Computer and Data Communications
Semester 2 2011-2012
Mohd Nazri Mahmud
 Course
overview
 Teaching
 Lecturers
 Assessment
 Resources
 Software Tools
 Syllabus
 Lesson Plan
 Background Survey
 Grouping

Pre-requisite for this course:
Knowledge of undergraduate level course on
Computer Networks
 Those who have not acquired the fundamentals are
advised to read the recommended books


Objectives of the course:


To learn the theoretical and practical issues relating
to the-state-of-the-art on computer and data
communication network
Learning Methods:
 In-class Problem Based Discussion (PBD) sessions
 In-lab Group Experiential Learning (GEL) sessions
 Lecturers:




En. Mohd Nazri Mahmud, nazriee@eng.usm.my
Room : 2.14
Dr Kamal Zamli, eekamal@eng.usm
Room : 3.22

Theoretical and Problem-based discussion (PBD)
Students are advised on topics to be covered and
preparatory readings and questions are assigned prior
to lecture session
 Lecturer and students discuss topics interactively
based on the preparatory questions
 Students take their own notes during discussion


Group Experiential Learning (GEL)



Students carry out modeling, simulation and
performance analysis of protocols in groups of 3-5
students
Groups share their findings in class
Group project
 60%
Final Exam
 40 % Coursework; 20% from each lecturer

20% Coursework from En. Nazri’s part consists of





5% Test - Individual
5% Assignment – Individual and In group
10% Project - Group
Group work
 Group Experiential Learning(GEL) and Project (10%)
 Group Paper presentation (2.5%)
Individual work
 Individual Test – 5 %
 Individual Written Assignment and Paper review
assignment - 2.5%

Reference books


Main textbook: Data Communications and Networking
4th Edition by Behrouz A. Forouzan, McGraw Hill
Journal Papers
Survey papers for group presentation
Research papers for individual paper review
assignment
 A list of papers will be provided for selection



Supporting resources

Can be downloaded from my academic webpage:





http://ee.eng.usm.my/eeacad/nazriee/teaching.html
Supporting Slides
Reading handouts
Preparatory questions
Lab sheets
 OPNET



Extensively use throughout the first 7 weeks for
modelling, simulation and performance analysis
of protocols
Must be individually downloaded
Free from OPNET’s website


IT Guru Academic Edition
http://www.opnet.com/university_program/itguru_ac
ademic_edition/
Try out the tutorial for quick familirisation
before the first lab session
 Data



Link Layer of the TCP/IP networks
Contention-based Medium Access Control for
wired and wireless networks
Performance Analysis of the Wired and Wireless
Ethernet
Medium Access Control for Emerging Wireless
Networks (based on group paper presentation
and individual paper review)
 Network



Layer of the TCP/IP networks
Internetworking: Addressing, Forwarding
Routing Protocols: RIP, OSPF and BGP
Multicasting
Week 1
Lesson Plan
20/2
• Course Introduction and briefing
Session 1a • Survey of students background
• Grouping
• Distribute list of papers for group and individual selection
• Distribute preparatory readings and questions: TCP/IP,
MACs and LANs.
21/2
• Review the TCP/IP layered architecture via an open book
Session 1b group quiz
• Data Link Layer discussions focusing on Medium Access
Control based on preparatory questions, LANs and the
Ethernet based on preparatory questions
Week 2
Lesson Plan
27/2
Session
2a
Group Experiential Learning 1:
• OPNET basic tutorial
• Modelling, Simulation and Performance Analysis of IEEE
802.3 Ethernet and MAC.
28/2
Session
2b
Group Experiential Learning 1-– continue work from Lab
session 1
Week 3
5/3
Session
3a
6/3
Session
3b
Lesson Plan
•Reflection for Lab work from Session 2a and b via selected
group results presentation
•Discussion on CSMA/CA and IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol based
on preparatory readings and questions
Session 3b: Group Experiental Learning 2: Modelling,
simulation and performance analysis of IEEE 802.11 MAC
protocol
Week 4
12/3
Session
4a
13/3
Session
4b
Lesson Plan
•Reflection for Lab work from Session 3b via results
presentation by selected groups
•Group Presentation on Survey paper for MACs for other
wireless networks
Continue Group Presentation on Survey paper for MACs for
other wireless networks.
Week 5
19/3
Session
5a
20/3
Session
5b
Lesson Plan
•Discussion on the Network Layer, Internetworking based on
Group Quiz
•Addressing, Forwarding, Unicast Routing based on
preparatory readings and questions
Session 4b: Lab work and assignment on Unicast Routing
Protocols
Week 6,7
Plan
Session 5a: Reflection for Lab work from Session 5b
26/3
Session 6a
Multicasting
27/3
Session 6b
Labwork on Network Designs and Group Project
7
2/4
Session 7a
3/4
Session 7b
Overall review
Individual Test on theories and practice
8
Continue with the TCP and Application Layer with Dr.
Kamal
 No
of students who have taken related UG
courses
 Examples of UG courses
 Detail
survey via questionaires

Preparatory readings for Session 1b – First part
Read textbook 1, Chapter 2:
 Students with no background are advised to read the
whole of Ch 2
 Prepare for group open book quiz
 Quiz will focus on Section 2.3 Layers and 2.4 The
TCP/IP protocol suite and prepare for group quiz


Preparatory reading for Session 1b – Second part
Read textbook Chapter 12: 12.1 Random Access,
Chapter 13: Ethernet focus on 13.1 MAC Frames
 Read Preparatory notes for Interconnecting LANs
 Attempt preparatory questions
 Prepare for participation in class
