This course examines the basics of data communications.   Modulation techniques, multiplexing, transmission media, coding of error correction techniques, and message formatting are treated.   Various communication protocols, switching techniques, private branch exchange, networking, local area networks and ISDN are covered.   Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: CSC 260 with grade of C+ or higher.

• Data transmission
  • history of data communications
  • frequency
  • spectrum
  • bandwidth
  • signal strength
  • dB
  • DbmV
  • analog and digital data transmission
  • transmission impairments
  • signal-to-noise ratio
  • transmission media
  • twisted pair
  • coaxial cable
  • optical fiber
  • line-of-sight media
• Data encoding techniques
  • types of modulation
  • digital signaling
  • PCM
  • delta modulation
• Digital data communications techniques
  • asynchronous and synchronous transmission
  • error detection
  • physical level interfaces
  • RS232/RS449/X.21
• Data link control
  • algorithms to control data links
  • data link protocols
  • character oriented/byte count oriented/bit oriented
  • BISYNC
  • DDCMP
  • SDLC
• Multiplexing
  • time division multiplexor (STDM, T1, etc.)
  • frequency division multiplexors
• Switching techniques
  • circuit/message/packet switching
  • advantages/disadvantages
  • switches
  • PBX's
  • packet switching networks
  • datagrams
  • virtual circuits
  • routing algorithms
  • congestions
  • deadlocks
• Radio/satellite networks
  • polling and random access techniques
  • CSMA/CD
  • token access
  • comparisons
• Local networks
  • topologies
  • media
  • baseband
  • broadband
  • systems design
  • architecture
  • performance of token ring LAN, PBX, and LAN
• Internetworking
  • repeater/bridge/router/gateway
• Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

      This course presents the basic principles of the technology and architecture of data and computer communications.   Coverage includes examples illustrating the most important concepts, discussion of alternate approaches to meeting communications requirements, and the role and nature of related standards.

      The course grade will be determined using the following approximate weights: final examination - 35%; midterm - 35% examination; other tests, quizzes, and written homework - 30%.

• Black.   Data Communications and Distributed Networks.   (Prentice-Hall, 1993)
• Held, Gil; Sarch, Ray.   Data Communications   A Comprehensive Approach.   Third Edition.   (McGraw-Hill, 1995)
• McNamara.   Technical Aspects of Data Communications.   Third Edition.   (Digital Press, 1988)
• Stallings.   Data and Computer Communications.   Fifth Edition.   (Macmillan, 1997)
• Stallings.   Local and Metropolitan Area Networks.   Fifth Edition.   (Macmillan, 1998)
• Tanenbaum.   Computer Networks.   Second Edition.   (Prentice-Hall, 1988)
• Walrand.   Communication Networks: A First Course.   (Irwin, 1993)