CSCI 518 Data Communications Theory, Section 1900

Spring 2010
Prerequisite: None

Administrative Information:
Class Duration:
Day/Time:
Annandale Campus Phone:

July 5 - September 26
Online - Each week starts on Monday noon 12:00 and
ends on the following Sunday midnight at 11:59pm
(703) 941-0949

Instructor Contact Information:

Instructor:
Office Hours:
Office:
Tel.:
E-mail:

Raied Salman
(Annandale) Thursday, 1-6pm, Friday 10-5pm.
Annandale
703-941-0949 ext 131
rsalman.faculty@unva.edu

Instructional Material:
Jerry Fitzgerald, Alan Dennis(2006) Business Data Communications And Networking.John
Wiley & Sons Inc, ISBN-10: 0471771163, ISBN-13: 9780471771166

Course Description:
In this course the students will study and learn the ISO model, basic definitions, protocols
and interfaces, subnet structure, Local, metropolitan, and wide-area networks. Network
performance, security, and reliability, design and use of network protocols are also included
in the course.
Prerequisite: CSCI 512

Course Learning Outcome:

Upon successfully completing this course the student will be able to

Describe the basics of both analog and digital communication concepts.

Explain the architecture of a data communications network organized around the
OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) seven-layer model.
Describe the services provided in each layer of a data communications network.
Acquire the background knowledge necessary to participate in ongoing
developments in telecommunications.
Perceive the necessity for complexity management, standardization for
connectivity, and resource sharing.
Explain the methodology and the rationale behind addressing and routing.
Resolve the various multiplexing and switching methods used in data
communications networks.
Describe the common protocols used in data communications networks and
resolve their relative efficiencies.
Use the currently available data communications services (ex. The Internet and
its associated software).
Demonstrate the appropriate level of competence in written expression as demanded by
the discipline and as expected of a graduate student.
Demonstrate the appropriate level of competence in library research as demanded by the
discipline and as expected of a graduate student.

Teaching Method:
The class format will include readings, multimedia based presentations, and case
discussion. Small development projects will be included for both individual and team
work. Significant class time will be used to discuss, explore and analyze recent
developments and technologies.
This course emphasizes the importance of relating the gained knowledge to real world
applications so practical development projects will be an integral part of course. These
practical projects will be part of each unit; this allows continuous integration of theory
and practice.
This class is taught as a lecture, with demonstrations of key processes and homework that
require students to use the programs and processes so that they are practicing their skills
outside the classroom. This class does not include a formal laboratory component.
Students should use the computer laboratories at either campus if they do not have easy
computer access elsewhere to complete necessary homework and class projects. Students
should take this practical aspect of the course very seriously, and ask questions in class if they
do not understand any aspect of the software we use.

Course Schedule and Outline:

Week

Date

Lecture Topic

5 July - 11
July

1. Introduction to Data

12 July 18
July

2. Application Layer

19 July 25
July

3. Physical Layer

26 July - 1
Aug
ust

4. Data Link Layer

2 August 8
Aug
ust

5. Network and

9 August 15
Aug
ust

Mid Term Exam

16 August 22
Aug
ust

6. Local Area Networks

23 August 29
Aug
ust

7. Wireless Local Area

30 August 5
Sep
tem
ber

8. Backbone Networks

10

9. Metropolitan and

Sep

Assignment
Given

Assignment
Due

Discussion1

Discussion1

Chapters 1

Discussion2

Discussion2

Chapters 2

Q1

Q1

Chapters 3

Discussion3

Discussion3

Chapters 4

Textbook
Reading

Communications

Chapters 5

Transport Layers

Mid-Term

Mid-Term

Chapters 6

Discussion4

Discussion4

Chapters 1 - 6

Chapters 7

Networks

Q2

Q2

Chapter 8

Chapters 9

Wide Area Networks

tem
ber
- 12
Sep
tem
ber
11

13

10.The Internet

Assignment

Assignment

Chapter 10

Final

Final

Chapter 7-10

Sep
tem
ber
- 19
Sep
tem
ber
12

20

Final Exam

Sep
tem
ber
- 26
Sep
tem
ber

Course Requirements

Assignment
Quizzes
Discussions
Assignment
Mid Term
Final Exam

Value
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%

Total

100%

Academic honesty is non-negotiable. All assignments submitted in fulfillment of

course requirements must be the student's own work. Plagiarism and/or any other
form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a grade of zero
on the assignment. Students should consult the Students Handbook on the
University web-site or in the University catalog.

