain Star Topology.
  • •Explain Tree Topology.
  • •Explain Mesh Topology.
Week
8

Module 4: Computer Networking

6h

Unit 3: VOIP

6 study hours
  • •Discourse Internet Telephony.
  • •Explain the Technical Barriers in VOIP.
  • •Discourse the future of VOIP.
Week
9

Module 5: Types of Communication Media

6h

Unit 1: Guided Media

6 study hours
  • •Explain guided media of communication.
  • •Discuss Twisted-Pair cable.
  • •Discuss Coaxial Cable.
  • •Discuss Fiber-Optic Cable.
Week
10

Module 5: Types of Communication Media

6h

Unit 2: Unguided Media

6 study hours
  • •Discuss unguided media of network communication.
  • •Explain Radio waves.
  • •Explain Microwaves.
  • •Explain Infrared.
Week
11

Module 5: Types of Communication Media

6h

Unit 3: Transmission Impairment

6 study hours
  • •Discuss Transmission impairment.
  • •Explain Attenuation.
  • •Explain Distortion.
  • •Explain Noise.
Week
12

Module 6: Application of Computer in Data Transmission and Security

6h

Unit 1: Network Operating Systems (NOS)

3 study hours
  • •Define a Network Operating System (NOS).
  • •Compare a Computer with a NOS to a Computer without a NOS and a Network Interface Card (NIC).
  • •Discuss Peer-to-peer and Client/Server LAN.
  • •Explain what a NOS does.
  • •Discuss Network monitoring.

Unit 2: Switching Technology

3 study hours
  • •Explain the methods of switching.
  • •Understand the concept of Switching Computers.
  • •Discuss extensively the structure and component of switches.
Week
13

Module 6: Application of Computer in Data Transmission and Security

6h

Unit 3: Cryptography

3 study hours
  • •Define various terms in cryptography.
  • •Differentiate between Symmetric-Key Cryptography and Asymmetric-Key Cryptography.

Unit 4: Network Security

3 study hours
  • •Explain the services provided by network security.
  • •Discuss Message in a network.
  • •Explain Entity Integrity.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking OSI model layers and their functions (Units 2-5).

2

Practice subnetting and IP addressing problems from Unit 6.

3

Review different types of network topologies and their advantages/disadvantages (Module 4).

4

Study common network security threats and countermeasures (Module 6).

5

Understand the differences between symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms (Unit 3).

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