Module Code and Title:       CSC103          Data Communications I

Programme:                          BCA

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       Phub Namgay

General Objective: This module provides an introduction to the networking technologies that are increasingly important in today’s world. It describes the concept of data communication and different types of modulation techniques used in communication. The module also introduces the different types of error detection and correction techniques used while transmitting data through network. Students will also learn the basic concepts of how to manage a simple TCP/IP network. The module will set the stage for more advanced topics in later modules related to networking and data communications.

Learning Outcomes – On completion of the module, learners will be able to:

1. Explain the basics of computer networking, including the traditional seven-layer OSI model and its differences from the TCP/IP model.
2. Discuss the components that are used to design a simple network and the high-level software that is necessary to exploit the capabilities of a distributed computing system.
3. Differentiate between the various error detection techniques used in data transmission.
4. Enlist the different types of signals used in a communication system.
5. Demonstrate the usage of different types of cables and connectors while setting up a test local area network.
6. Measure the performance and throughput of a simple network.
7. Evaluate the basic structure of a telecommunications network and different switching networks.
8. Analyse the important upcoming networking technologies with a special emphasis on wireless networking, including IEEE 802 standards, Bluetooth, broadband wireless etc.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

*The practical component will be conducted over two full days in workshop-style.

Assessment Approach:

A. Written Assignment: Portion of the Final Mark: 15%

Two assignments of 500-1000 words should be submitted, each worth half of the total weightage for assignments. The assignments will be on an analysis of the different levels of the OSI model. 40% will be awarded for explanation of purpose, 40% for depth writing and 20% for illustrating its applications.

B. Class Test: Portion of the Final Mark: 15%

This is a written test conducted within the class for duration of 30-40 minutes. There will two such tests, one before midterm comprising of topics from the beginning to the quarter point of the subject matter and the other after the midterm comprising of topics from after the midterm to quarter pointer after midterm. Each class test will consist of 3 problems. The students have to solve those problems in the class within predefined time.

C. Presentation: Portion of the Final Mark: 5%

Students will be divided into groups and each group will have maximum 4 members. A specific topic from the syllabus will be given to each group and they have to make a power point presentation based on that topic related to OSI Models, Network hardware and software, and have to present in the class. 30% for preparedness, and 10% for timing, 20% for handling of Q&A session, 15% for group coordination, 10% for individual contribution and 15% for presentation skill. The presentation will be approximately 10-12 minutes for each individuals in a group, and include power points slides.

D. Class Participation: Portion of the Final Mark: 5%

This component assesses the student’s overall performance in class throughout the semester. This portion is awarded for the active participation in class activities like discussion and question-answer sessions.

Activity: Questions based on previous class are asked to the whole class at the beginning of every lecture session. Students who give answers are marked (similarly discussion participation is also marked), and these are counted at the end of the semester to assign class participation marks for every student.

E. Lab practical viva: Portion of Final Mark: 5%

Students will be assessed by 5 min. viva at the end. This will include a verbal Q&A as well as a practical demonstration from the topics covered in the class.

F. Midterm Exam: Portion of the Final Mark: 20%

This a college wide examination conducted at the half-way into the semester. This examination is conducted for 1 hour and 30 Minutes and it includes all topics till the half-way point in the subject matter.

Prerequisites:

Subject Matter:

1. Introduction
   • Uses of Computer Networks
     • Business Applications
     • Home Applications
     • Mobile Users
     • Social Issues
   • Network Hardware
     • Local Area networks
     • Metropolitan Area Networks
     • Wide Area Networks
     • Home Networks
     • Internetworks
   • Network Software
     • Protocol Hierarchies
     • Design Issues for the Layers
     • Connection- Oriented and Connectionless Services
     • Service Primitives
     • The Relationship of Services to protocols
   • Reference Models
     • The OSI Reference Model
     • The TCP/IP Reference Model
     • A Comparison of the OSI and TCP/IP Reference Models
     • A Critique of the OSI Model and Protocols
     • A Critique of the TCP/IP Reference Model
   • Example Networks
     • The Internet
     • Connection- Oriented Networks: X.25, Frame Relay, and ATM
     • Ethernet

