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Superior University

























Data Communication and Networks
Module Handbook





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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sr. No Contents Page #
1. Course delivery arrangement 3
2. Course instructors 3
3. Course introduction 4
4. Course aims 4
5. Course coverage 5
6. Student gain 7
7. Teaching and learning methodologies 8
7.1. Lectures 8
7.2. Class activities 8
7.3. Simulations 8
7.4. Presentations 8
8. Assessments 8
8.1. Quizzes 8
8.2. Exam Papers 9
8.3. Assignments 10
9. Lecture plan 14
10. Grading of course 18
11. Academic and disciplinary policies 18
11.1. Late submissions 18
11.2. Absenteeism 18
11.3. Scholastic honesty 17
11.4. Plagiarism 19
11.5. Cover sheet 19
12. Class rules and regulations 19
13. Assessment GPA and percentages 20
14. Appendixes 22
i. Sample cover page 22
ii. Sample Exam Papers 23
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1. Course Delivery Arrangements



2. Course Instructor

Name

Mr. Saqib Maqsood

Contact Information
saqib.maqsood@superior.edu.pk
Room and Building
FET Office
Consultation Hours
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm


Course Data Communication and Networks
Credit Hours 3
Lecture Duration 3 hours per week
Semester Duration 16 weeks
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3. Course Introduction

The module of Data Communication and Networks is designed to acquaint students with
the diversity of data communication and networking tasks by giving them knowledge of OSI
and TCP/IP reference models which divides the complex task of data transfer into layers to
achieve modular approach benefits. This course emphasizes on the understanding of tasks
and functions performed on bottom two layers namely physical and data link layers and
their relationship with above layers. Some standards of electronic and telecommunication
data transfer will also be discussed.


4. Course Aims
This module provides a broad overview of the subject of Data communications and
Networks for undergraduate students. The module has following specific aims:

To develop an understanding of computer communication principles.
To propose and evaluate alternative approaches to meeting specific
communication requirements.
To obtain a working knowledge of a variety of computer communications
technologies used in computer network infrastructures.
To develop a working knowledge of computer communications standards in terms
of their current status and future direction.

Program: BTC
Semester: 5
th
Session: 2011-2015
Pre Requisites: None
Follow Up: Computer Networks
Text Book(s):
Computer Networks, 4
th
Edition by Andrew Tanenbaum.
Data Communications, 7
th
Edition by William Stallings,
Prentice Hall.
Data Communications and Networking, 4
th
Edition by
Behrouz A. Forouzan.
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5. Course Coverage
Key topics included in this course are as follows:
1. Introduction and basic concepts
i. Basic communication model
ii. Line configurations
iii. Categorization of Networks
iv. Network topologies
v. Synchronous & asynchronous transmission
vi. Data transfer modes
vii. Internetworking
2. Network Models
i. The Internet communications model
ii. OSI Reference Model
iii. TCP/IP Protocol Architecture
3. Data Transmission
i. The Internet communications model
ii. Frequency Domain Concepts
iii. Time Domain Concepts
iv. Data rate and Bandwidth Concepts
v. Analog and Digital Representation of Data and Signals
vi. Analog and Digital Transmission
vii. Channel capacity models
viii. Transmission Impairments
4. Transmission Media
i. Channel capacity, frequency range & other characteristics of guided &
unguided media
ii. Guided Transmission Media
iii. Wireless Transmission Media
5. Signal Encoding
i. Digital Data, Digital Signals
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ii. Digital Data, Digital Signals
iii. Digital Data, Analog Signals
iv. Analog Data, Digital Signals
v. Analog Data, Analog Signals
6. Data Link Layer
i. Data Link Control
ii. Error detection and correction
iii. Cyclic codes
7. Data Interface
i. Serial and parallel transmission
ii. Characteristics of a data interface
iii. DTE-DCE Interface: (Electronic Industry Association) EIA 232, EIA 449,
EIA 530
iv. ISDN interface,
8. Bandwidth Utilization
i. Multiplexing
ii. Spreading
9. Switching
i. Circuit switching
ii. Packet switching










