Arba Minch University

Institute of Technology (AMiT)

Faculty of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Data Communication and Computer Networks Course Outline
__________________________________________________________________________
Course title: Data Communication and Computer Networks Instructors: Gelaye G. & Dr Eyasu D.
Course Code: ECEg4211 Email: gelaye23@gmail.com
ECTS (Credit): 5 (3) Mobile: +251 916185224
Pre-requisite: ECEg3143 Computer Architectures & Organization, ECEg3152: Introduction to Communication Systems ;
Office: AMiT – staff office (old ECE Dep’t) Target Group: G4 – ECE (communication& Computer )
Consultation hours: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Monday & Friday) Academic Year: 2023/24
Semester: II

Contact Hours Lecture Tutorial Lab/Practical Home Study Total

32 - 48 80 160

Course Description:
Model for data communication; protocols and architectures – OSI and TCP/IP; issues related to data transmission-
encoding, multiplexing, error and flow controls; Local Area networks - technology, components and topology;
Internetworking – with TCP/IP, IP Addressing and Network Applications; Routing, Switching and WAN
technologies
Course Objectives:
After completing this course students should be able to:
 To introduce students to networking concepts, technologies and terminologies.
 To provide basic computer communication and networking knowledge and lay the
foundations for further courses dealing with different aspects of networking.
Course Outline
Methodolog Sessions References/
Week Chapter Topics Activities
y Chapters
 Introduction: Concept of Communication Explanations of Lectures and Lecture Chapter 1
& Communication Model theory assignments Laboratory [1]
1&2 1  Protocols and Architectures: Definition
Protocol Characteristics, Implementation of Class activities
protocols, OSI-ISO 7 Layer, TCP/IP
 Data Encoding & Transmission: Explanations of Lectures Lecture Chapter 2,
Digital and Analog Signals, Transmission theory Quizzes and Laboratory 3, 4
Media, Encoding Techniques, Transmission& Definition assignments, [1]
3 2 Impairments Class activities Laboratory
 DLC and Multiplexing:
Error Detection and Control, Flow Control,
Multiplexing
LAN technologies: ALOHA, Ethernet, Explanations of Lectures Lecture Chapter
theory Quizzes Laboratory 12, 13
Ethernet Standards, Token Ring
Definition [1
4&5 3 LAN and Its Components: LAN Solving examples
Topology, Repeaters/Hubs, Bridges or Class activities
Switches, Routers Lab experiments
6 Test I Test will cover. Chapter one, two and three.

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 Internetworking: Internetworking Explanations of Lectures Lecture Chapter 4
concepts – Intranet, Extranet, Internet, theory Quizzes, Laboratory [2]
Definition assignments
Internetworking with TCP/IP- IP Solving examples
7 4
Addressing, Sub-netting, Masking, Class activities
Network Applications – Web, Mail, Lab experiments
DNS, DHCP
Switching and Routing: Circuit Switching, Explanations of Lectures Lecture Chapter 8,
Circuit switching application, Packet theory Quizzes, Laboratory 9
Definition assignments [1]
8&9 5 Switching – Virtual Packet Switching, Solving examples
Datagram Packet Switching, Packet Class activities
Switching application Lab experiments
Routing in Switched Networks: Explanations of Lectures Lecture Chapter 9
Introduction to Routing, Graph Theory – theory Quizzes, Laboratory [3]
Dijkstra Algorithm, Bellman Ford Definition assignments
11 6
Solving examples
Algorithm, Routing Protocols – Class activities
Distance Vector, Link State Lab experiments
WAN technologies: Explanations of Lectures Lecture Chapter 9,
ISDN, X.25, Frame Relay, ATM theory Laboratory 10, 11 [1]
12 7 Definition
Lab experiments
16 Final exam Covers all chapters (Ch1-Ch7)
Evaluation:
Evaluation Description Weight/100 Activity type
Test 25% Individual
Quiz by E-learning portal 10% Individual
Assessment type

Class activity 5% Individual

Project and lab work (20%)
Analysis & design 5% Individual
Simulation /lab experiment 5% In group
Documentation /lab report 10% In group
Final Exam (written) 40% Individual
Total 100%
Course policy
 Academic dishonesty, including cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism will not be tolerated.
 Class activities from lectures to discussions. Students will be active participants in the course.
 You are required to submit and present the assignments provided according to the time table indicated.
 80 % of class attendance is mandatory! Please try to be on time for class.
 Active participation in class is essential and it will have its own value in your grade
 Cell phones MUST be turned off before entering class room and exam.

References:
[1] William Stallings: Data & Computer Communications
[2] Larry L. Peterson and Bruce S. Davie: Computer Networks,
[3] Rita Puz˘manová: Routing and Switching

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