The course grades are assigned as:

91 100% ------------A
81 90% -------------B
71 80% ------------C
Below 71%-----------F
The distribution of certain information about students is governed by the Federal
Educational Records Protection Act (FERPA). According to FERPA, student grades
may not be posted or given over the phone or the Internet.

Attendance, Absence, Lateness, Incomplete:

In accordance with the policies of the University of Northern Virginia, class attendance is required,
and classes will start promptly at the scheduled time. In online courses, attendance will be
determined based on discussion participation of at least two days per week each week. If a
student does not attend during [three] weeks of the [twelve] week course, he/she will be subject to
automatic withdrawal from the course.
A course grade of incomplete will be given only under very unusual circumstances, and only if the
student has completed at least 75% of the assigned work by the last day of class and only when
an incomplete contract is signed and approved.
Students receiving Veterans benefits and International students in the US on F-1 visas are
reminded that regular attendance is required. The university is required by law to report excessive
absenteeism by students in these two categories.

Classroom Policies:
Library Usage
Library usage is required and will be expected in the development of one or more of
your class projects. Library resources provide essential sources of data and
information that you will need to successfully complete this course.
The UNVA library offers a large number of resources, particularly online, for the
student to use in this course for literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and
other projects or papers. Students can gather information on current events, case
studies, and scholarly research. Examples include current newspapers (Wall Street
Journal), magazines (Business Week), databases (ProQuest, Business Source
Complete), other online resources and access to the Internet. Students will become
familiar with the library resources and shall incorporate them into assignments or
projects as appropriate.
Internet Usage:

You will be expected to have daily access to the internet and e-mail. Assignment
updates, additions and changes may be sent by e-mail.
If you do not own a computer, there are computers accessible to you in UNVA
computer labs and the UNVA Library.
Related to internet usage, it is also expected that you are able to:
Attach files to e-mails and retrieve attached files
Use proper grammar and etiquette when writing e-mail
Use virus protection utilities on your computer
Use common applications such as word processor, spreadsheet, and
presentation software.
E-mail Usage:
You should use your UNVA e-mail account when sending an e-mail message to any
member of the teaching team. To set up an account please use the directions below.
UNVA Student E-mail Account Activation Directions
1. E-mail box set up rules:
First letter of first name + last name + last four numbers of student ID;
For example a student name is John Lee and his student id is 107-00-2545
Then his e-mail account should start be jlee2546
Default password is unvaunva (lower case)
2. Website:
http://stud.unva.edu (without WWW) or
You may access your account via the homepage of www.unva.edu directly
3. Regarding UNVA student e-mail assistance issues, you may contact Ms. Er Liang
eliang.admin@unva.edu for account creation or Mr. Henry Ou
hou.admin@unva.edu for technical support.

Please be aware of the limitations of e-mail and adhere to the following guidelines..
Unfortunately, because of past experience, the guidelines now include those e-mail
behaviors to which no response will be given.
Write the Course Code in subject line, then the topic (example: EDLD510:
Annotated Bib. clarification).
Include a greeting and salutation in all your e-mails.
Include the name you prefer to be called.
Retain all related e-mails at the bottom of any response you send and place your
response at the top. I will not search through previous e-mails to attempt to
discover the topic of our e-mail exchange, nor will I search through a message for
new information.

Content questions that require in-depth explanation are inappropriate for e-mail
and you will receive a response asking you to come to office hours to have the
question answered. In online courses, or blended courses, you may be directed
to post your question or comments to the appropriate online discussion forum.
Do not use e-mail in emergency situations or when you need a response in less
than 24 hours.

The following types of e-mail will receive no response:

Any e-mail which contains hostile or accusatory language will remain
unanswered and the sender may be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Any e-mail sent requesting a change of grade for any reason other than an error
in calculation or recording of points will remain unanswered.
Any e-mail sent which contains student opinions about the fairness of the
course or exams will remain unanswered.
Date of last review: July 2010