BCS 262: Data Communications

This course is an introduction to the concepts and applications of computer networking and its role in the business world today. Topics include the history of networking and applications, voice and data communications, hardware, transmission, network topologies, network analysis, the OSI model, design, implementation, and management issues. Credits: 3.00

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Define fundamental networking and communications technology, terminology, and concepts.
2. Apply learned concepts in order to read and understand newspaper and magazine articles discussing communications networks.
3. Develop insight into issues and problems that face telecommunications managers in today's business climate and to evaluate trends for the future.
4. Describe the role of network layers in the 7 layer OSI model.
5. Define standards and their importance in networking.
6. Differentiate between digital and analog transmission of data.
7. Explain error correction and detection algorithms, and routing methodology.
8. Explain basic LAN and WAN network protocols such as TCP/ IP, Token Ring, Ethernet, ATM.
9. Identify essential issues in network design, planning, and management
10. Do conversions between hexadecimal, decimal, and binary numbers

Group Work

Students will be given the opportunity to work in teams to demonstrate the understanding of the class material including but not limited to online and in class discussions.

Capstone

At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to apply the basics of data communications technology in learning about and evaluation of new technologies. A paper researching a current topic in data communication or networking is required. Students are encouraged to choose a topic that interests them.

Textbook

• Business Data Communications and Networking 13th Edition FitzGerald, Alan Dennis, Alexandra Durcikova, Published by Wiley Publishing, ISBN: 9781119-36883-0