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6. Student Gain

Classification
Teaching and learning
methodology
Assessment
Knowledge and Comprehension
At the end of this module, the successful
students will be able to understand and
comprehend:
OSI reference model of computer
communication
Analog and Digital Signals.
Multiplexing and its types.
DTE-DCE interface and other interface
standards: EIA 232, EIA 449, EIA 530
Transmission media: Guided and
Unguided
Circuit Switching and Packet
Switching.
Students gain knowledge and
understanding through lectures
and self-directed study. Class
activities will be used to
enhance their understanding of
the concepts. Comprehension
will be improved through
various written assignments and
problems.
Students knowledge and
understanding will be assessed
through: quizzes, class assignments
of varying lengths; mid and final
term exam paper.


Application and Skills
At the end of this module, the successful
students will be able to:
Apply the knowledge in different
scenarios they will encounter while
deploying a communications network.
To gather requirements for basic data
communication networks.
Written reports, assignments
and resource based learning will
help students in strengthening
their research and problem
solving skills.


Students practical skills will be
assessed by: written reports; and
assignments.



Analysis and Synthesis
At the end of this module, the successful
students will be able to:
Analyze and distinguish between
different types and topologies of
networks used.
Analyze different techniques to
transmit data.
Analyze different types of media used
in data communication.
Analyze different data interfaces used
in the industry.
Students will learn summarizing
and synthesizing skills through
participation in lectures, group
discussions, and self-directed
study. Analytical skills will be
learnt through the critical
analysis of class assignments.
Students analysis and synthesis skills
will be assessed by: assignments,
and technical reports.






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7. Teaching and Learning Methodology

7.1 Lectures:

Lectures seek to make accessible to students the module and programme aims in addition
to crucial background and factual knowledge. Interactive lectures will introduce the
concepts, theories and application of the subject using relevant examples. Students will be
asked questions and are expected to discuss material from previous weeks. Handouts will
outline the principles of the methods and give examples related to different research
techniques. Students would be free to ask any question related to the subject matter
during and after lectures.
7.2 Class activities
Different types of activities will be used in the class not only to enhance students learning
but also to stimulate their interest towards the practical application of the topic/s. Class
activities include: individual and group discussions, reading and analysis based activities,
extempore presentations, role playing, etc.
7.3 Simulations:
Students will be encouraged to use and appreciate the beauty of available software tools
Wireshark, Etherial, PacketTracer, Matlab for traffic monitoring and topology building and
to solve network problem using modeling and simulation tools.
7.4 Presentation:
Formal and informal presentations will be conducted in class to allow students to gain
constructive feedback from their course instructors and peers regarding their assignments
and projects. This is also the way through which students can demonstrate and improve
presentation skills.

8. Assessments

8.1 Quizzes
To ensure the increased learning and memorization of lectures by the students the
scheduled and unscheduled class quizzes will be carried out.

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8.2 Exam Papers
Mid and final term exams will be conducted in order to evaluate the students learning and
their understanding of the concepts. Exam paper will help in assessing the knowledge,
comprehension, analytical and synthesis skills of students (sample papers are attached in
annexure b). The detail of the content coverage in each term paper is discussed below:
Content coverage Weightage
Mid-Term Paper
Objective Subjective
Foundation concepts 20 % 10 %
OSI and TCP/IP models 20 % 10 %
Data Transmission 20 % 40 %
Transmission media 20 % 20 %
Signal encoding schemes 20 % 20 %
Total 25 %
Brief description of Objective and Subjective parts:
Objective part of the paper may contain all or any of the components given below:
T/F, MCQs and Short Questions.
Subjective part of the paper may contain:
Detailed questions and numerical problems
Final-Term Paper
Objective Subjective
Data link and error control 20 % 25 %
Multiplexing 20 % 15 %
Spread spectrum 15 % 15 %
Circuit and packet switching 20 % 15 %
Pre-mid content 25 % 30 %
Total 50 %
Brief description of Objective and Subjective parts:
Objective part of the paper may contain all or any of the components given below:
T/F, MCQs, and Short Questions.
Subjective part of the paper may contain:
Detailed questions and numerical problems














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8.3 Assignments


Assignment 1
Introduction to Computer Networks

Objectives

By the end of this assignment, students will be able to:
Comprehend network categories and topology


All questions are compulsory.

