Unity University

Course Number COSC 3081

Course Title Data Communication and Computer Networking
Degree Program BSc. In Computer Science
Credits/Contacts 3/4
Prerequisite COSC 2042
Semester 1st Semester / Year III
Status of Course Compulsory
Course Objectives and After completing this course, the student will be able to:
Competences to be
 Explain the basic concepts of data communication;
acquired
 Characterize digital and analog signal transmission;
 Differentiate serial and parallel signal transmission modes;
 Compare and contrast different multiplexing techniques;
 Explain different error detection and correction methods;
 Describes types and applications of computer network;
 Name and compare different types of data transmission
media;
 Explain layers of OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite;
 Discuss IP addressing schemes and Sub-netting;
 Name and compare LAN connectivity devices;
 Describe wireless LAN technologies (IEEE 802.11);
 Describe WAN technologies: Routers, Layer 3 Switches;
 Discuss routing protocols (RIP, EIGRP,OSPF);
 WAN Technology Options and
 Build small to medium level Computer networks

Course Description This course is designed to acquaint students with the various types of
data communication systems and computer networks. Particular
emphasis will be given to the following topics: Data Communication
Basics, Computer network types and their applications, Data
Communication and Transmission Medias, Layered architectures (OSI
& TCP/IP), LAN connectivity devices, “IP addressing and sub-netting”

Source: Feleke Merin (Dr.-Engr.)

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and WAN Technologies. The student will gain hands-on experience in
the Lab session with building small to medium level LANs including
Cabling, Configuring TCP/IP, Peer to Peer Networking, Sharing
resources, Client Server Networking, Protocol analysis, and
Administration.
Course Contents 1. Data communication basics
1.1 Data Representation techniques
1.2 Data communication model and standards (EAI/TIA,
IEEE, ISO, ANSI)
1.3 Modes of data transmission (simplex, half-duplex, full-
duplex)
2. Signal transmission and error detection and correction
2.1 Transmission of analog and digital signals
2.2 Transmission Impairments (attenuation, distortion, noise)
2.3 Serial and parallel data transmission modes
2.4 Multiplexing techniques (FDM, TDM, …)
2.5 Error detection and correction
3. Fundamentals of computer networking
3.1 Computer network and its benefits
3.2 Difference between LAN and WAN
3.3 Network types: Sever-based networks and peer-to-peer
networks
3.4 LAN topologies(star, bus, ring, mesh, hybrid)
4. Network data transmission media
4.1 Twisted-pair cables (UTP, STP)
4.2 Coaxial cables (10 Base 2, 10 Base 5)
4.3 Fiber Optics cables (single mode, multi-mode)
4.4 Wireless media (wireless LAN, IR, Microwave and
Satellite)
5. Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model
5.1 The Need for Layer Architecture
5.2 The Seven Layers of an OSI Model

Source: Feleke Merin (Dr.-Engr.)

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5.3 Data encapsulation
5.4 Physical Layer and its responsibilities
5.5 Data-link layer and its responsibilities: Error Detection and
Correction, Data Link Control, Data Link layer Protocols
5.6 Network layer and its services
5.6.1 Logical addressing (IPv4, IPv6)
5.6.2 Address mapping (ARP, RARP, BOOTP, DHCP)
5.6.3 Error reporting and multicasting (ICMP, IGMP)
5.6.4 Delivery, Forwarding, Routing(unicast routing
protocols, multicast routing protocols)
5.6 Transport Layer and its services
5.7.1 Multiplexing and Demultiplexing
5.7.2 Connectionless Transport: UDP
5.7.3 Reliable Data Transfer: TCP
5.7.4 Congestion Control and Quality of service
5.7 Application layer and its services
6 Introduction to TCP/IP protocol suite
6.1 Compare TCP/IP suite with OSI reference model
6.2 Layers of TCP/TP protocol suite
6.3 IP addressing schemes
6.4 Sub-netting and masking
6.5 TCP/IP utilities (ping, ipconfig, netstat, traceroute, …)
7 Local Area Network s(LANs) and connectivity devices
7.1 Ethernet LANs (standard, fast, Gigabit Ethernet)
7.2 LAN connectivity devices (Repeater, switch, bridge, router,
…)
7.3 Wireless LAN technologies (IEEE 802.11 standards, ad-
hoc, BSS, EBSS)
8 Wide Area network (WAN) Technologies
8.1 WAN Devices: Routers, Layer 3 Switches and Gateways
8.2 Routing protocols (RIP, EIGRP, OSPF)
8.3 WAN Technology Options

Source: Feleke Merin (Dr.-Engr.)

3
 Unity University
Teaching and learning  Lecture
Methods  Discussion and case studies
 Laboratory Practical work

Assessment/Evaluation  Theoretical Tests (30%)

and Grading System
 Lab test (10%)
 Project work (10%)
 Final Exam (50%)

Text Books 1. Behrouz A. Forouzan; Data communication and networking;

McGraw-Hill, New York, Fifth Edition, 2013
2. William Stallings: Data and Computer Communications, 9th
Edition 2011

Source: Feleke Merin (Dr.-Engr.)

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