25167: Data Networks
Course Name: Data Networks
Course Number: 25167
Prerequisite(s): 25112 (Communication Systems 2)
Co-requisite(s): -
Units: 3
Level: Postgraduate
Last Revision: Fall 2014

Description: 
This course is designed to cover the scientific and practical aspects of data networks. It includes basic concepts such as protocols and operational network layers. In each layer, we review the important services provided and the fundamentals of operation. Practical examples of implementation for each layer are shown to further clarify the key concepts. The course also includes assignments designed to complement the course material and allow for a more in-depth understanding of the concepts in various network layers. These assignments are based on using well-known simulation tools, helping students become more familiar with the course material and gain experience for future research and engineering applications.
 
Syllabus:
  • Introduction
    • Uses of Computer Networks
    • Network Hardware and Software
    • Reference Models
    • Example Networks
    • Network Standardization
  • The Physical Layer
    • The Theoretical Basis for Data Communication
    • Transmission Media
    • Wireless Transmission
    • The Telephone System
    • Local Loop Technologies: ADSL, ISDN
    • SDH Transmission Systems
    • Wireless Transmission
    • Mobile Phone Systems: Analog, GSM
    • Introduction to CDMA
    • Satellite Communication
  • The Data Link Layer
    • Data Link Layer Design Issues
    • Error Detection and Correction
    • Elementary Data Link Protocols
    • Sliding Window Protocols
    • Performance Analysis of Data Link Layer Protocols
    • Example Data Link Protocols: HDLC, PPP
  • The Medium Access Sub-layer
    • The Channel Allocation Problem
    • ALOHA and its performance analysis
    • MAC Layer Trade-offs
    • IEEE Standard 802 for LANs and their performance analysis
    • Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet technologies
    • Layer 2 Switching and Bridging
    • Various MAC Techniques
    • Wireless MAC Protocols
    • Overview of IEEE 802.11 (WiFi)
    • Overview of IEEE 802.16 (WiMax)
    • Overview of Bluetooth
  • The Network Layer
    • Network Layer Design Issues
    • Routing Algorithms
    • Wireless Routing Algorithms
    • Congestion Control: principles of operation and useful algorithms
    • Traffic Shaping
    • Fundamental concepts of Quality of Service (QoS)
    • QoS aware routing: RSVP, Diffserve, MPLS
    • Internetworking
    • Fundamentals of IP, the Network Layer in the Internet
    • OSPF, BGP
    • The Network Layer in ATM Networks
    • QoS in ATM
  • The Transport Layer
    • The Transport Service
    • Elements of Transport Protocols
    • TCP and its principles of operation
    • UDP and its applications
    • RTP/RTCP and their applications

References:
  • A. Tanenbaum. Computer Networks, Prentice Hall
  • A. Leon-Garcia, I. Widjaja, Communication Networks, Mc Graw Hill
  • W. Stallings, Data and Computer Communications, Prentice Hall
  • L. Peterson, B. Davie, Computer Networks: A Systems Approach, Morgan Kaufman

 
Last Update: 2024-07-09