1.1 Assume five devices are arranged in a mesh topology. How many cables are needed? How
many ports are needed for each device?

1.2 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mesh, star, bus, and ring topology.

1.3 What is the difference between half-duplex and full-duplex transmission modes?

1.4 Why are protocols and standards needed?

1.5 What are the advantages of a multipoint connection over a point-to-point connection?

1.6 What are some of the factors that determine whether a communication system is a LAN or
WAN?

1.7 Mention the seven layers of the OSI reference model, and describe the basic function of
each layer in one sentence.

1.8 What are the responsibilities of the network layer in the Internet model?

1.9 What is a peer-to-peer process?

1.10 Name some services provided by the application layer in the Internet model.

Evaluation Criteria (Total Marks: 10)

Sr.# Contents Marks
1 Conceptual understanding 5
2 Brief and concise answer 3
3 Legibility 2

Instruction:
It is an individual assignment that has to be submitted in the form of hard copy to your course
instructor on given date and time.

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Assignment 2
Analog and Digital Signals

Objectives

By the end of this assignment, students will be able to:
Represent data, signals and understand multiplexing techniques

All questions are compulsory.

2.1 A signal travels from point A to point B. At point A, the signal power is 200 W. At point B, the
power is 170 W. What is the attenuation in decibels?

2.2 Distinguish between baseband transmission and broadband transmission.

2.3 What is the theoretical capacity of a channel in each of the following cases:

Bandwidth: 20 KHz SNR
dB
= 40
Bandwidth: 200 KHz SNR
dB
= 6
Bandwidth: 1 MHz SNR
dB
= 20

2.4 Elaborate three types of transmission impairment.

2.5 What are the differences between parallel and serial transmission?

2.6 Two channels, one with a bit rate of 150 kbps and another with a bit rate of 140 kbps, are to
be multiplexed using pulse stuffing TDM with no synchronization bits. Answer the following
questions:

What is the size of a frame in bits?
What is the frame rate?
What is the duration of a frame?
What is the data rate?

2.7 Which of the three multiplexing techniques is common for fiber optic links? Explain the
reason.

Evaluation Criteria (Total Marks: 10)

Sr.# Contents Marks
1 Conceptual understanding 5
2 Brief and concise answer 3
3 Legibility 2

Instruction:
It is an individual assignment that has to be submitted in the form of hard copy to your course
instructor on given date and time.
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Assignment 3
Signal Encoding

Objectives
By the end of this assignment, students will be able to:
Comprehend signal encoding schemes

All questions are compulsory.

3.1 Draw the graph of the NRZ-L scheme using each of the following data streams, assuming
that the last signa11evel has been positive. From the graphs, guess the bandwidth for this
scheme using the average number of changes in the signal level. Compare your guess with
the corresponding entry in Table 4.1.
a. 00000000
b. 11111111
c. 01010101
d. 00110011

3.2 What is the total delay (latency) for a frame of size 5 million bits that is being sent on a link
with 10 routers each having a queuing time of 2us and a processing time of 1us. The length
of the link is 2000 Km. the speed of light inside the link is 2 x 108 mls. The link has a
bandwidth of 5 Mbps. Which component of the total delay is dominant? Which one is
negligible?

3.3 The input stream to a 4B/5B block encoder is 0100 0000 0000 0000 0000 OOOI. Answer the
following questions:
a. What is the output stream?
b. What is the length of the longest consecutive sequence of Os in the input?
c. What is the length of the longest consecutive sequence of Os in the output?

