University of Maryland

Term V

Education Center

9-10, 23-24 Jun; 14-15, 28-29 Jul 01

Lakenheath

Saturday & Sunday

Lecturer: Martin Warren

0900-1600 hours

3 s.h. credit

Course Description

This course introduces the student to the data communications that lies at the heart of the booming telecommunications revolution. By the end of the course you will be able to understand:

1. Have a comprehensive understanding of communications technology as it relates to available alternatives in hardware, software and transmission facilities.
2. Be able to make informed decisions in telecommunications management.
3. Be able to integrate managerial decisions into a cohesive data communications network design.
4. Understand and remain informed about current technologies and critical aspects of business communications systems.
5. Be able to perform design activities for networks of increasingly greater scope and complexity as you build experience, judgment and confidence to enhance business operations.
6. Be familiar with networking hardware, software, standards and protocols.

The course will cover the following topics:

• Communications Environment
• Communications Systems Components
• Networks and Control
• Common Carrier Services
• Design of Communications Networks
• Network Management and Distributed Environment
• Local Area Data Networks
• Wide Area Networks
• Future Networks

Text

Data Communications and Computer Networks, Curt White, Thomson Learning, ISBN 0-619-01529-2.

Grades

Grades for this course will be based on:

Assignments-- 60%

Mid-term --15%

Final exam --25%

I will be available on completion of each day of the course for discussion about the course and the topics raised by it. Should you wish to contact me outside of the weekend, then please do so via e-mail at: mwarren@dircon.co.uk or ring me on:

01793 785980 (Work) or 01672 541281 (Home)

SCHEDULE

Date

Topics

Chapters

Sat 9 Jun

Introduction to networks, what is meant by networks, the OSI model. How data is transferred over networks, use of ASCII.

1 and 2

Sun 10 Jun

Media for joining networks, what to look for in different media. Use of modems in networks. Assignment 1 set, due Sat 23 Jun.

3 and 4

Sat 23 Jun

Different types of multiplexing and handling errors noise and jitters in networks.

5 and 6

Sun 24 Jun

Local Area Networks basics, different topology and access control protocols. Mid term: chapters 1 to 7. Assignment 2 set, due Sat 14 Jul.

7

Sat 14 Jul

How to handle traffic on networks by using bridges, routers, hubs and switches. Win NT or Novell and other networking software consideration.

8 and 9

Sun 15 Jul

Wide Area Networks and how to handle congestion. The biggest WAN of them all: the Internet. Assignment 3 set, due Sat 28 Jun.

10 and 11

Sat 28 Jul

Plain Old Telephone Systems, the future of telephone lines via ISDN and ADSL. Network security, how to protect networks and data from hackers, etc.

12 and 13

Sun 29 Jul

Designing a network, project management and what factors to consider in setting up a network. Final exam: chapters 1 to 14.

14

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