Network fundamentals, protocols and standards, reference models, the significance of layered network architectures, packet switching and circuit switching, types of transmissions, Physical layer issues, IEEE 802.3 Ethernet cables for Physical layer, types of networks, Link layer aspects, synchronous and asynchronous transmission Data link layer services, Framing, flow control, error control, ARQ, stop-n wait protocols, Sliding window protocols, MAC Layer protocols, contention-based protocols vs contention free MAC protocols, network layer protocols, IP addressing, Sub-netting & Super-netting Routing Algorithms, Congestion, transport layer protocols, UDP, TCP, reliable transport connections, Internet Protocol (IP) ARP, RARP, DNS, HTTP, TELNET, wireless networks, wireless MAC protocols, CSMA/ CA, Hidden terminals, Exposed Terminals, Network Allocation Vector, IEEE 802.11, Client-server model, Internet of Things fundamentals.

To understand the computer network models and their architecture.

To understand the protocols for each layers in the OSI and TCP/IP model.

To learn about the MAC layer issues and routing protocols

To understand the difference between wired and wireless networks

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Analyze the requirements for a given organizational structure and select the most appropriate networking architecture and technologies
2. Analyze, specify and design the topological and routing strategies for an IP based networking infrastructure
3. To master the terminology and concepts of the OSI reference model and the TCP-IP Reference model.
4. To master the concepts of protocols, network interfaces, and Design / performance issues in local area networks and wide area networks.
5. To be familiar with contemporary issues in networking technologies.
6. To be familiar with network tools and network programming.

L.L. Peterson and B.S. Davie, Computer Networks – A System Approach, Elsevier

A. S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, Pearson

3. B.A. Forouzan, TCP/IP protocol suite, Tata McGraw Hill

2. William Stallings, Data and Computer Communications, Pearson Education