About this course: 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.
Who is this class for: This course is primary aimed at undergraduate seniors and graduate students interested in communication networks and network administration, along with fresh out of college professionals with interest in communication/systems network.
Created by: University of Colorado System
Taught by: Xiaobo Zhou, Professor, Interim Dean
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
| Basic Info | Course 1 of 4 in the Computer Communications Specialization |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Commitment | 5 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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, 5 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: Evolution of Communication Networks
- Reading: Lecture Slides - Evolution of Communication Networks
- Video: Computer Network Evolution
- Reading: Lecture Slides - Computer Network Evolution
- Video: Examples of Protocols and Services
- Reading: Lecture Slides - Examples of Protocols and Services
- Reading: A brief history of the internet (Optional)
- Reading: Computer Networks (4th or 5th Edition), Tanenbaum and Wetherall
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Communication Networks and Services
- Discussion Prompt: Communication Networks and Services
Graded: Graded Assessment - Communication Networks and Services
WEEK 2
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, 4 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Lecture Slides - Layered Architecture and OSI Model
- Video: OSI Unified View of Protocols and Services
- Reading: Lecture Slides - OSI Unified View of Protocols and Services
- Video: TCP/IP: Architecture and Routing Examples
- Reading: Lecture Slides - TCP/IP: Architecture and Routing Examples
- Reading: RFC 2151, "Internet & TCP/IP tools and utilities"
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Layered Architecture
- Discussion Prompt: Layered Architectures
Graded: Graded Assessment - Layered Architecture
WEEK 3
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, 4 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Lecture Slides - Berkeley Sockets API - I
- Video: Berkeley Sockets API - II
- Reading: Lecture Slides - Berkeley Sockets API - II
- Video: Digital Transmission Fundamentals
- Reading: Lecture Slides - Digital Transmission Fundamentals
- Reading: RFC 793, “Transmission Control Protocol: DARPA Internet program protocol specification”
- Discussion Prompt: Socket API & Digital Transmissions
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Socket API & Digital Transmissions
Graded: Graded Assessment - Socket API & Digital Transmissions
WEEK 4
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, 5 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Lecture Slides - Error Control - Parity Checks
- Video: Error Control – Polynomial Codes (CRC)
- Reading: Lecture Slides - Error Control – Polynomial Codes (CRC)
- Video: CRC Capability, Internet Checksum
- Reading: Lecture Slides - CRC Capability, Internet Checksum
- Reading: Parity, Checksums, Cyclic Redundancy Checks (Required)
- Discussion Prompt: Error Control
- Reading: RFC 1071, “Computing the Internet Checksum”
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Error Control
Graded: Graded Assessment - Error Control
WEEK 5
course project - fundamentals of network communication
This is a comprehensive peer review assessment
1 reading
- Reading: Comprehensive review of course materials
Graded: Fundamentals of Network and Digital Communication
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| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
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