Text Box: Clark Atlanta University

 

Department of Computer and Information Science

Course Syllabus

     

 

 

Instructor_________ Dr. Hsin-Chu Chen, Associate Professor_____________________________

 

Office Hours

Note that office hours will be announced in class and posted on office door.

Office Location

Science Research Building 1019

Office Telephone

(404) 880-6728

Email

hchen@cau.edu

 

Course

Number/Sect

Course Title

Credit

Hours

Semester

Time

Level

(U/G)

CCIS 511

01

Data Communications

3

Fall & Spring

0925-1040

Tu/Th

G

Brief Description

This course gives an introduction to data communications, digital data communication techniques, data link control, multiplexing techniques, and communication networks.

                       

Prerequisites

if applicable

 CCIS 121, CCIS 227, CCIS 473

HTTP Link

http://www.cis.cau.edu/course/cis511

http://www.cis.cau.edu/course/securitylinks

http://www.cis.cau.edu

http://acm.org

 

Course Length

3 hours credit for 16 weeks.  The total of 48 hours

 

Course Description:

This course represents an introduction to the theory and applications of data communications.  It also provides an overview of data communications and networking requirements including networking and telecommunications technologies, hardware, and software.  Emphasis is upon data communications and telecommunications components, models, standards, concepts and standard organizations.  Topics include communications media, encoding systems, data security and integrity, network topologies, network protocol concepts, Internet protocols, and routing.

 

Teaching/Learning Methods: (lectures, videos, outside speakers, etc.)

 

  1. Lectures, Tu/Th, 3 hrs
  2. Term survey project, Assignments, and PP presentations

 

 

Course Objectives:

 

·         Learn the fundamentals of data communications and networking.

·         Learn the essential terms and concepts of data communications.

·         Learn the analog and digital communications concepts.

·         Learn the Physical layer concepts.

·         Learn the data link layer concepts and IEEE LAN standards.

·         Learn the network hardware components.

·         Learn the internetworking and network layer concepts and components.

·         Learn the LAN Topologies, and Transmission Media

·         Learn the Internet and TCP/IP.

·         Learn the Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 networks.

·         Learn the fiber distributed data interface.

·         Learn the dialup and home networking.

·         Learn the VPNs (Virtual Private Networks),

·         Learn the VPN Technology (Encryption/Authentication)

·         Learn the network security issues.

·         Learn the Security management.

Learn to search, prepare and write a short technical paper.

 

Learning Outcomes:

 

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

 

  • Describe the fundamentals of communications systems, and the means by which networks provide communications (such as representing data as analog or as a digital signal)
  • Identify the associated terminology of the different media and devices necessary for telecommunications, including local (LAN) and wide area (WAN) networks.
  • Differentiate the various hardware (physical layer, such as media wiring, microwave and satellite communications) and software components of telecommunications systems and how they are organized to provide required services.
  • Recognize and discuss communication service methods and data transmission modes (serial and parallel communications, synchronous, asynchronous, and isochroous communications)
  • Distinguish the association between the format and origin of information, the creation of an information-bearing signals (analog and digital), and the delivery of that information via media.
  • Identify the telecommunications standards and regulatory organizations.
  • Explain the underlying principles and issues of distributed versus centralized computer systems.
  • Recognize and discuss the various architectures, topologies, and protocols of telecommunications.
  • Conduct search, present, and write a short technical paper.

 

 

Major Topics:

 

1. Introduction to Communication Network Evolution Networking ACM/IEEE Literature Discussion vs. current changes.

2.  Applications and Layered Architecture

3.  Digital Representation of Information, Analog/Digital Transmission

4. Digital Representation of Analog Signals and the differences

5.  Characterization of Communication Channels – FDM, TDM,

Fundamental Limits in Digital Transmission – Nyquist Rate and Shannon Channel Capacity and dedicated line.

6.  Line Coding, Modems and Digital Modulation.  The Communication services methods and data transmission modes (serial , parallel, synchronous, asynchronous, and isochroous communications)

7. Properties of Transmission Media and Digital Transmission Systems  - Guided and Unguided Media (Routers, different layer switches and IP switches)

8. Physical layers concepts (Copper media, Fiber-optic media, Radio transmission, microwave, satellite communications

9. Error Detection and Correction

10. Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Service Models, ARQ Protocols

  -  Define PKI and its requirements

  -  Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

  -  Key Management  and how PKI used

  -  PKI Management policies and procedures, how it use by user

11. ARQ Protocols – Stop-and-Wait, Go-Back-N, Selective Repeat, Sliding Window Flow Control

12. Data Link Controls – Framing, HDLC

13. Medium Access Control Protocols – Random Access and Scheduling Approaches

14. Introduction to Local Area Networks

15. Access Control Protocols – Random Access and Scheduling Approaches

 

Method of Instruction

Grading and other policies and expectations:

 

The final grade will be based on an accumulation of all grades received during the entire semester, including in-class quizzes, homework assignments, midterm exam, final exam, term project and class participation.  There will be NO makeup exam. Any exception due to extraordinary circumstances must have documented justifiable reason.  Late submissions of assignments are subject to penalty on the basis of 10% per day after the due day.  Honesty is a must and legibility of writing is important on all tests.

