System support consultants, system/network administrators, software engineers, programmers, computer science students, and other IT professionals who wish to use and understand the working and use computer networks.

Prerequisites:

This module has no prerequisites.

Objectives:

The objective of this module is to give participants an overview of data communication and networking. The module will begin with an overview of Networking and Network Architectures. Basic concepts associated with data transmission and data communication techniques will be presented to introduce participants to communication. To better appreciate the Physical Layer, Data Layer and Network Layer protocol concepts, X.25 will be used as a case study. Local Area Networks, Internetworking Concepts and ISDN will also be covered. At the end of this module, the participant should have a better understanding of data communication and networking concepts.

Contents:

Networking Overview: Network Goals; Application of Networks; Network Structure; Network Architectures; ISO Reference Model.

Data Communication Techniques: Transmission Media; Analogue and Digital Signals; Modulation and Demodulation; Transmission Modes; Multiplexing Data Compression; Encryption and Decryption.

Switching Concepts: X.25 Configuration; Logical Channels and Virtual Circuits; Circuit, Message and Packet Switching; X.25 Routing. OSI and X.25: Layered Protocols; Communication between Layers; Connection-Oriented & Connectionless Networks; X.25 Layers. Physical Layer: Relationship of Physical Layer to X.25. X.25 Physical Layer Protocols and Interfaces; Bell Modems at the X.25 Physical Layer; Hayes Modems.

Data Link Layer: Data Link Layer Functions; HDLC; LAP-B.

Network Layer: Network Layer Functions; Virtual Circuits and Logical Channels; Relationship Between layers 2 and 3; X.25 Interface Options and Packet Structure; Logical Channel Assignments; DTE/DCE State Diagrams.

Local Area Networks: Topology; Mode of Transmission; Media Access Protocol; Logical Link Control; IEEE 802.3 Frame; Token Passing in IEEE 802.5; FDDI.

Internetworking: Spanning Tree Bridges; Source Routing Bridges; Routers; Gateways. ISDN and Broadband ISDN: Objectives of ISDN; Transmission Structure; ISDN Protocol Architecture; ISDN Services/ Connections; Broadband ISDN; ATM Cell.

New Technologies: ATM and related technologies. Is ATM is suitable for everyone. WLAN-Wireless LAN.