Academic Year AY2017-18 Semester 2

Course Coordinator DR SHAO XUGUANG, MICHELLE

Course Code EE3017/IM2003
Course Title COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS
Pre-requisites NIL
No of AUs 3
Contact Hours 2-hour online lecture and 1.5-hour tutorial session per week, and one 3-hour
laboratory session. In total, 26 lecture hours and 19.5 tutorial hours, and 3
laboratory hours per semester.
Proposal Date 26 Oct 2017

Course Aims

The course is to provide you with the fundamental concepts in computer communications, proceeding
from data communications over a data link to transfer of information across local-area networks and
wide-area networks.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

By the end of this course, you (as a student) would be able to:
1. Describe computer network from various perspectives, such as network architectures, network
services and TCP/IP layered protocol architecture
2. Apply knowledge learned for the two main switching technique in building model and
conducting performance analysis
3. Relate various properties of a data transmission to the channel capacity, construct model and
conduct mathematical analysis
4. Apply various line coding/modulation and scramble code technique acquired and perform
evaluation
5. Describe major services that the data link layer offer
6. Construct models and conduct performance analysis under various situations for flow control,
error detection and error control within the data layer.
7. Explain Local Area Network (LAN) and LAN technologies; including IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.11
protocols
8. Explain Internet Protocol
9. Explain Transmission Control Protocol and User Datagram Protocol
10. Explain Internet Checksum
11. Conduct experiment for LAN switch operation.

Course Content

Introduction to Computer Communications. Data Communications Fundamentals. Data Link Layer.

Introduction to Internet and Protocol. Multiple Access Links and Protocols and Local Area Network.
Network Layer. Transport Layer. Internet Checksum Calculation.

1
Lab Description (3 hours)
E3017L/I2003L
Students are required to go through a 3-hour lab session “LAN Switch Operations”. The purpose of this
lab is to strengthen and re-enforce those concepts taught in the class. This experiment comprises two
parts:

Part I : Spanning-Tree Protocol in switched LAN

• To study the principle of spanning-tree algorithm

• To study the characteristics of LAN switches in the presence of spanning-tree algorithm

Part II : Multiple VLAN operations

• To study the principle of virtual LAN (VLAN)

• Create multiple VLANs and trunk links between switches

Assessment (includes both continuous and summative assessment)

Component Course Related Weightage Team Assessment Rubrics

LO Programme /Individual
Tested LO or
Graduate
Attributes
1. Final 1-10 EAB: a, c 60 Individual
Examination
2. Continuous 1-6 EAB: a, c 10 Individual
Assessment 1
(CA1): Quiz
#1
3. CA2: Quiz #2 1, 7 EAB: a, c 10 Individual
4. CA3: 1-11 EAB: b 10 Individual
Assignment/L
aboratory

5. CA2: Class 1-10 EAB: a, c, f, g 10 Individual

Participation

Total 100%

2
* From the NTU website: EEE & IEM Programme Accreditation (Refer to Student Learning Outcomes)
http://www.eee.ntu.edu.sg/Programmes/CurrentStudents/undergraduate/accreditation/Pages/Home.a
spx
http://www.ntu.edu.sg/tlpd/tlr/obtl/4/Pages/41.aspx

Formative feedback

Students will be able to know their weakness and strength with the feedback through in-class activities
such as individual readiness assurance. The results of the two quizzes will be made known to the
students immediately after the quiz session which help them gauge their level of understanding of the
topics. Lab supervisors will discuss with students in practical lab sessions of this subject so that students
can improve their practical skills. After the exam, examiner’s report will be uploaded to NTULearn to let
them understand the focused topics and common mistakes.

Learning and Teaching approach

Approach How does this approach support students in achieving the learning outcomes?

Lecture Fundamental concepts as well as background necessary to understand and

implement the course project will be covered in a series of lectures. These will
contribute towards LO1 through LO10.

Tutorial The tutorials will complement the lectures in terms of learning of fundamental
concepts. Additionally, they will be used to discuss relevant literature and course
project related issues. Thus, they will contribute towards LO1 through LO10.