 

 

Required Readings:

 

Albert Leon-Garcia and Indra Widjaja, Communication Networks: Fundamental Concepts and Key Architectures, 2nd Edition, McGraw Hill, Boston, 2004.  ISBN 0-07-246352-X

Supplemental Readings/Additional Bibliography:

 

Behrouz A. Forouzan, Data Communications and Networking, 2nd Edition Update,  McGraw Hill, Boston, 2001.  ISBN 0-07-282294-5

 

Course Outline and Tentative Schedule: (dates, weeks, topics)

 

Week

Topics

Reading

01

Introduction to Communication Network Evolution

Networking ACM/IEEE Literature Discussion 

Chap.  1

02

Applications and Layered Architecture

Chap. 2

03

Digital Representation of Information, Analog/Digital Transmission

Chap. 3.1-3.2

04

Digital Representation of Analog Signals

Chap. 3.3

05

Characterization of Communication Channels – FDM, TDM,

Fundamental Limits in Digital Transmission – Nyquist Rate and Shannon Channel Capacity

Chap. 3.4

Chap. 3.5

06

Line Coding, Modems and Digital Modulation

Chap. 3.6-3.7

07

Properties of Transmission Media and Digital Transmission Systems  - Guided and Unguided Media

Chap. 3.8

08

Midterm Exam: 10/14

 

09

Error Detection and Correction

Chap. 3.9

10

Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Service Models, ARQ Protocols

Chap. 5.1-5.2

11

ARQ Protocols – Stop-and-Wait, Go-Back-N, Selective Repeat, Sliding Window Flow Control

Chap. 5.2

Chap. 5.3

12

Data Link Controls – Framing, HDLC

Chap. 5.4-5.6

13

Medium Access Control Protocols – Random Access and Scheduling Approaches

Chap. 6.1-6.3

14

Introduction to Local Area Networks

Chap. 6.6-6.8

15

Last day of this class: 11/30, Reading Period: 12/02

Wrap-up, Review

16

Final Exam Period: 12/06-12/10

 

 

CAU/CIS Policies and Expectations:

  COURSE POLICIES:

 

1.  Student Conduct In Class Policy

Any acts of classroom disruption that go beyond the normal rights of students to question and discuss with instructors the educational process relative to subject content will not be tolerated, in accordance with the Academic Code of Conduct described in the Student Handbook.

 

2.  Electronic Devices In Class Policy

Cellular phones, pagers, CD players, radios, and similar devices are prohibited in the classroom and laboratory facilities. Calculators and computers are prohibited during examinations and quizzes, unless specified.

 

3.  Disabilities Policy

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all qualified students enrolled in this course are entitled to “reasonable accommodations.” Please present proper documentation and notify the instructor within the first two weeks of class of any accommodations needed for the course.

 

4.  Academic honesty

Academic honesty is based on the principle that one’s work is one’s own.  Clark Atlanta University encourages all members of the University to accept responsibility for taking academic honesty seriously by being informed, by contributing to a climate in which honesty is valued, and by considering responsible ways to discourage dishonesty in the work of others.  Students, faculty, administrators and staff should not condone or tolerate cheating, plagiarism, or falsification, since such activity negatively affects members of the academic community.  Plagiarism is the presentation of all or a portion of someone else’s work, as one’s own, without properly citing/documenting the work.  Plagiarism is unacceptable and will result in a failing grade in the course. 

 

5.  Clark Atlanta University Campus Cultural Creed 

Clark Atlanta University is committed to academic excellence, building character, and service to others.  The University will achieve its mission by cultivating an environment of honesty, kindness, mutual respect, self-discipline, school loyalty, trust, academic integrity and communal pride.  As a member of this scholarly community, I make the following pledge:

      I will work to promote academic honesty and integrity;

·              I will work to cultivate a learning environment which opposes violence, vulgarity, lewdness and selfishness;

·         I will embrace the concept of mutual respect by treating others the way I want them to treat me;

·          I will support a campus culture of diversity by respecting the rights of those whose views and experiences differ from my own;

·            I will honor and care for the sanctity of my body as the temple of God;

·            I will commit myself to service so that I can make a difference in the world and a difference for more than just myself;

·         I will celebrate and contribute to the “spirit of greatness” left by those who preceded me, and I will work to leave this a better place for those who follow me;

As a member of this community, I am committed to conducting myself in ways that contribute to a civil campus environment, which encourages positive behavior in others.  I accept the responsibility to uphold these noble ideals as a proud member of the Clark Atlanta University Family.

 

6.     Attendance

To confirm enrollment, a student must attend each scheduled class within the first two weeks following the official start of the semester.  After this period, a student will not be permitted to enter any class, and the professor will report the student’s nonattendance to the Registrar.  The student will be withdrawn from the class with a grade of “WU” assigned.

  

Students are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for all notes, class assignments and activities whether in class or not.  If a student has an excused absence, he or she must provide documentation and must makeup missed work within one week of absence.  Unexcused absences will result in a grade of zero for missed assignments.  There are a maximum of 3 unexcused absences for this course. 

 

A student who has stopped attending class is one who has not attended class for three consecutive weeks and has not contacted his/her professor.  This student does not qualify for an “I” grade and will be administratively withdrawn.  The student will receive a course grade as stipulated on the syllabus.  The instructor is expected to record the last date of attendance.

 

7. Incomplete Policy

An incomplete grade (“I”) is given when a student has been enrolled in a course for an entire semester but has not completed all the requirements.  The “I” is given only when the student has an acceptable excuse for not taking the final examination or for failing to complete other requirements, but does the instructor determine otherwise doing passing work as.  An “I” should be removed by the end of the semester following the one in which the “I” grade was earned, but no later than one year from the end of the semester in which the “I” grade was earned.  Removal of an “I” does not assure a passing grade in the course.  (Undergraduate Academic Regulations and Procedures Handbook for Students)