Computer Networks
Subject Overview
Computer Networks covers data communication concepts and network topologies, wireless transmission and switching techniques with OSI/TCP-IP reference models, data link layer design and multiplexing, and the MAC sublayer and network layer routing. A 5-credit core theory paper.
Unit-wise Syllabus
4 units — click WhatsApp below to get the full notes for each
Unit 1: Data communication fundamentals
Digital and analog transmission, parallel/serial and synchronous/asynchronous modes, simplex/half-duplex/full-duplex communication, multiplexing, LAN/MAN/WAN types, network topologies (bus, star, ring, mesh, tree, hybrid), wired communication channels
Unit 2: Wireless transmission and reference models
Microwave/infrared/laser/radio/satellite transmission, Bluetooth, frequency spectrum, circuit/message/packet switching, OSI reference model, TCP/IP reference model, comparison of OSI and TCP/IP
Unit 3: Data link layer and multiplexing
Services to the network layer, framing, error control (detection and correction codes), flow control, SLIP and PPP, FDM/TDM/CDMA multiplexing
Unit 4: MAC sublayer and network layer
CSMA/CD/CA, IEEE 802.3 Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.4 Token Bus, IEEE 802.5 Token Ring, network layer design issues, routing algorithms (optimality principle, shortest path), congestion control policies, internetworking concept