3.4 We have sampled a low-pass signal with a bandwidth of 200 KHz using 1024 levels of
quantization.
a. Calculate the bit rate of the digitized signal.
b. Calculate the SNRdB for this signal.
c. Calculate the PCM bandwidth of this signal.

3.5 A corporation has a medium with a I-MHz bandwidth (lowpass). The corporation needs to
create 10 separate independent channels each capable of sending at least 10 Mbps. The
company has decided to use QAM technology. What is the minimum number of bits per
baud for each channel? What is the number of points in the constellation diagram for each
channel? Let d =O.






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Evaluation Criteria (Total Marks: 10)

Sr.# Contents Marks
1 Mathematical steps 5
2 Accuracy of the answer 3
3 Legibility 2

Instruction:
It is an individual assignment that has to be submitted in the form of hard copy to your course
instructor on given date and time.








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9. Lecture plan
Session Topics

Session Objective

Introduction
Lecture Break up
Week 1

Introduction
Introduction to Data
Communications
Basic Communication Model
Networks
Protocols and standards
After attending this session, the students
will be aware of different models of
network as well as history of data
communications.
Lecture 1
Ice breaking session 10 min

Module discussion 10 min
Introduction to Data communications 30 min
Lecture 2
Basic communication model 30 min
Networks 40 min
Protocols and standards 15 min
Class Activity: Ice breaking session and discussion on module
Revision 15 min
Reading assignment of the topics covered in class
Introduction
Week 2

Basic Concepts
Categorization of Networks
Network topologies
Synchronous & asynchronous
transmission
Data transfer modes
Internetworking
After attending this session, the students
will be able to differentiate the network
categories, modes of transmission, and
data transfer modes.
Lecture 3
Students feedback from the previous
session
10 min
Basic concepts 40 min
Lecture 4
Categorization of Networks 20 min
Network Topologies 40 min
Data transfer modes 30 min
Class Activity: Discussion on how the networks operate
Assignment discussion 10 min
Assignment no. 1
Network Models
Week 3

Network Models
The Internet communications
model
OSI Reference Model
TCP/IP Protocol Architecture
This session will provide an opportunity to
the students that how encapsulation and
de-encapsulation takes place whilst data
routes in the network or over the internet.
Lecture 5
Students feedback from the previous
session
10 min
The Internet communications model 40 min
Lecture 6
OSI Reference model 50 min
TCP/IP Protocol Architecture 30 min
Class Activity: Discussion on networking equipment
Review of previous lectures 20 min
Reading assignment of the topics covered in class
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Physical layer and Media
Week 4
Data Transmission
Distinction between Data
and Signals
Frequency and time
domain concepts
Data rate and Bandwidth
After this session, the students will be familiar
with the terms like data and signals, frequency
domain, time domain, data rate and bandwidth.
Lecture 7
Students feedback from the
previous session
10 min
Data and signals 40 min
Lecture 8
Frequency domain versus time
domain
50 min
Data rate and bandwidth 30 min
Class Activity: Quiz
Assignment discussion 20 min
Assignment no. 2
Physical layer and Media

Week 5

Data Transmission
Analog and Digital
Representation of Data
and Signals
Analog and Digital
Transmission
Channel capacity models
Transmission impairments
After this session, the students would be aware
of the representation of signals, transmission
techniques, channel capacity models and
impairments of the transmission media.
Lecture 9
Students feedback from the
previous session
10 min
Representation of data and
signals
40 min
Lecture 10
Channel capacity models 50 min
Transmission impairments 30 min
Brief review of previous topics 20 min
Reading Assignment till 3.5
Transmission Media