Laboratory These sessions will be used to provide the necessary background for the
execution of course project. They will also be used for feedback, evaluation, and
consultation related to the course project. Thus, they will contribute towards
LO1 through LO11

Reading and References

REFERENCES
1. Leon-Garcia Alberto and Widjaja Indra, Communication Networks: Fundamental Concepts and Key
Architectures, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2004. (TK5101.L579 2004)
2. Kurose James F and Ross Keith W, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 5th Edition,
Pearson, 2010. (TK5105.875.I57K96 2010a)
3. Kurose James F and Ross Keith W, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 6th Edition,
Pearson, 2013. (TK5105.875.I57K96 2013a)
4. Stallings William, Data and Computer Communications, 10th Edition, Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 2014.
(TK5105.S782 2014)
5. Behrouz A. Forouzan, DeAnza College, Data Communications and Networking, 5th ed, McGraw-
Hill, 2012. (TK5105.F727 2013)

3
Course Policies and Student Responsibilities

(1) General
Students are expected to complete all assigned pre-class readings and online lectures before coming to
the corresponding tutorial sessions, attend all tutorial classes punctually and take all scheduled
assignments and tests by due dates. Students are expected to take responsibility to follow up with
course notes, assignments and course related announcements throughout the course. Students are
expected to participate in all tutorial discussions and activities.

(2) Absenteeism
In-class activities make up a significant portion of your participation marks. Absence from class without a
valid reason will affect your overall course grade. Valid reasons include falling sick supported by a
medical certificate and participation in NTU’s approved activities supported by an excuse letter from the
relevant bodies. There will be no make-up opportunities for in-class activities.

Students need to attend the lab session punctually. Students with valid reasons such as MC are allowed
to have lab makeup in a week. Students having lab in week 13 with a valid MC may not have makeup lab
arranged and will be denoted as MC for their lab sessions.

Academic Integrity

Good academic work depends on honesty and ethical behaviour. The quality of your work as a student
relies on adhering to the principles of academic integrity and to the NTU Honour Code, a set of values
shared by the whole university community. Truth, Trust and Justice are at the core of NTU’s shared
values.

As a student, it is important that you recognize your responsibilities in understanding and applying the
principles of academic integrity in all the work you do at NTU. Not knowing what is involved in
maintaining academic integrity does not excuse academic dishonesty. You need to actively equip
yourself with strategies to avoid all forms of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, academic fraud,
collusion and cheating. If you are uncertain of the definitions of any of these terms, you should go to
the academic integrity website for more information. Consult your instructor(s) if you need any
clarification about the requirements of academic integrity in the course.

Course Instructors

Instructor Office Location Phone Email

Dr Shao Xuguang, Michelle S1-B1a-10 65137648 [email protected]
Prof Cheng Tee Hiang S1-B1a-29 67904534 [email protected]

Planned Weekly Schedule

Week Topic Course LO Readings/ Activities

Introduction to Computer
Tutorial 1 on Introduction to
1 Communications 1,2
Computer Communications
• Introduction to Computer
4
 Communications • Scaffolding of new TEL tutorial
• Network architecture mode and policy
• Circuit Switching vs. Packet
• Discussion topics to start with
Switching
• Pipelining in Packet Switching • Q&A session
Network
• Layered Protocol Architecture
Tutorial 2 on Introduction to
Data Communications Fundamentals Computer Communications
(Part 1) • Possible Individual Readiness
2 • Data Transmission 3 Assurance (IRA), graded
• Channel Capacity
• Tutorial Questions Elaborations
• Q&A Session

Tutorial 3 on Data Communication

Data Communications Fundamentals Fundamentals
(Part 2) • Possible Individual Readiness
3 • Line Coding/modulation 4 Assurance (IRA), graded
• Scramble Code
• Tutorial Questions Elaborations
• Q&A session

Tutorial 4 on Line coding and

Data Link Layer (Part 1) Scramble Code
• Data Link Layer Overview • Possible Individual Readiness
4 • Framing and Stuffing 5,6 Assurance (IRA), graded
• High-level Data Link Control
• Flow Control • Tutorial Questions Elaborations
• Q&A Session

Tutorial 5 on Flow Control

Data Link Layer (Part 2) • Possible Individual Readiness

5 • Error Control Overview 6 Assurance (IRA), graded
• Cyclic Redundancy Check • Tutorial Questions Elaborations
• Q&A session

Tutorial 6 on Error Detection

Data Link Layer (Part 3) • Possible Individual Readiness

6 • Automatic Repeat Request 6 Assurance (IRA), graded
• Tutorial Questions Elaborations
• Q&A Session

5
 Tutorial 7 on Automatic Repeat
Request
Introduction • Possible Individual Readiness
• What is the Internet? Assurance (IRA), graded
7 1
• What is a protocol?
• Tutorial Questions Elaborations
• Why are there many protocol layers?
• Summary on Part I
• Q&A Session

