Data and Computer Communications

Master essential Data and Computer Communications principles, from physical layers to advanced network security and emerging technologies.

(DC-COMM.AA1) / ISBN : 979-8-90059-129-2
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About This Course

This Data and Computer Communications course provides a no-nonsense, technical deep dive into the foundational and advanced concepts of modern networking. We'll dissect everything from the physical layer's signal fundamentals and transmission media limitations to complex routing protocols and critical network security principles. You'll learn how to troubleshoot common network failures, understand the trade-offs in protocol selection, and grasp the intricacies of IP addressing and subnetting. This isn't just theoretical; it's practical Data and Computer Communications training designed to equip you with the skills needed to design, implement, and secure robust networks. Prepare for your Data and Computer Communications certification prep by mastering real-world challenges, not just memorizing definitions. This online Data and Computer Communications course cuts through the fluff, focusing on what truly matters for network engineers.

Skills You’ll Get

  • Network Architecture & Protocols: Master the OSI and TCP/IP models, understanding their practical implications and limitations in real-world network design and troubleshooting.
  • IP Addressing & Routing: Skillfully implement IPv4/IPv6 addressing, subnetting, NAT, and configure both static and dynamic routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP, recognizing their performance trade-offs.
  • Network Security & Performance: Develop the ability to identify common network threats, apply cryptographic principles, and implement security measures, while also analyzing network performance metrics and managing congestion.
  • Transmission Media & Data Link Control: Understand the characteristics and selection of various transmission media, implement error detection/correction, and manage flow control protocols for reliable data transfer.

1

Preface

  • What This Course Covers
  • What This Course Does Not Cover
  • Prerequisites
  • Who This Course Is For
2

Introduction to Data Communications

  • Fundamentals of Data Communication
  • Evolution and Trends in Data Communications
  • Protocols and Standards
  • Network Models: OSI and TCP/IP
  • Network Types and Topologies
  • Data Transmission Fundamentals
  • Introduction to Network Security
  • Hands-On Activity: "The Protocol Play-Act"
  • Summary
  • Review Question
3

Data Representation and Signal Fundamentals

  • Introduction to Data Representation
  • Analog vs. Digital Signals
  • Digital Data, Digital Signals (Line Coding)
  • Analog Data, Digital Signals (Digitization)
  • Digital Data, Analog Signals (Modulation)
  • Analog Data, Analog Signals (Simple Modulation)
  • Transmission Impairments
  • Networking Fundamentals & Capacity
  • Multiplexing Techniques
  • Hands-On Activity: "Signal Quality Detective"
  • Summary
  • Review Question
4

The Physical Layer and Transmission Media

  • Introduction to the Physical Layer
  • Characteristics and Selection of Transmission Media
  • Conducted Transmission Media
  • Wireless Transmission Media
  • Wireless Technologies and Standards
  • Signal Encoding, Modulation, and Impairments
  • Modems and Physical Layer Devices
  • Regulatory Aspects and Industry Standards
  • Hands-On Activity: "Cable and Connector Safari"
  • Summary
  • Review Question
5

The Data Link Layer and Local Area Networks

  • Introduction to the Data Link Layer
  • Data Link Layer Framing
  • Error Detection and Correction
  • Flow Control and Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) Protocols
  • Common Data Link Protocols
  • Multiple Access Protocols for Shared Media
  • Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) Local Area Networks
  • Wireless LANs (IEEE 802.11)
  • Hands-On Activity: "MAC Address and Frame Basics with Wireshark"
  • Summary
  • Review Question
6

Network Layer and IP Addressing

  • Understanding the Network Layer
  • IPv4 Addressing Fundamentals
  • Subnetting and VLSM
  • Network Address Translation (NAT)
  • IPv4 Address Exhaustion and the Transition to IPv6
  • Network Address Assignment and Resolution
  • Internetworking and Gateways
  • Hands-On Activity: "Exploring Your Network Layer Configuration"
  • Summary
  • Review Question
7

Routing and Inter-Networking

  • Introduction to Routing Fundamentals
  • show ip interface brief`
  • Static Routing Configuration and Management
  • Dynamic Routing Protocols: Interior Gateway Protocols (IGPs)
  • Advanced IGP Concepts and Configuration
  • Hands-On: Advanced IGP Configuration
  • Dynamic Routing Protocols: Exterior Gateway Protocols (EGPs) - BGP
  • Inter-Networking Concepts and Best Practices
  • Routing Protocol Selection and Troubleshooting
  • Hands-On Activity: "Building a Simple Routed Network and Observing Routes"
  • Summary
  • Review Question
8

The Transport Layer and End-to-End Communication

  • Introduction to the Transport Layer
  • Transport Layer Protocols: TCP vs. UDP Overview
  • User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
  • Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
  • TCP Connection Management
  • TCP Reliability Mechanisms
  • TCP Flow Control
  • TCP Congestion Control
  • Ports and Sockets
  • Impact of Network Conditions on Transport Layer
  • Practical Scenarios and Case Studies
  • Summary
  • Review Question
9

The Application Layer and Network Services

  • Introduction to the Application Layer
  • Application Architectures
  • Web Services and Protocols
  • Email Services and Protocols
  • Real-time Communication Protocols
  • Network Server Types and Functions
  • Beyond the Application Layer: Presentation and Session Layers
  • Internet Architecture and Core Services Overview
  • Hands-On Activity: "Designing an Application's Network Interaction"
  • Summary
  • Review Question
10

Network Design and Implementation

  • Fundamentals of Network Topologies and Devices
  • Local Area Network (LAN) Design Principles
  • Enterprise Campus Network Architecture
  • Wide Area Network (WAN) Technologies
  • Wireless LAN (WLAN) Deployment and Security
  • Network Design Best Practices and Trade-offs
  • Hands-On Activity: "Designing a Small Office Network"
  • Summary
  • Review Question
11

Network Performance and Management

  • Understanding Network Performance Metrics
  • Factors Influencing Network Capacity
  • Network Congestion and Queueing
  • Quality of Service (QoS)
  • Network Monitoring and Diagnostics
  • Network Manageability
  • Hands-On Activity: "Diagnosing Network Performance Issues"
  • Summary
  • Review Question
12

Network Security Fundamentals

  • Core Principles of Network Security
  • Cryptographic Foundations
  • Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA)
  • Common Network Security Threats and Mitigation
  • Advanced Network Security Concepts
  • Hands-On Activity: "Exploring TLS Certificates and Trust"
  • Summary
  • Review Question
13

Advanced Networking and Emerging Technologies

  • Cloud Networking Fundamentals
  • Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Programmable Networks
  • Advanced Network Architectures and Services
  • Summary
  • Review Question

Any questions?
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This course is designed for aspiring network engineers, IT professionals, and anyone seeking a comprehensive, technical understanding of data and computer communications. It assumes basic IT literacy but dives deep into complex topics.

While no specific certifications are required, a foundational understanding of basic computing concepts and operating systems will be beneficial. We start with fundamentals but quickly progress to advanced topics.

This comprehensive Data and Computer Communications course covers all critical domains, from physical layer mechanics to advanced network security and emerging technologies. The 13 chapters, flashcards, and key terms provide a robust study guide for various industry certifications.

Absolutely. The course emphasizes practical application, covering network topologies, LAN/WAN design principles, IP addressing, routing configuration, and performance management. You'll learn to identify failure points and implement solutions.

  Yes, the final chapter delves into advanced networking, including Cloud Networking Fundamentals, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and other programmable network architectures, preparing you for future industry trends.

We can

Master data communications, routing, security, and network performance with practical skills designed for real-world networking challenges.

$195.99

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