Week 6

Characteristics of guided and
unguided media
Guided transmission media
Wireless transmission media
After this session, the students will have a clear
understanding of the characteristics of
transmission media like wired and wireless.
Lecture 11
Students feedback from the
previous session
10 min
Guided and unguided
transmission media
40 min
Lecture 12
Wireless transmission media 40 min
Class Activity: Familiarization with Packet Tracer Software
Packet tracer software 60 min
Analog Transmission

Week 7

Digital-to-analog conversion
Analog-to-analog conversion
After this session, the students will be able to
comprehend different modulation schemes and
signal conversions.
Lecture 13
Digital-to-analog conversion 50 min
Lecture 14
Analog-to-analog conversion 100 min
Week 8 Mid-Term Exam

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Data link layer
Week 9

Error control
Selective Reject ARQ
HDLC protocol
Error Types
Single Bit Error
Multiple Bit Error, Burst
Error
After studying this topic, the students will be able
to understand different strategies of error
control and error detection.
Lecture 15
Attendance 05 min
Error control 45 min
Lecture 16
Error types 60 min
Class Activity: Discussion on solution of mid-term paper.
Discussion on solution of Mid-
term paper
40 min
Reading Assignment
Error Detection and Correction

Week 10
Error Detection
Parity
Vertical Redundancy
Check
Longitudinal
Redundancy Check
Block Sum Check
Cyclic Redundancy
Check
This session will acquaint students with different
error detection techniques.


Lecture 17
Students feedback from the
previous session
10 min
Error detection
40 min
Lecture 18
Longitudinal redundancy check 30 min
Block Sum Check 25 min
Cyclic Redundancy Check 25 min
Class Activity: Problem solving session
Assignment discussion 20 min
Assignment no. 3
Data Interface

Week 11
Serial and parallel
transmission
Characteristics of data
Interface
DTE-DCE Interface
ISDN Interface
After this session, the students will be able to
comprehend data interfaces and transmission
modes.


Lecture 19
Students feedback from the
previous session
10 min
Transmission modes 40 min
Lecture 20
Data Interfaces 80 min
Class Activity: Discussion on students queries
Review of lectures 20 min
Reading Assignment
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Multiplexing

Week 12

Frequency Division Multiplexing
Synchronous Time Division
Multiplexing
Statistical Time Division
Multiplexing
This session will familiarize students with
different multiplexing techniques.
Lecture 21
Students feedback from the
previous session
10 min
Frequency division multiplexing 40 min
Lecture 22
Synchronous time division
multiplexing
45 min
Statistical time division
multiplexing
45 min
Class Activity: Quiz Quiz 10 min
Spread Spectrum

Week 13

Frequency-hopping spread
spectrum
Direct sequence spread
spectrum
After this session, the students will be
able to comprehend spread spectrum
concepts.
Lecture 23
Students feedback from the
previous session
10 min
Frequency-hopping spread
spectrum
40 min
Lecture 24
Direct sequence spread spectrum 80 min
Reading Assignment Brief Review of previous topics 20 min
Switching

Week 14
Circuit switching
Packet switching
After this session, the students will get
understanding of circuit switching and
packet switching as well as their
comparison.
Lecture 25
Students feedback from the
previous session
10 min
Circuit switching 40 min
Lecture 26
Circuit switching (contd) 30 min
Packet switching 50 min
Reading Assignment Brief Review of previous topics 20 min
Week 15
Discussion will be conducted on the final term paper
Revision of course
Week 16 Final Term Exam
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10. Grading of course

Sr.# Contents Weightage
Pre-Mid Assessment
1 Assignments 10%
2 Quizzes 10%
3 Mid Term Exam 25%
Post-Mid Assessment
4 Quizzes 10%
5 Assignments 10%
6 Final Term Exam 40%
Overall Percentage 100%


