Computer Networks Syllabus

Course Description: This course introduces concept of computer networking and discuss the

different layers of networking model.

Course Objective: The main objective of this course is to introduce the understanding of the

concept of computer networking with its layers, topologies, protocols & standards, IPv4/IPv6

addressing, Routing and Latest Networking Standards.

1. Introduction to Computer Network

teaching hours: 6 hrs

1.1. Definitions, Uses, Benefits

1.2. Overview of Network Topologies (Star, Tree, Bus,...)

1.3. Overview of Network Types (PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN,...)

1.4. Networking Types (Client/Server, P2P)

1.5. Overview of Protocols and Standards

1.6. OSI Reference Model

1.7. TCP/IP Models and its comparison with OSI.

1.8. Connection and Connection-Oriented Network Services

1.9. Internet, ISPs, Backbone Network Overview

2. Physical Layer and Network Media

teaching hours: 4 hrs

2.1. Network Devices: Repeater, Hub, Switch, Bridge, Router

2.2. Different types of transmission medias (wired: twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic, Wireless:

Radio waves, micro waves, infrared)

2.3. Ethernet Cable Standards (UTP & Fiber cable standards)

2.4. Circuit, Message & Packet Switching

2.5. ISDN: Interface and Standards

3. Data Link Layer

teaching hours: 8 hrs

3.1. Function of Data Link Layer (DLL)

3.2. Overview of Logical Link Control (LLC) and Media Access Control (MAC)

3.3. Framing and Flow Control Mechanisms

3.4. Error Detection and Correction techniques

3.5. Channel Allocation Techniques (ALOHA, Slotted ALOHA)

3.6. Ethernet Standards (802.3 CSMA/CD, 802.4 Token Bus, 802.5 Token Ring)

3.7. Wireless LAN: Spread Spectrum, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

3.8. Overview Virtual Circuit Switching, Frame Relay& ATM

3.9. DLL Protocol: HDLC, PPP

4. Network Layer

teaching hours: 10 hrs

4.1. Introduction and Functions

4.2. IPv4 Addressing & Sub-netting

4.3. Class-full and Classless Addressing

4.4. IPv6 Addressing and its Features

4.5. IPv4 and IPv6 Datagram Formats

4.6. Comparison of IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing

4.7. Example Addresses: Unicast, Multicast and Broadcast

4.8. Routing

4.8.1. Introduction and Definition

4.8.2. Types of Routing (Static vs Dynamic, Unicast vs Multicast, Link State vs Distance Vector, Interior vs Exterior)

4.8.3. Path Computation Algorithms: Bellman Ford, Dijkstra’s

4.8.4. Routing Protocols: RIP, OSPF & BGP

4.9. Overview of IPv4 to IPv6 Transition Mechanisms

4.10. Overview of ICMP/ICMPv6&NATing

4.11. Overview of Network Traffic Analysis

4.12. Security Concepts: Firewall & Router Access Control

5. Transport Layer

teaching hours: 6 hrs

5.1. Introduction, Functions and Services

5.2. Transport Protocols: TCP, UDP and Their Comparisons

5.3. Connection Oriented and Connectionless Services

5.4. Congestion Control: Open Loop & Closed Loop, TCP Congestion Control

5.5. Traffic Shaping Algorithms: Leaky Bucket & Token Bucket

5.6. Queuing Techniques for Scheduling

5.7. Introduction to Ports and Sockets, Socket Programming

6. Application Layer

teaching hours: 7 hrs

6.1. Introduction and Functions

6.2. Web &HTTP

6.3. DNS and the Query Types

6.4. File Transfer and Email Protocols: FTP, SFTP, SMTP, IMAP, POP3

6.5. Overview of Application Server Concepts: Proxy, Web, Mail

6.6. Network Management: SNMP

7. Multimedia &Future Networking

teaching hours: 4 hrs

7.1. Overview Multimedia Streaming Protocols: SCTP

7.2. Overview of SDN and its Features, Data and Control Plane

7.3. Overview of NFV

7.4. Overview of NGN

Laboratory works:

The lab activities under this subject should accommodate at least the following