In this course, we trace the evolution of networks and identify the key concepts and functions that form the basis for layered architecture. We introduce examples of protocols and services that are familiar to the students, and we explain how these services are supported by networks. Further, we explain fundamental concepts in digital communication, and focus on error control techniques that include parity check, polynomial code, and Internet checksum. Students will be required to have some previous programming experience in C-programming (C++/Java), some fundamental knowledge of computer organization and IT architecture and a background in computer science is a plus.
This course is part of the Computer Communications Specialization
Fundamentals of Network Communication
Offered By
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
15 hours to complete
Communication Networks and Services
This module discusses the evolution of three example networks and their associated services, how services are influencing the evolution of modern networks, and examples of protocols and services.
4 videos (Total 22 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes
5 readings
Lecture Slides - Evolution of Communication Networks10m
Lecture Slides - Computer Network Evolution10m
Lecture Slides - Examples of Protocols and Services10m
A brief history of the internet (Optional)45m
Computer Networks (4th or 5th Edition), Tanenbaum and Wetherall2h
2 practice exercises
Practice Assessment - Communication Networks and Services14m
Graded Assessment - Communication Networks and Services20m
Week
22 hours to complete
Layered Architectures
This module discusses the OSI reference model and show how the overall communication process can be organized into functions that are carried out in seven layers, and introduces the TCP/IP architecture with a detailed routing example.
3 videos (Total 18 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes
4 readings
Lecture Slides - Layered Architecture and OSI Model10m
Lecture Slides - OSI Unified View of Protocols and Services10m
Lecture Slides - TCP/IP: Architecture and Routing Examples10m
RFC 2151, "Internet & TCP/IP tools and utilities"30m
2 practice exercises
Practice Assessment - Layered Architecture10m
Graded Assessment - Layered Architecture14m
Week
32 hours to complete
Socket API & Digital Transmissions
This module introduces BSD sockets, which allow the student to write applications that use the service provided by the TCP/IP protocols. It also introduces some fundamentals of digital communications.
3 videos (Total 18 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes
4 readings
Lecture Slides - Berkeley Sockets API - I10m
Lecture Slides - Berkeley Sockets API - II10m
Lecture Slides - Digital Transmission Fundamentals10m
RFC 793, “Transmission Control Protocol: DARPA Internet program protocol specification”20m
2 practice exercises
Practice Assessment - Socket API & Digital Transmissions20m
Graded Assessment - Socket API & Digital Transmissions20m
Week
43 hours to complete
Error Control
This module presents coding techniques that can be used to detect errors that may occur during digital transmission. These coding techniques form the basis for protocols that provide reliable transfer of information.
3 videos (Total 22 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes
5 readings
Lecture Slides - Error Control - Parity Checks10m
Lecture Slides - Error Control – Polynomial Codes (CRC)10m
Lecture Slides - CRC Capability, Internet Checksum10m
Parity, Checksums, Cyclic Redundancy Checks (Required)10m
RFC 1071, “Computing the Internet Checksum”20m
2 practice exercises
Practice Assessment - Error Control20m
Graded Assessment - Error Control20m
4.6
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started a new career after completing these courses
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Top reviews from Fundamentals of Network Communication
It is a great course. The chapters amazed me. It made me to decide learn socket programming. I know my network skills will be improved after finish this course.
This course helped me build foundation of computer communication. In the end, I feel like I had fun with interesting contents and assignments questions.
Instructor
Xiaobo Zhou
Professor, Interim DeanCollege of Engineering and Applied Sciences
About University of Colorado System
The University of Colorado is a recognized leader in higher education on the national and global stage. We collaborate to meet the diverse needs of our students and communities. We promote innovation, encourage discovery and support the extension of knowledge in ways unique to the state of Colorado and beyond.
About the Computer Communications Specialization
This specialization is developed for seniors and fresh graduate students to understand fundamental network architecture concepts and their impacts on cyber security, to develop skills and techniques required for network protocol design, and prepare for a future of constant change through exposure to network design alternatives. Students will require a prior knowledge of C programming, an understanding of math probability and a computer science background is a plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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