Subject details

Upon successful completion of this subject you should be able to:

  • explain the basic concepts of data communication;
  • demonstrate knowledge of higher level aspects of data communications and network technology, details of the underlying mechanisms, principles, reference models, protocols, error handling, appropriate for the development of software applications in a networked environment;
  • design computer programs that are aware of basic aspects of networking;
  • describe emerging networking technologies;
  • analyse communications systems that use the TCP/IP protocol suite and the abstract 7-layer OSI reference model;
  • apply knowledge of data communications concepts to solve problems involving data communications flow control and error control methods;
  • apply mathematical/analytic skills to basic performance evaluation, utilization, throughput and delay.
    • Introduction to Data Communications and Networking
    • Data and signal transmission
    • Signal Encoding Techniques
    • Error Detection and Correction
    • Data Link Control
    • Multiplexing
    • Medium Access control
    • Wide Area Networks
    • Internet and Transport Protocols
    • Routing
    • Internet Applications

  • Study resources

    • Instructional methods

      • Chat Rooms
      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
      • Embedded Multimedia
      • Online assignment submission
      • Podcasting/Lecture capture
      • Standard Media
      • Streaming Multimedia
      • Web links

    • Online materials

      • Resources and Links
      • Printable format materials
      • Audio-Video streaming
      • Simulations

You are recommended to have completed the following subjects(s) or have equivalent knowledge before starting this subject:

Special requirements

  • OtherDetails -

    Stable broadband connection required to access online learning materials and live chat sessions/recordings. (note: mobile broadband users may have difficulties participating in live chat sessions)

This subject aims to provide a broad introduction to the fundamentals of data communication and network technology. The emphasis is on higher aspects of data communication from the perspective of computer scientists and information technologists; the subject covers the underlying mechanisms and their characteristics that need to be considered by communicating application software.

Topics include:

  • principles and reference models of data communication;
  • basic operation of communication systems;
  • protocols and error handling, and applications in networked environments.

  • Assignment 1 (20%)
  • Assignment 2 (30%)
  • Invigilated Exam (50%)

Textbook information is pending.

Textbook information is pending.

Related degrees

undergraduate RMI-CPT-DEG-2019

Bachelor of Information Technology