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
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About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
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started a new career after completing these courses
38%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
20%
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Learner Career Outcomes
40%
started a new career after completing these courses
38%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
20%
got a pay increase or promotion
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Intermediate Level
Approx. 6 hours to complete
Suggested: 5 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English
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
4.6
TOP REVIEWS FROM FUNDAMENTALS OF NETWORK COMMUNICATION
by VPNov 7, 2019
I learned many things from this course thanks for coursera ....\n\nunderstanding students who cann't with money providing free financial aid...\n\nthank you so much..
by AVMar 27, 2018
The course was good, and the syllabus too, but the way of teaching is not so impressive, it was just like someone reading from the slides in the video lecture.
by AOJul 12, 2019
This course helped me build foundation of computer communication. In the end, I feel like I had fun with interesting contents and assignments questions.
by MNJan 8, 2018
Great course and assignments! Had fun learning and answering quizzes. Professor Zhou covered all the m=important points in his slides. Thank you again.
by AMDec 26, 2019
I have gained much more knowledge than what I expected.\n\nThanks to UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO\n\nThanks to COURSERA PLATFORM
by SUAug 8, 2019
This course is a wow, God i have never known that polynomial could be converted to binary this is awesome.
by KGOct 14, 2018
Very useful and very interesting course, helped me a lot in understanding the subject thoroughly.
by ATJan 8, 2018
Covers the basics well, but has some minor issues with clarity and errors in the material.
by NCApr 14, 2018
The course is too rudimentary. Good a for someone who is completely new to networking.
by AAMar 15, 2018
h\n\ne\n\nl\n\np\n\nf\n\nu\n\nl\n\nw\n\ni\n\nt\n\nh\n\na\n\nn\n\namazing experience
by RHFeb 25, 2020
Amazing course, however peer review lacks enough people who understand english.
by KPJan 1, 2019
Excellent online courses by University of Colorado System on Coursera.
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.
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.
