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CIT852Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Data communication and Networks

This course deals with fundamental issues in Computer Networks. It covers data communication, modulation, and multiplexing techniques. Topics include MAC layer protocols, routing techniques, congestion techniques, and network layer protocols. The course also explores transport layer mechanisms, addressing, connection establishment, flow control, multiplexing, and network security, providing a comprehensive understanding of data communication and network principles.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Data CommunicationComputer NetworksRoutingNetwork SecurityTCP/UDP

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

Computer Networks

3

Network Topologies

4

Routing Algorithms

5

Congestion Control

6

Network Security

7

TCP/UDP

8

Internetworking

Total Topics8 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 assessments

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

Network Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cybersecurity Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Data Communication Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

IT Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

TelecommunicationsInformation TechnologyBankingHealthcareGovernment

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Data Communication and Computer Network Concepts

8h

Unit 1: Introduction to Computer Networks

8 study hours
  • •Understand computer network concepts, types, and applications.
  • •Differentiate between network topologies and protocols.
  • •Explore the OSI and TCP/IP reference models.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Data Communication and Computer Network Concepts

8h

Unit 2: Data Transmission

8 study hours
  • •Learn about data communication terminology: channel, baud, bandwidth, frequency.
  • •Explore modes of data transmission: serial, parallel, synchronous, asynchronous.
  • •Understand transmission impairments and their impact.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Data Communication and Computer Network Concepts

8h

Unit 3: Data Encoding and Communication Technique

8 study hours
  • •Study data encoding techniques: analog-to-analog, analog-to-digital, digital-to-analog, digital-to-digital.
  • •Understand modulation techniques and their applications.
  • •Explore different encoding schemes and their characteristics.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to Data Communication and Computer Network Concepts

8h

Unit 4: Multiplexing and Switching

8 study hours
  • •Learn about multiplexing techniques: FDM, TDM.
  • •Understand switching concepts: circuit switching, packet switching.
  • •Explore digital subscriber lines (DSL) and their advantages.
Week
5

Module 2: Media Access Control and Data Link Layer

8h

Unit 1: Data Link Layer Fundamentals

8 study hours
  • •Study data link layer fundamentals: framing, error detection, flow control.
  • •Understand error detection methods: parity check, CRC.
  • •Explore flow control mechanisms: stop-and-wait, sliding window.
Week
6

Module 2: Media Access Control and Data Link Layer

8h

Unit 2: Retransmission Strategies

8 study hours
  • •Learn about retransmission strategies: Stop-and-Wait ARQ, Go-Back-N ARQ, Selective Repeat ARQ.
  • •Understand pipelining and its impact on efficiency.
  • •Explore piggybacking and its benefits.
Week
7

Module 2: Media Access Control and Data Link Layer

8h

Unit 3: Contention-Based Media Access Protocols

8 study hours
  • •Study contention-based media access protocols: ALOHA, Slotted ALOHA, CSMA.
  • •Understand CSMA variants: 1-Persistent, Non-Persistent, p-Persistent.
  • •Explore CSMA/CD and its applications.
Week
8

Module 2: Media Access Control and Data Link Layer

8h

Unit 4: Wireless LAN and Datalink Layer Switching

8 study hours
  • •Learn about wireless LAN architecture and IEEE 802.11 standard.
  • •Understand hidden station and exposed station problems.
  • •Explore wireless LAN protocols: MACA, MACAW.
Week
9

Module 3: Network Layer

8h

Unit 1: Introduction to Layer Functionality and Design Issues

8 study hours
  • •Study network layer functionality and design issues.
  • •Differentiate between connection-oriented and connectionless services.
  • •Understand addressing schemes: hierarchical, flat, static, dynamic.
Week
10

Module 3: Network Layer

8h

Unit 2: Routing Algorithms

8 study hours
  • •Learn about routing algorithms: flooding, shortest path, distance vector, link state.
  • •Understand hierarchical routing and its benefits.
  • •Explore broadcast and multicast routing techniques.
Week
11

Module 3: Network Layer

8h

Unit 3: Congestion Control in Public Switched Network

8 study hours
  • •Study congestion control in public switched networks.
  • •Understand congestion prevention mechanisms.
  • •Explore open-loop control techniques: admission control, traffic policing, traffic shaping.
Week
12

Module 3: Network Layer

8h

Unit 4: Internetworking

8 study hours
  • •Learn about internetworking concepts and protocols.
  • •Understand tunneling and encapsulation techniques.
  • •Explore network layer protocols: IP, ICMP, OSPF, BGP.
Week
13

Module 4: Transport Layer and Application Layer Services

16h

Unit 1: Transport Services and Mechanism

8 study hours
  • •Study transport services and mechanisms: types of services, quality of service, data transfer.
  • •Understand elements of transport layer protocols: addressing, multiplexing, flow control.
  • •Explore connection establishment and crash recovery.

Unit 2: TCPIUDP

8 study hours
  • •Study TCP and UDP protocols: services provided, segment headers, connection establishment, flow control.
  • •Understand TCP congestion control mechanisms.
  • •Explore remote procedure call (RPC) concepts.

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 Modules 1-4 network concepts

2

Practice subnetting and IP addressing problems from Unit 4

3

Review routing algorithm examples from Unit 2

4

Focus on TCP/UDP header fields and their functions from Module 4

5

Study network security concepts and algorithms from Units 3-4

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