Multiple Access Links and Protocols Formal OASIS Quiz #1 (not within
• Multiple Access Links the tutorial time)
• MAC Protocols:
Tutorial 8 on Introduction of Part II
o Channel Partitioning
8 7
o Random Access • Possible IRA, graded
o “Taking Turns”
• Tutorial Questions Elaborations
• MAC Addresses
• LAN Addresses • Q&A Session
From Ethernet to IEEE 802.3
Tutorial 9 on MAC Protocols
• Ethernet
o Introduction • Possible IRA, graded
o Frame Structure • Tutorial Questions Elaborations
o CSMA/CD Algorithm
9 7 • Q&A Session
• 802.3 Ethernet Standards: Link and
Physical Layers
o Hubs
o Switch
• Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN)
Wireless Local Area Network
Tutorial 10 on Wireless LANs
• Introduction
• Network Topology: • Possible IRA, graded
o Infrastructure Topology • Tutorial Questions Elaborations
o Ad Hoc Topology
10 • MAC Services: 7 • Q&A Session
o Distribution Coordination
Function (CSMA/CA)
o Point Coordination Function
(PCF)
• IEEE 802.11 frame structure
Network Layer – Internet Protocol Laboratory
• Introduction
• IP Datagram Format
8,11
11 • IP Fragmentation and Reassembly Tutorial 11 on Network Layer
• Number System
• Possible IRA, graded
• IP Addressing
• IP Address Classes • Tutorial Questions Elaborations

6
 • New IP Addressing • Q&A Session
• Subnet Addressing
• Subnet Mask
• Special IP Addresses
• Forwarding Table in a Host
• Routing a Datagram from Source to
Destination in the Same IP Network
• Forwarding Table in a Table
• Routing a Datagram from Source to
Destination in the Different IP
Networks
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP)
• Subnet Zero and The All-Ones
Subnet
Transport Layer
OASIS Quiz #2
• Transport Service and Protocols
• Internet Transport Layer Protocol Laboratory
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP) Tutorial 12 on Network Layer
• TCP
o Overview • Possible IRA, graded
o Segment Structure • Tutorial Questions Elaborations
12 9,11
o Sequence Number and
Acknowledgement • Q&A Session
o Round-trip Time and Timeout
o Retransmission and Fast
Retransmit
o Flow Control
o Connection Managements
Internet Checksum Calculation
Laboratory
• Checksum
• Internet Checksum Implementation Tutorial 13 on Transport Layer and
• Modular Maths Internet Checksum
13 • Congruence Modulo 10,11 • Possible IRA, graded
• Modular Arithmetic
• Checksum Calculation • Tutorial Questions Elaborations
• Internet Checksum: Undetectable • Q&A Session
Errors

7
 Appendix 1: Course Outline

Course Outline

S/N Topic Lecture Hours Tutorial Hours

1 Introduction to Computer Communications
• Introduction to Computer Communications
• Network architecture
3 3
• Circuit Switching vs. Packet Switching
• Pipelining in Packet Switching Network
• Layered Protocol Architecture
2 Data Communications Fundamentals
• Data Transmission
• Channel Capacity 3 3
• Line Coding/modulation
• Scramble Code
3 Data Link Layer
• Data Link Layer Overview
• Framing and Stuffing
6 4.5
• High-level Data Link Control
• Flow Control
• Error Control
4 Introduction
• What is the Internet?
2 1.5
• What is a protocol?
• Why are there many protocol layers?
5 Multiple Access Links and Protocols and Local Area Network
• Multiple Access Links and Protocols
6 4.5
• From Ethernet to IEEE 802.3
• Wireless Local Area Network
6 Network Layer – Internet Protocol
• Introduction
• IP Datagram Format
• IP Fragmentation and Reassembly
• IP Addressing 2 1.5
• Forwarding Table
• Routing a Datagram from Source to Destination
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• Subnet Zero and The All-Ones Subnet
7 Transport Layer
• Transport Service and Protocols
• Internet Transport Layer Protocol 2
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP) 1.5
• TCP
8 Internet Checksum Calculation
2
• Checksum
8
 • Internet Checksum Implementation
• Modular Maths
• Congruence Modulo
• Modular Arithmetic
• Checksum Calculation
• Internet Checksum: Undetectable Errors

Appendix 2: Laboratory/Assignment Assessment Rubric

Performance Level/Criteria
Performance
Outstanding: (9- Average, meet Below expectations:
Indicators/ Good: (7-8)
10) expectation: (5-6) (2-4)
Course LO Tested
Good ability in
Excellent ability in Ability in
understanding
understanding understanding Unable to
key
key key understand key
concepts/theori
concepts/theories concepts/theories concepts/theories
es involved in
involved in the involved in the involved in the
the
Carry out experiment/ experiment/ experiment/
experiment/
experiments or assignment assignment assignment
assignment
verify theories
/LO(1-11) or or or
or
Able to carry out Able to carry out Unable to carry out
Able to carry
experiment with experiment with experiment
out experiment
minimum guidance and on- effectively
with some level
guidance site help
of guidance