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.
Offered By
Computer Communications SpecializationUniversity of Colorado SystemAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
33%
started a new career after completing these courses
23%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
10%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Intermediate Level
Approx. 15 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish
Learner Career Outcomes
33%
started a new career after completing these courses
23%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
10%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Intermediate Level
Approx. 15 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish
Offered by
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.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
5 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.
5 hours to complete
4 videos (Total 22 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes
4 videos
Welcome4m
Evolution of Communication Networks5m
Computer Network Evolution5m
Examples of Protocols and Services5m
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
2 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.
2 hours to complete
3 videos (Total 18 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes
3 videos
OSI Unified View of Protocols and Services5m
TCP/IP: Architecture and Routing Examples6m
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
2 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.
2 hours to complete
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
3 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 hours to complete
3 videos (Total 22 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes
3 videos
Error Control – Polynomial Codes (CRC)7m
CRC Capability, Internet Checksum7m
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
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM FUNDAMENTALS OF NETWORK COMMUNICATION
by ASJun 28, 2020
It is a good course to cover the basics computer networking. It is simple and the workload is less. Try to go through other sources simultaneously to get in-depth knowledge on the topic.
by AAug 16, 2020
It was a very good start in Network communication. The lectures, quizzes, and materials are designed in a very good manner to reach the end of the course with the needed fundamentals.
by DMJun 6, 2020
Really fantastic experience learning with Coursera. Awesome study materials and choice of syllabus. Just the perfect one for new faces in this field. Keep it up Team Coursera!!!
by TXApr 27, 2020
Good introductory course to network communications. Far from a semester's worth of content, however, which is supposed to be what distinguishes Coursera from other platforms.
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.
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