MASON GEORGE UNIVERSITY School of Information Technology & Engineering TCOM 501 Data Communications & Local Area Networks TCOM 502 Wide Area Networks & Internet SYLLABUS
Instructor: Mr. James A. Mazzei Instructor Tel: [phone] Office Hours: (by appointment) E-mail address: [e-mail]
Day/time of class: Tue: 4:30 - 7:10 p.m. Location: East Bldg 201 Class section: 001 COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course studies those techniques that network managers utilize to maintain and improve the performance of a telecommunications network. Data communications and networks are defined and explained. The course includes a review of the theoretical background in transmission systems sufficient to understand network parameters such as capacity and response times. It also includes examples of current specific network products. It explores how network performance data can be used as an input when decisions are made on changes in the network architecture. Additionally, network design is studied for the development of new network architecture when only user requirements are known. COURSE OBJECTIVES At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Explain data communications and network terminology, definitions and concepts. 2. Identify and define the major building blocks and interrelationships of each network. 3. Specify criteria for the choice and implementation of a network. 4. Identify and contrast competing current network types. 5. Identify and specify the elements of network design.
REQUIRED TEXT Forouzan, Behrouz, (2001) Data Communications and Networking 1
SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS: Additional readings will typically be relevant articles available on the World Wide Web. COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Examinations -- There will be an exam for TCOM 501 and one for TCOM 502.
2. Research paper -- A research paper on a subject or topic consistent with course content is required for TCOM 501 and a second is required for TCOM 502. The subject of the paper is the student's choice. The purpose of the paper is to allow the graduate student to review current literature on that subject. The paper will be graded on technical content, format, and writing skill. The paper should follow these guidelines: a. Each paper must be a minimum of 10 to 15 double-spaced (not triple) pages of 12 point type in length, excluding the bibliography, the table of contents, and other graphic, tabular or illustrative material. Information derived from other sources should be footnoted with a reference to and including the page. You should develop an analysis that synthesizes the literature/research in such a way as to generate a judgement or new knowledge. b. The paper must be prepared in the format outlined in the APA style guide or another standard. c. The paper must state a thesis, develop it by incorporating all reviewed articles in a comprehensive whole and end with compelling findings and conclusions as judged by their significance and supporting arguments. Well written graduate papers should also include personal analysis of technologies or technical management issues, i.e., compare systems, evaluate footnoted data, etc. Grading - Course grades will be comprised of the following percentages for each class: A. Exam B. Research Paper C. Class Participation Grading Guidelines TCOM 501 and 502 are core courses in the TCOM Program, therefore the only grades that may be considered as passing are A, A-, B+ and B. The course must be retaken if a grade lower than a C is earned. 45% 45% 10%
Writing Standards Effective managers and leaders are also effective communicators. Written communication is an important element of the total communication process. The Graduate School recognizes and expects exemplary writing to be the norm for coursework. To this end, all papers, individual and group, must demonstrate graduate-level writing ability and comply with the format requirements of the 2
Publications Manual of the American Psychological (latest Association ed.) or another accepted standard. Careful attention should be given to source citations, proper listing of references, representation of numbers, and the presentation of tables and graphs. Policy on Academic Integrity (Plagiarism) "Plagiarism is the intentional or unintentional presentation of another person's idea or product as one's own. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to the following: copying verbatim all or part of another's written work; using phrases, charts, figures, illustrations, or mathematical or scientific solutions without citing the source; paraphrasing ideas, conclusions, or research without citing the source; and using all or part of a literary plot, poem, film, musical score, or other artistic product without attributing the work to its creator. Notes taken for papers and research projects should accurately record sources of material to be cited, quoted, paraphrased, or summarized, and papers should acknowledge these sources in footnotes." The penalties for plagiarism include a zero or a grade of "F" on the work in question, a grade of "F" in the course, suspension with a file letter, suspension with a transcript notation, or expulsion.
COURSE OUTLINE TCOM 501 Session 1: Introduction and Overview of Data Communications & Networks (1/21/03) 1. 2. 3. 4. Data communications concepts Line configurations and topologies Categories of networks The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model Readings: Forouzan - Chapters 1 - 3 3
TCOM 501 Session 2: The Physical Layer: Signals, Encoding and Modulation (1/28/03) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Transmission Mathematics Digital Systems Analog and Analog to Digital Conversions DTE-DCE Interfaces MODEMS ISDN & DSL Readings: Forouzan - Chapters 4 - 5 TCOM 501 Session 3: Transition Media (2/04/03) 1. 2. 3. 4. Guided Media Unguided Media Transmission Impairment Performance Readings: Forouzan - Chapters 6 - 7 TCOM 501 Session 4: Multiplexing and Multiple Access (2/11/03) 1. 2. 3. 4. Frequency Division Time Division Code Division Wavelength Division Readings: Forouzan - Chapter 8 TCOM 501 Session 5: Error Detection and Correction (2/18/03) 1. Error Correction 2. Error Detection 3. CHECKSUM Readings: Forouzan - Chapter 9 TCOM 501 Session 6: Data Link Layer Control and Access Protocols (2/25/03) 4
1. Link Discipline 2. Flow Control 3. Error Control Readin...