SCS2204 Data Communications and Computer Networks

 The course introduces the student to the concepts and terminology of data communications and networking. It includes topics on communication models, network protocols, standards, LANs, WANs, the Internet, intranet and networking applications. The emphasis will be to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of data communications and networking. It also explains the principles of network design, such as layering, packet switching, and the end-to-end argument. Students implement a handful of low-level protocols and services, including reliable transport, IP forwarding, and a Network Address Translation device. Students gain experience reading and understanding RFCs (Internet Protocol specifications) as statements of what a system should do. The course grounds many of the concepts in current practice and recent developments, such as net neutrality and DNS security.

Course Objectives

• The purpose of this focus is to give students a deep understanding of how the network works and how to explain its behavior.
• To develop basic knowledge on the mode of operation of different types of computer networks that are used to interconnect a distributed community of computers and various interfacing standards and protocols.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Have fundamental knowledge in interconnecting computer systems in the most efficient manner for data transfer
• Master the concepts of protocols, network interfaces, and design/performance issues in local area networks and wide area networks
• Design minimum cost paths between any two machines in a network
• Develop mechanisms for effective network management, congestion control and congestion avoidance in the internetwork
• Apply the knowledge earned into various application-level services on the web.