Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

1. Explain fundamental data communication principles, data flow, representation, and network models (OSI, TCP/IP).
2. Describe functions and interactions of network layers ensuring reliable communication.
3. Apply protocols and techniques (error control, flow control, routing, congestion management) for reliable systems.
4. Configure and interpret addressing schemes (IPv4, IPv6, subnetting) and key application services (DNS, DHCP, TCP, UDP).

Course Outline

Unit I: Overview of Computer Network

Introduction to data communications, data representation and data flow, concepts of communication in computer networks, layered architecture, OSI, TCP/IP, addressing of network devices. Physical layer: data and signal fundamentals, analog and digital signals, transmission impairments. Guided media: twisted pair, coaxial, and fibre optic cables. Unguided media: radio waves, microwaves, and infra-red.

Unit II: Data Link Layer and Network Layer

Data link layer design issues, error detection and correction: parity bit, CRC, elementary data link protocol: stop-and-wait ARQ, sliding window, selective repeat. IPv4 and IPv6 packets and addressing, subnetting, network layer protocols: ICMP, DHCP. Shortest path, flooding, Distance Vector routing (DVR), Link State Routing, interior and exterior gateway protocol.

Unit III: Transport Layer and Application Layer

Functions of transport layer protocols: congestion control, reliable service, introduction to Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), header description, User Datagram Protocol (UDP), use of UDP, header description. Domain Name Systems (DNS): name space (flat and hierarchical), primary and secondary servers.

Suggested Readings

1. Forouzan, B. A. (2013). Data communication and networking (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
2. Stallings, W. (2017). Cryptography and network security: Principles and practice (7th ed.). PHI Learning.
3. Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. (2011). Computer networks (5th ed.). Prentice Hall.
4. Schiller, J. (2003). Mobile communications (2nd ed.). Addison-Wesley.
5. Stojmenovic, I., & Cacute, A. (2002). Handbook of wireless networks and mobile computing. Wiley.