CS 331: Data Communications and Networking Course Guide Salma Idris Course web site:

Outline zCourse Description zCourse Objectives zCourse Resources zCourse Calendar zCourse Location & Office Hours zAttendance Policies zHow to Study for Course

Course Description zThis course will provide a broad introduction to the fundamentals of data communications and network technology. Emphasis is on higher aspects of data communications from perspective of the computer scientist and information technologist in the communication of data and the interaction of remote systems.

Course Objectives zKnowledge Understand analog and digital data transmission and describe different network models, topologies, and characteristics. Know the underlying details of the Internet Model including different layers and protocols. zCognitive Skills Apply mathematical/analytical skills in basic network performance evaluation, such as utilization, throughput, and delay. zInterpersonal Skills & Responsibility Participation in class discussions, group work, and individual assignments. zNumerical & Communication Skills Improve students’ research skills as well as presentation techniques. Students are allowed to pursue a research area of their choice that is related to the field of Data Communications and Networking.

Course Resources zMain Source Behrouz Forouzan; Data Communications and Networking, Fourth Edition; McGraw Hill; 2007, zOther Resource Materials William Stallings; Data and Computer Communications, Eighth Edition; Prentice Hall; zUseful Websites Course website:

Student Assessment Assessme nt Assessment Task Proportion of Final Assessment DatesExact Dates 1Assignment 1, Assignment 210% Week 7, Week 9, 2 Class participation 5% 2Q1, Q2, Q315% Week 5, 10,1319 th Mar, 25 th Apr 16 May 3Major exam20% 7 th May, Research and Poster presentation 10% Week 1528, 30 May 5Final Exam40%

Course Location & Office Hours zCourse Location ySat lab 350 yMon lab 351 zOffice Hours yWill be posted soon yBy appointment

Attendance Policies zStudents that will come to class 10 minutes late will be marked absent. z Students that are regularly absent will be given DN warnings. (See DN Warning Flyer).

Other Policies zCell phones must be silent during class. zCourse website should be checked frequently. zStudents should study from the textbook. zLate assignments will not be accepted.. All assignments must be completed individually by each student zThere will be no make up exam or quiz zCheating/Copying yExam x Zeros will be given upon suspicion yAssignment x Easy to detect: both parties get a 1

How to Study for this Course zRead and summarize the chapter after the lecture. zTry to do all of the exercises in each chapter. zThink Critically – ask questions, make notes, and reflect on material.