14-Day Computer Networks Semester
Prep Planner
Use the checkboxes to track your progress. ☑ = Done, ☐ = To-do
Day 1–2: Module I – Basics & OSI Model
☐ Overview of Data Communication
☐ Network Topologies (Star, Ring, Bus, Mesh)
☐ OSI Model Layers & Functions
☐ Transmission Media: Twisted Pair, Coaxial, Fiber
☐ Types of LAN (Wired, Wireless, VLAN)
☐ Multiplexing (FDM, TDM, WDM)
Day 3–5: Module II – Data Link Layer & MAC
☐ Error Detection (Parity, CRC, Hamming)
☐ Error Control: Stop & Wait, Go Back N, Selective Repeat
☐ Flow Control (Sliding Window, Piggybacking)
☐ MAC: Pure ALOHA, Slotted ALOHA, CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA
☐ Practice Protocol Sequence Diagrams
Day 6–8: Module III – Network Layer
☐ IPv4, IPv6 Addressing & Subnetting
☐ ARP, RARP, BOOTP, DHCP
☐ IP Header & Fragmentation Basics
☐ Routing Algorithms: RIP, OSPF, BGP (Static vs Dynamic)
☐ ICMP (Ping, Traceroute Basics)
Day 9: Module IV – Transport Layer
☐ TCP (3-Way Handshake, Features)
☐ UDP (Features, Use Cases)
☐ SCTP (Conceptual)
☐ Congestion Control Mechanisms
☐ QoS: Leaky Bucket, Token Bucket Algorithms
Day 10–11: Module V – Application Layer
☐ DNS, DDNS Basics
☐ TELNET, FTP, SMTP, HTTP Protocols
☐ SNMP Overview
☐ Port Numbers & Protocol Functions Table
Day 12–13: Module VI – Advanced Topics
☐ Bluetooth Technology Overview
☐ Internet of Things (IoT) Basics
☐ Network Security Concepts (Firewalls, Authentication)
☐ Basic Cryptography: Encryption, Symmetric vs Asymmetric
Day 14: Full Revision
☐ Revise all summaries
☐ Attempt a past semester paper
☐ Mark weak areas for extra revision
☐ Quick port number & protocol flashcard revision
☐ Final review of diagrams & formulas
Bonus: Lab Practice Checklist
☐ NIC Setup & Cable Types (CAT5, RJ45)
☐ TCP/UDP Socket Program
☐ Stop & Wait ARQ Implementation
☐ Sliding Window Simulation
☐ CRC Error Detection Program
