Data Communications & Computer Networks

Course Objectives

•     Business decisions have to be made ever more quickly, and the decision makers require immediate access to accurate information. The development of the personal computer brought about tremendous changes for business, Industry, science, and education. A similar revolution is occurring in data communication and networking. Technological advances are making it possible for communications links to carry more and faster signals. As a result, services are evolving to allow use of this expanded capacity. Networks exist so that data may be sent from one place to another; it is the basic concept of data communications. To fully grasp this subject, the student must understand the data communication components, how different types of data can be represented, and how to create a data flow.

      Data communications between remote parties can be achieved through a process called networking, involving the connection of computers, media, and networking devices. Networks are divided into two main categories: local area networks and wide area networks. These two types of networks have different characteristics and different functionalities. Protocols and Standards are vital to the implementation of data communications and networking. Protocols refer to the rules; a standard is a protocol that has been adopted by vendors and manufacturers. Network model serve to organize, unify, and control the hardware and software components of data communications and networking. Although the term “network model” suggests of data communications and networking. Although the term ‘network model’ suggests a relationship to networking, the model also encompasses data communications. It is a practical subject where fundamental algorithms that are implemented in real life communication world are practiced in the corresponding lab session.