2. The Physical Layer
   • The Theoretical Basis for Data Communication
     • Fourier Analysis
     • Bandwidth- Limited Signals
     • The Maximum Data Rate of a Channel
   • Guided Transmission Media
     • Magnetic Media
     • Twisted Pair
     • Coaxial Cable
     • Fibre Optics
   • Wireless Transmission
     • The Electromagnetic Spectrum
     • Radio Transmission
     • Infrared and Millimeter Waves
     • Lightwave Transmission
   • Communication Satellites
     • Geostationary Satellites
     • Medium- Earth Orbit Satellites
     • Low- Earth Orbit Satellites
   • The Public Switched Telephone Network
     • Structure of the Telephone System
     • The local Loop: Modems, ADSL, and Wireless
     • Trunks and Multiplexing
     • Switching
   • The Mobile Telephone System
     • First- Generation Mobile Phones: Analog Voice
     • Second- Generation Mobile Phones: Digital Voice
     • Third- Generation Mobile Phones: Digital Voice and Data

3. The Data Link Layer
   • Data Link Layer Design Issues
     • Services Provided to the Network Layer
     • Framing
     • Error Control
     • Flow Control
   • Error Detection And Correction
     • Error- Correction Codes
     • Error- Detecting Codes
   • Elementary Data Link Protocols
     • An Unrestricted Simplex Protocol
     • A Simplex Stop-and-Wait Protocol
     • A Simplex Protocol for a Noisy Channel
   • Sliding Window Protocols
     • A One-Bit Sliding Window Protocol
     • A Protocol Using Go Back N
     • A Protocol Using Selective Repeat
   • Example Data Link Protocols
     • The Data Link Layer in the Internet

4. The Medium Access Control Sublayer
   • Multiple Access Protocols
     • Carrier Sense Multiple Access Protocols
     • Collision- Free Protocols
   • Ethernet
     • Ethernet Cabling
     • Manchester Encoding
     • The Ethernet MAC Sublayer Protocol
     • The Binary Exponential Back off Algorithm
     • Ethernet Performance
     • Switched Ethernet
     • Fast Ethernet
     • 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE, 10GbE, or 10 GigE)
   • Bluetooth
     • Bluetooth Architecture
     • Bluetooth Application
     • The Bluetooth Protocol Stack
   • Data Link Layer Switching
     • Bridges from 802.x to 802.y
     • Local Internetworking
     • Spanning Tree Bridges
     • Remote Bridges
     • Repeaters, Hubs, Bridges, Switches, Routers, and Gateways

5. Practical Components (workshops):
   • Identification of requirements for a test network
   • Planning a network layout based on capacity requirement estimation
   • Identifying hardware options and selecting and deploying the essential hardware
   • Making appropriate connections – copper (e.g. Ethernet), fibre, or wireless
   • Basic server / gateway / router configuration for TCP/IP, including basic subnetting
   • Workstation/end-user configuration for connecting to a TCP/IP network
   • Basic measurement of network performance and throughput

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading:
   • Forouzan, B.A. (2012). Data Communications and Networking. 5^th Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi.
   • Tanenbaum, A.S. (2013), Computer Network. 5^th Pearson Education, Delhi.
   • Nagpal, D. (2011). Data Communication and Networking (1st ed.). S Chand & Co.
   • Vine, M. (2015). Data Communications and Networking: Volume I. Clanrye International.
2. Additional Reading:
   • Comer, D.E. (2013). Internetworking with TCP/IP Principles, Protocols and Architectures. 6th Edition. Prentice Hall of India, New Delhi.
   • Tangney, B. and Mahony, D. (1995). Local Area Networks and their applications.Prentice Hall of India.
   • Chellis, J., Perkins,C., Strebe, M., (1998). MCSE: Networking Essentials. BPB Publication, New Delhi.

Date: May 30, 2015