CS331 - Data Communications and Computer Networks¶
CS331 introduces the basic concepts of data communication and computer networks. The course covers the nature of data communication, characteristics of computer networks, ISO-OSI protocol layers, TCP/IP layers, network topologies and models, error detection and correction codes, and network performance considerations.
Course Information¶
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Course code | CS331 |
| Course title | Data Communications and Computer Networks |
| Credits/contact hours | 3 credits |
| Prerequisite | CS210 & CS175 |
| Main textbook | Behrouz Forouzan, Data Communications and Networking, With TCP/IP Protocol Suite, 6th ed., McGraw Hill, 2021 |
| Other reference | Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 7th ed., Pearson, 2016 |
| LMS | Moodle |
Course Learning Outcomes¶
By the end of CS331, students should be able to:
- Describe how communication works in data networks and the Internet with reference to the OSI and TCP/IP models.
- Describe the services and features of the various TCP/IP layers and their relevant network devices.
- Produce a network design solution based on a real-life network problem.
- Design, calculate, and apply subnet masks and addresses to fulfill networking requirements.
- Use simulators and analysis tools such as Cisco Packet Tracer and network protocol analyzers.
Weekly Course Content¶
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Weeks 1-2 - Overview of Data Communications and Networking
Core communication concepts, network characteristics, the Internet, layered network models, OSI, TCP/IP, topologies, and how data communication systems are organized.
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Weeks 3-4 - Physical Layer
Physical-layer services and features, signals, transmission concepts, media, and the low-level mechanisms that allow bits to move between devices.
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Weeks 5-7 - Data Link Layer 1 and 2
Data link layer services, framing, error detection and correction, flow control, link-level delivery, and data link mechanisms used before packets move across networks.
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Weeks 7-8 - Data Link Layer 3 and Ethernet
Ethernet and medium access concepts, local network communication, MAC-level behavior, and data link technologies used in LANs.
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Week 9 - Interconnecting Devices
Network devices and the layers where they operate, including devices used to connect, forward, segment, and manage communication across networks.
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Weeks 10-14 - Ramadan and Eid Break
No regular topic coverage is listed in the syllabus for this period.
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Weeks 15-17 - Network Layer
Network-layer services, logical addressing, routing, packet delivery, subnetting, network design decisions, and applying addresses and masks to real networking requirements.
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Week 18 - Transport Layer
End-to-end communication, segmentation, transport services, reliability, and the role of TCP/IP transport protocols in application communication.
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Week 19 - Application Layer
Application-layer services and protocols, user-facing network applications, and how software uses lower-layer services to communicate.
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Week 20 - Review
Final review of the course content, especially layered models, network devices, subnetting, packet delivery, and applied networking tools.
Assessments¶
| Assessment | Weight | Syllabus details |
|---|---|---|
| Final exam | 40% | Cumulative final assessment |
| Major exams I and II | 30% | Two major exams during the semester |
| Quizzes I, II, III | 10% | Average of the best two quizzes |
| Attendance | 5% | University attendance policy applies; 16 absences may lead to DN |
| Assignments | 7% | Bi-weekly online or offline LMS-graded assignments |
| Labs/projects | 8% | One Wireshark lab worth 3 marks and two Packet Tracer projects worth 5 marks |
Practical Work¶
The applied part of CS331 focuses on:
- Designing network solutions for real-life networking problems.
- Calculating and applying subnet masks and addresses.
- Building and testing network designs in Cisco Packet Tracer.
- Analyzing traffic with Wireshark or other network protocol analyzers.
Current Site Coverage¶
Your CS331 section currently covers most of the syllabus topics through slide wrappers and summary material.
| Syllabus topic | Current site material | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Overview of Data Communications and Networking | Chapter 1 Part 1 and Chapter 1 Part 2 slides | Covered |
| Physical Layer | Physical-layer syllabus unit | Covered |
| Data Link Layer 1 and 2 | Data Link Layer Part 1 and Part 2 slides | Covered |
| Data Link Layer 3 / Ethernet | Ethernet slides | Covered |
| Interconnecting Devices | Interconnecting Devices slides | Covered |
| Network Layer | Network Layer Part 1 and Part 2 slides | Covered |
| Transport Layer | Transport Layer slides | Covered |
| Application Layer | Application Layer slides | Covered |
| Packet Tracer / Wireshark practice | Practical networking tools listed in the syllabus | Covered |
Study Path¶
- Start with Chapter 1 Part 1 and Part 2 to understand data communication, network characteristics, OSI, TCP/IP, topologies, and models.
- Study the Physical Layer before moving into link-level communication.
- Study Data Link Layer Parts 1 and 2, then Ethernet.
- Review Interconnecting Devices and connect each device to its network layer.
- Study Network Layer Parts 1 and 2 with extra subnetting practice.
- Finish with Transport Layer and Application Layer.
- Use Packet Tracer and Wireshark practice to connect the theory to real traffic and network design.
Source
This overview was updated from the CS331 course syllabus and the current files in the CS331 section of this site.