
Data Communication Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Data Communication
1.1 Definition and Importance of Data Communication
1.2 Components of Data Communication System
1.3 Types of Data (Analog vs. Digital)
1.4 Data Flow (Simplex, Half-Duplex, Full-Duplex)
Module 2: Transmission Media
2.1 Guided Media (Twisted Pair, Coaxial Cable, Fiber Optics)
2.2 Unguided Media (Radio Waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Satellite)
2.3 Characteristics of Transmission Media
2.4 Bandwidth and Signal Propagation
Module 3: Data Encoding and Transmission
3.1 Analog and Digital Signals
3.2 Encoding Techniques (NRZ, Manchester, AMI)
3.3 Modulation Techniques (AM, FM, PM, ASK, FSK, PSK)
3.4 Multiplexing (FDM, TDM, WDM)
Module 4: Network Fundamentals
4.1 Network Types (LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN)
4.2 Network Topologies (Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Hybrid)
4.3 Switching Techniques (Circuit Switching, Packet Switching, Message Switching)
4.4 Network Models (OSI vs. TCP/IP)
Module 5: Error Detection and Correction
5.1 Causes of Errors in Communication
5.2 Error Detection Techniques (Parity Check, Checksum, CRC)
5.3 Error Correction Methods (Hamming Code, Forward Error Correction)
Module 6: Data Link Layer Protocols
6.1 Flow Control Techniques (Stop-and-Wait, Sliding Window)
6.2 Media Access Control (CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA, Token Passing)
6.3 Ethernet and Wi-Fi Standards
Module 7: Network Layer and Routing
7.1 IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing
7.2 Subnetting and CIDR
7.3 Routing Algorithms (Distance Vector, Link State)
7.4 Network Address Translation (NAT)
Module 8: Transport Layer and Protocols
8.1 TCP vs. UDP
8.2 Flow and Congestion Control
8.3 Connection Establishment (3-Way Handshake)
8.4 Port Numbers and Sockets
Module 9: Application Layer and Network Services
9.1 Common Protocols (HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS)
9.2 Web Communication and APIs
9.3 Cloud Computing and Virtualization
Module 10: Network Security and Cryptography
10.1 Security Threats and Attacks (Phishing, DDoS, Malware)
10.2 Cryptographic Techniques (Symmetric & Asymmetric Encryption)
10.3 Secure Communication (SSL/TLS, VPN, Firewalls)
Module 11: Wireless and Mobile Communication
11.1 Wi-Fi and Cellular Networks
11.2 Bluetooth and IoT Communication
11.3 5G Technology and Future Trends
Module 12: Emerging Technologies in Data Communication
12.1 Internet of Things (IoT)
12.2 Edge and Fog Computing
12.3 Quantum Communication
- Teacher: Stephen Nyakweba
- Teacher: Odel Trainer