Data Communications and Computer Networks (CS3240)

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Updated: September 1, 2010

Contents:

  1. Course content
  2. Textbook
  3. Grades
  4. Ethics
  5. Acronyms
  6. Wireless Devices Policy

Class schedule:

The class meets in Rounds 207, on Tuesday and Thursday, from 2:00 PM until 3:15 PM. The course starts on Thursday, September 2nd and ends on Thursday, December 9th. I.e., 27 class sessions plus the final exam.

Course content:

Prerequisite: CS 2370
Provides an introduction to the study of data communications. The course is breadth-first in nature. Current methods and practices covered. Topics include data transmission, communication techniques, packet switching, routing, long-haul vs. local-area networks and performance considerations.

Outline:

  1. Basic concepts
  2. Layering, the OSI and TCP/IP models
  3. Signals, encoding and modulation
  4. Data Transmission - parallel, serial, synchronous, asynchronous, data compression
  5. Transmission Media - types, performance, signals, attenuation and noise
  6. Communications Channels - data rate, capacity, modulation
  7. Error Detection and Correction - methods, techniques, protocols
  8. Packet Transmission - frame types, configurations, protocol, addressing
  9. The Data Link layer: multiple access, Ethernet, wireless LAN's
  10. The Network layer: logical addressing, IP
  11. The Transport layer: introduction to UDP, TCP, SCTP
  12. The upper layers of the OSI / IP model
  13. Internetworking devices: routers, bridges, spanning tree protocol
  14. Introduction to Wide Area Networks - packet switching, routing, POTS
  15. Cryptography and Security
  16. Wireless LANs
  17. Etc.

Textbook:

(Required) Introduction to Data Communications and Networking, 4th edition, Behrouz Forouzan, 2007. (Required implies that students will obtain a copy of the text and use it to prepare for class, homework and exams.)

Acronyms:

Acronyms are an integral part of technology and seem to be especially prevalent in the world of telecommunications. In this course, acronyms will appear on homework, quizzes and tests.

Acronyms without clear meaning are meaningless! During the course you will develop a list of commonly-used acronyms. This comprises: the acronym itself, its "translation" and its meaning. For example: ASCII, American Standard Code for Information Interchange. ASCII is a binary code used to store symbols (letters, numbers, etc.) in the computer's memory system. Grades:

Exams
50%
Quizzes
20%
Homework
30%
Total
100%
  1. Exams: There are two exams: a midterm and the final.  They are equally weighted.  Together they comprise 50% of the course grade.  The date of the midterm is Tuesday, October 19th. The date of the final exam is Thursday, December 16th at 2:30 PM.
  2. Homework and projects comprise 30% of the course grade. Due dates for assignments will be announced well in advance. On some, very rare, occasions, students may submit their work after class.  On those occasions, after means: from the end of class until 8:00 AM the next morning. Subsequently, there is a 50% penalty for each calendar day the work is late. (Logically, there is a 100% penalty for work submitted two days late!)
  3. Quizzes comprise another 20% of the course grade. Quizzes will be given more or less weekly.  Expect both in-class and Blackboard-based quizzes.  Note: There are no makeup quizzes.
  4. Average: Figure your class grade as as a weighted average. For example, if a student earns 85 on the midterm and 80 on the final, the exam average is 82.5: 0.825 * 0.50 =  0.413. If the quiz average is 92: 0.92 * 0.20 = 0.184. And, if the homework average is 75: 0.75 * 0.30 =  0.225.  Thus, 0.413 + 0.184 + 0.225 = 0.822 or B-. 

Wireless Devices in Class:

The following should be kinda obvious. However... Cell phones and, other wireless devices, are are wonderful things. In fact, we'll study the signals and CDMA technology they employ. During class time, your focus should be on learning the course material and interacting with the professor and class members. Moreover, "cell phones" (I.e., cell phones, blackberries, iPad, etc.) often create disturbances - that are counterproductive. Thus, out of respect for your fellow classmates and the professor, either turn them off or make them silent I.e., NOT on vibrate. If you use a laptop computer in class, please stick to taking notes and looking at slides! There will be plenty of time for socializing after class ends.

Ethics:

Each student is reminded to act professionally at all times. Knowledge obtained in the class must not be abused. Violations of Academic Integrity will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately. (reference: Plymouth State Academic Catalog)