11. Academic & Disciplinary Policies
11.1 Late Submission:
According to the University policy, an assignment submitted after the due date, without an
approved extension, will be penalized at the rate of 20% deduction of the possible
maximum marks of the assessment item. This policy is applicable till the next working day
after due date and time of assignment. Assignments submitted after this will be awarded
zero marks.
11.2 Absenteeism:
Late coming and shortage in attendance i.e. 3 continual absents from class, ensure that
students will be struck off from the relevant subject. It is not acceptable for you to disturb
the class by entering late. If you are unavoidably late, then please wait outside until the
lecturer indicates you may come in.
11.3 Scholastic Honesty:
Superior University expects each student to do his/her own work. The University has "zero
tolerance" for cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration on assignments and papers,
using "notes" during exams, submitting someone else's work as one's own, submitting work
previously submitted for another course, or facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by
others. The penalties are severe!


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11.4 Plagiarism
University policy prohibits students plagiarizing, collusion, copying and ghost writing any
material under any circumstances. A student plagiarizes if he or she presents the thoughts
or works of another as ones own. This definition may include:
Using anothers ideas without due acknowledgement;
Working with others without permission and presenting the resulting work as
though it was completed independently.
Aiding another student to plagiarize is also a violation of the plagiarism Policy
and may invoke a penalty.
11.5. Cover Sheets for Assessment:
A Faculty Specific Assignment Cover Sheet (available at university bookshop) is to be
completed and attached to each assessment item to be submitted.

12. Class Rules and Regulations
All mobile phones must remain switched off (not kept on silent / vibration mode) for
the entire duration of a class. Any breach of this rule will lead to immediate
confiscation of the phone, which will only be returned after the semester is over.
No food, drinks, bubble gum or beetle-nut will be allowed inside the classroom.
In order to maintain the sanctity and decorum on the University Campus, all male
and female students are required to be dressed in a decent and appropriate
manner. Please note carefully that under no circumstances you will be allowed to
attend classes in a casual and shabby getup, for example, dirty and unironed clothes.
The University shall take a particularly stern view of any kind of immodest and
revealing clothes, such as shalwar-qameez with long slits, shirts with low necklines,
skirts and tight or torn jeans. Male students may wear shalwar-qameez with waist-
coat and sandals with straps.
Cheating, plagiarism, offensive language and disruptive behaviour will be addressed
according to policies for academic misconduct mentioned in the Students
Handbook.
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A student must have maximum participation in class lecture and activities. He/she
should think critically to make effective arguments during the class.
Give respect to your class mates in terms of their opinions and arguments. A student
is encouraged to make opposing argument but maintain class decorum cannot be
ignored.
A 15-minute break will be given. Any student coming late or returning late after the
break will be considered absent for that day.
In case of cancellation / makeup of a class you shall be notified through the program
manager or class coordinator.
If you fail to attend at least 90% of the sessions you will receive an F grade for the
module

13. Assessment GPA and Percentages

(80-100%) This is an outstanding standard indicating comprehensive knowledge and
understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an outstanding
level of academic ability; mastery of skills (as identified in the assessment
task); and achievement of all assessment objectives.

(70-79%) This is an excellent standard indicating a very high level of knowledge and
understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a very high level of
academic ability; sound development of skills (as identified in the assessment
task); and achievement of all assessment objectives.

(60-69%) This is a very good standard indicating a high level of knowledge and
understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a high level of
academic ability; reasonable development of skills (as identified in the
assessment task); and achievement of all assessment objectives.

(50-59%) This is a satisfactory standard indicating an adequate knowledge and
understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an adequate level
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of academic ability; satisfactory development of skills (as identified in the
assessment task); and achievement of most assessment objectives.
Fail (less than 50%)
This is an unsatisfactory standard indicating an inadequate knowledge and
understanding of the relevant materials; insufficient evidence of academic
ability; failure to develop skills (as identified in the assessment task); and
failure to achieve assessment objectives.
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Appendix A

Introduction to Computer Networks





Session 2012-2016




Course Instructor
______________


Submitted By

Name Roll No





Department of Electrical Engineering
Superior University
Lahore
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Appendix B
Sample Exam Papers









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