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Yarmouk University
Faculty of Information Technology & Computer Sciences
Department of Computer sciences

CS 334: Data Communication and Networking

Course Credits: 3 Cr. Hrs. Pre-requisite(s): Pre req.: CS130,

Co req.: CS335
Semester/Session:
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Course Description:
This course is to provide students with an overview of the concepts and fundamentals of
data communication and computer networks. Topics to be covered include: data
communication concepts and techniques in a layered network architecture, communications
switching and routing, types of communication, network congestion, network topologies,
network configuration and management, network model components, layered network
models (OSI reference model, TCP/IP networking architecture) and their protocols, various
types of networks (LAN, MAN, WAN and Wireless networks) and their protocols. The course
is supplemented by a practical component covered in CS335 concurrently.

Course Objectives:

At the end of the course, the students will be able to:

1. Build an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computer networking.
2. Familiarize the student with the basic taxonomy and terminology of the computer
networking area.
3. Introduce the student to advanced networking concepts, preparing the student for
entry Advanced courses in computer networking.
4. Allow the student to gain expertise in some specific areas of networking such as the
design and maintenance of individual networks.

Learning Outcomes:

After completing this course the student must demonstrate the knowledge and ability to:
1. Independently understand basic computer network technology.
2. Understand and explain Data Communications System and its components.
3. Identify the different types of network topologies and protocols.
4. Enumerate the layers of the OSI model and TCP/IP. Explain the function(s) of each
layer.
5. Identify the different types of network devices and their functions within a network
6. Understand and building the skills of subnetting and routing mechanisms.
7. Familiarity with the basic protocols of computer networks, and how they can be used
to assist in network design and implementation.
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Teaching Methods:
The course will be based on the following teaching and learning activities:
• Lectures covering the theoretical part using PowerPoint presentations
• Case studies
• Review questions

Evaluation Plan:
Students will be evaluated in this course using a combination of assessment methods,
including:
• First Exam (25%)
• Second Exam (25%)
• Final Exam (50%).

Teaching Resources:
Main Textbook
• Data Communications and Networking, 3/e, Behrouz A Forouzan.

Additional Reading ( Textbooks)

• The TCP/IP Guide, by Charles M. Kozierok, Free online Resource,

http://www.tcpipguide.com/free/index.htm
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Electronic material placed at Yarmouk University site for this course: Syllabus,
PowerPoint slides, exercises, assignments, case studies, announcements, exam
samples, and discussions.
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Course Plan:
Week 1

• Introduction
o Types and size of network

Local Area Networks (LANs), Wireless LANs (WLANs) and Wide Area Networks
(WANs) and Variants (CANs, MANs and PANs)

Segments, Networks, Subnetworks and Internetworks

The Internet, Intranets and Extranets
o Data communication
o Networks
o Network Topologies
o Network categories
o The internet

Week 2

• Network performance issues and concepts

Putting Network Performance In Perspective

Balancing Network Performance with Key Non-Performance Characteristics

Performance Measurements: Speed, Bandwidth, Throughput and Latency

Understanding Performance Measurement Units

Theoretical and Real-World Throughput, and Factors Affecting Network
Performance

Simplex, Full-Duplex and Half-Duplex Operation

Quality of Service (QoS)

Week 3 – 4

• Network Models

Layered tasks

OSI Model

OSI Reference Model Layers
• Physical Layer (Layer 1)
• Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
• Network Layer (Layer 3)
• Transport Layer (Layer 4)
• Session Layer (Layer 5)
• Presentation Layer (Layer 6)
• Application Layer (Layer 7)
• Internet model (TCP/IP protocol suite
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Week 5 - 8

• Network Layer

Internetworks

Addressing
• Subnetting

Routing
• host specific routing
• network specific routing

Network layer protocols
o ARP (Format and size)
o IPV4 (Format and size)
o ICMP (Format and size)

Week 9 - 11

• Transport Layer

Process-to-process delivery
• Client/Server Paradigm
• Connectionless Versus Connection-Oriented Service
• Reliable Versus Unreliable
• Three Protocols

USER DATAGRAM PROTOCOL (UDP)

• Well-Known Ports for UDP
• User Datagram
• UDP Operation
• Use of UDP

TCP 715
• TCP Services
• TCP Features
• Segment
• A TCP Connection
• Flow Control

Week 12 - 14
• Application layer (WWW and HTTP)

ARCHITECTURE
• Client (Browser)
• Server
• Uniform Resource Locator

HTTP
• HTTP Transaction
o HTTP Operational Model and Client/Server Communication
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o HTTP Generic Message Format

o HTTP Request Message Format
o HTTP Response Message Format

Integrity Policies. PLEASE DO YOUR OWN WORK! You get no return for your time and money spent at the
University by cheating. As such, cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated, will be reported to the proper
University officials, and will be followed up on.