CSC3400 Data Communication and Networking

Instructor :     Frank Archambeault
Email:             Farchambeau@fsc.edu
Telephone:     978-665-3703
Office :           E-207
WWW:           falcon.fsc.edu/~farchambeau/

Text

Data Communications and Computer Networks , Fourth Edition
White, Thompson Course Technology, ISDN 1-4188-3610-9

DataComm Course Files
Homework:(click for current assignments)

Course Prerequisites

CSC2560     Systems Programming

Course Description

Data Communications is a subset of telecommunications involving the transmission of data to and from computers and components of computers systems. It is concerned with the transmission of data through some medium such as wire or fiber optic cable and includes coverage of the telephone system, local area networks and wide area networks. Concepts of concern are error control, data codes, signal representation and modulation techniques, protocols, reliability, and security. This course will deal with both the hardware and software aspects of successful communication. A data communication simulation software package will be used to demonstrate certain topics in a hardware lab environment to include Pulse Amplitude Modulation and Sampled Spectra and Pulse Code Modulation Using a Logic Analyzer.

Course Outline

· Introduction to communication systems       

· Fundamentals of data and signals                                                                

· The media - conducted and wireless                                                                   

· Interfacing and modems                                                                                       

· Multiplexing

· Errors                                                                    

· Local area networks                                                          

· Wide area networks and the Internet

· Telecommunication systems

· Network Security           

Attendance

Full attendance will be expected at all classes. You are responsible for all material covered in class.

Tests

Three one hour exams and at least five quizzes will be administered throughout the semester. There will be no makeups on quizzes for  any reason ! Exam makeups will be given only at the request of the student and only in properly documented emergencies, at the discretion of the instructor. There will be a comprehensive final at the end of the semester. All reading and assigned problems must be completed. All homework must be submitted by the due date. Not all assigned end of chapter exercises will be graded.  Late homework will not be accepted! All work is to be done individually. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated and could lead to a failing grade.

Grading:

Exams/Quizzes     50%
Homework           25%
Final                     25%
Other                     ?% (attendance, participation, etc.)

Note: If you require any special arrangements be made due to any type of documented learning disability, please see the instructor as soon as possible to discuss your needs.