Course

Communication Technology I (DAT230)

Communication technology is the basis of today’s modern society, with a significant impact on our daily lives. This subject provides a detailed overview on communication technologies, from those implemented by the network user and/or application to those within the network itself and all the way to the signal emitted on the wire or in the air, hence covering all layers of the networking stack. The completion of this course together with DAT300 and additional independent studies provide the student with the necessary skills to obtain the Cisco CCNA certification.


Course description for study year 2020-2021. Please note that changes may occur.

See course description and exam/assesment information for this semester (2024-2025)

Semesters

Facts

Course code

DAT230

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Time table

View course schedule

Content

This subject provides an overview of the general principles in computer networking. The communication protocols will be introduced by presenting each abstraction layers in different networking architectures (e.g., OSI and TCP/IP models). The Internet is used as an example of how a data network can be implemented.

Various physical- and datalink-layer protocols and mechanisms are described. In addition, network-layer functionalities and protocols, such as IP addressing, subnetting, and routing, are presented. Transport-layer protocols (e.g., TCP and UDP), services and functionalities, such as congestion control and flow control, are also discussed. The main protocols of the application layer (e.g., HTTP and DNS) will be overviewed.

The subject also discusses the structure and the configuration of routers and switches. Moreover, Access Control List (ACL), Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Network Address Translation (NAT) are presented.

The lab activities are primarily based on Cisco's networking hardware and software solutions and corresponding to the first two modules of Cisco’s CCNA.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • Fundamentals of communication networking
  • Networking challenges and protocols
  • Design principles of computer networks

Skills:

  • Identify the challenges in a network
  • Evaluate and select the appropriate network technology for a given application and environment
  • Configure and troubleshoot switches and routers

General competence:

  • Understanding the fundamental technologies of communication networks
  • Understanding the theoretical and practical abilities and issues of the various layers and different protocols

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid Exam system Withdrawal deadline Exam date
Oral exam 1/1 30 Minutes Letter grades — — —


The written exam is a digital multiple choice exam.

The candidate must have passed both oral and written exams to get a final grade.

Coursework requirements

Compulsory assignments, Compulsory assignments
90% of chapter tests and 100% lab assignments which are held throughout the semester must be approved before granting access to the oral and written exam.

Course teacher(s)

Head of Department:

Tom Ryen

Course coordinator:

Naeem Khademi

Course teacher:

Naeem Khademi

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Ali Gohar

Method of work

In total 8 hours per week including lectures, group work, laboratory exercises, assignments.

Open for

Students enrolled on bachelor programme in Computer Science at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Course assessment

Form and/or discussion.

Literature

Book

Introduction to Networks v7 - Companion Guide Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco Press, 736, June 2020, isbn:978-0136633662,

Book

Introduction to Networks v7 - Labs & Study Guide Allan Johnson, Cisco Press, 464 pages, June 2020, isbn:9780136634454,

Book

Introduction to Networks v7 - Course Booklet Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco Press, 384 pages, May 2020, isbn:9780136632955,

Book

Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials v7 - Companion Guide Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco Press, 640 pages, July 2020, isbn:9780136729358,

Book

Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials v7 - Lab & Study Guide Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco Press, 416 pages, July 2020, isbn:9780136634386,

Book

Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials v7 - Course Booklet Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco Press, 384 pages, May 2020, isbn:9780136634720,

Book

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach James Kurose, Keith Ross, Pearson, 864 pages, 2016, isbn:978-0133594140,

Book

Computer Networks Andrew Tanenbaum, David Wetherall, Pearson, 960 pages, 2010, isbn:978-0132126953,

Contact

Head of Department:

Tom Ryen

Course coordinator:

Naeem Khademi

Course teacher:

Naeem Khademi

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Ali Gohar

Offered by

Faculty of Science and Technology

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The course description is retrieved from FS (Felles studentsystem). Version 1