CS 4121: Data Communications and Computer Networks I

Course Objectives:

	Students will learn  about the main computer networks, their 
	topologies, architectures, and protocols. Students learn also, 
	the different transmission media, local area networks, wireless 
	communications, and  error detection. Analog and digital systems
	will, also, be covered. 
        

Course Description:

	This course familiarizes the student with the concepts and 
	terminology of data communications, network design, and 
	distributed information systems. Equipment, protocols and 
	architectures, and transmission alternatives are also covered. 
	
	Prerequisite: CS 3410.
	

Software and Tools Used to Support Class:

         
 E-mail
         
 Netscape or MS Explorer
         
 Word Processor

Topical Outline

         
 Introduction to Computer Networks
         
 Network Hardware and Software
         
 OSI and the TCP/IP Reference Models
         
 Analog and Digital Systems
	 
 Transmission Media
	 
 The Telephone System
	 
 Switching
	 
 The ISDN System
	 
 Communication Satellites
	 
 Error Detection and Correction
	 
 Static and Dynamic Channel Allocation
	 
 IEEE Standard 802 for LANs and MANs
	 
 Routing
	 
 Network Design

Required Materials:

         
 "Data Communications and Networking". 
 Author: 	Behrouz A. Forouzan
 Publisher:	McGraw Hill
       
            

Grading Policies:

        The grade for the course will be assigned based on the 
	following percentages:

          
 Tests (2-3):			60 - 80%
          
 Assignments & Project:		20 - 40%
 
 

Attendance:

	You are expected to be in class and on time.

Instructor:

Said C. Fares
             Office:                         2132  Nevins Hall 
             Traditional Office Hours:       8:50 AM - 9:30 AM MTWR
 					     or by appointment
             Electronic Office Hours:        Any day, any time
             E-mail:                         sfares@valdosta.edu
             Phone:                          (912) 333-5780

Semester Calendar:

	August     20:	First Class Day
	September   3:	Labor Day
	October    10:	Mid-term
	November19-23:	Thanksgiving
	December   10:	Last Class Day
	December   12:  Final (Wednesday, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm) 

Last update August 21, 2001.