We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Xiaobo Zhou

In this course, we trace the evolution of networks and identify the key concepts and functions that form the basis for layered architecture. We introduce examples of protocols and services that are familiar to the students, and we explain how these services are supported by networks. Further, we explain fundamental concepts in digital communication, and focus on error control techniques that include parity check, polynomial code, and Internet checksum. Students will be required to have some previous programming experience in C-programming (C++/Java), some fundamental knowledge of computer organization and IT architecture and a background in computer science is a plus.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Communication Networks and Services
This module discusses the evolution of three example networks and their associated services, how services are influencing the evolution of modern networks, and examples of protocols and services.
Read more
Layered Architectures
This module discusses the OSI reference model and show how the overall communication process can be organized into functions that are carried out in seven layers, and introduces the TCP/IP architecture with a detailed routing example.
Socket API & Digital Transmissions
This module introduces BSD sockets, which allow the student to write applications that use the service provided by the TCP/IP protocols. It also introduces some fundamentals of digital communications.
Error Control
This module presents coding techniques that can be used to detect errors that may occur during digital transmission. These coding techniques form the basis for protocols that provide reliable transfer of information.
course project - fundamentals of network communication
This is a comprehensive peer review assessment

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces the fundamentals of network communication
Provides a comprehensive overview of network architectures
Covers practical topics such as error control and digital transmission
Includes hands-on exercises and a project that reinforce concepts
Taught by instructors with expertise in computer networks
Requires some programming background and knowledge of computer architecture

Save this course

Save Fundamentals of Network Communication to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Essential networking knowledge

Learners say this course offers a solid overview of essential networking knowledge, covering the foundations of network communication. The materials are well-designed and provide a good starting point for beginners. However, some students may find the difficulty level a bit high, especially in the later modules. Overall, learners appreciate the instructor's expertise and the course's practical approach.
good starting point
"This course offers a solid overview of essential networking knowledge, covering the foundations of network communication."
"It is a good course to cover the basics computer networking."
well-designed and practical
"The materials are well-designed and provide a good starting point for beginners."
"It was a very good start in Network communication. The lectures, quizzes, and materials are designed in a very good manner to reach the end of the course with the needed fundamentals."
"Assignments and tests provided were very useful."
moderately challenging
"I felt that the explanation of several concepts was too concise and not up to the mark."
"The course did boast of a good content. But unfortunately,some of the material is too old and the course itself is rather theoretical."
knowledgeable but unclear
"The instructor has a very poor command over english."
"I have understand a lot of things by this course, thank you"
"The instructor made things very unclear. Learnt almost nothing."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Network Communication with these activities:
Compile a Glossary of Network Terminology
Enhance your understanding of network concepts by creating a comprehensive glossary of key terms and definitions.
Show steps
  • Gather a list of network-related terms from the course material and other sources.
  • Define each term clearly and concisely.
  • Organize the terms alphabetically or by category for easy reference.
Review Basic C Programming Concepts
Sharpen your C programming skills to prepare for the coding exercises and assignments in the course.
Browse courses on C Programming
Show steps
  • Review online tutorials or documentation on C programming fundamentals.
  • Practice writing simple C programs to reinforce your understanding.
  • Solve coding challenges or puzzles to test your problem-solving abilities.
Participate in Network Troubleshooting Case Studies
Enhance your troubleshooting skills by collaborating with peers to analyze and resolve real-world network issues through case studies.
Browse courses on Network Troubleshooting
Show steps
  • Join study groups or forums where network troubleshooting cases are discussed.
  • Review the case study and identify potential issues within the network.
  • Discuss possible solutions and approaches with your peers.
  • Evaluate different troubleshooting techniques and their effectiveness.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice Socket Programming Exercises
Enhance your understanding of Socket Programming and digital communication by completing exercises that reinforce the concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Socket Programming
Show steps
  • Review the Socket Programming material from the course.
  • Find online resources or exercises related to Socket Programming.
  • Implement different types of socket programs (e.g., client-server, UDP, TCP).
  • Test and debug your programs to ensure they function correctly.
Explore Advanced Network Security Concepts
Broaden your knowledge of network security by exploring tutorials and resources that cover advanced topics like encryption, authentication, and intrusion detection.
Browse courses on network security
Show steps
  • Identify specific advanced network security concepts you want to learn more about.
  • Search for relevant tutorials, articles, or online courses on those concepts.
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises to gain hands-on experience.
  • Apply what you have learned to real-world scenarios or projects.
Attend Network Performance Optimization Workshops
Enhance your practical knowledge by participating in workshops that focus on optimizing network performance and addressing common issues.
Browse courses on Network performance
Show steps
  • Search for local or online workshops related to network performance optimization.
  • Attend the workshops and actively participate in the discussions.
  • Implement the learned techniques and strategies in your own projects or organization.
Design and Implement a Network Protocol
Demonstrate your understanding of network protocols by designing and implementing your own from scratch, applying concepts like layering and error control.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific protocol (e.g., FTP, HTTP, or a custom protocol) to design and implement.
  • Define the protocol's structure, message formats, and error handling mechanisms.
  • Implement the protocol using a programming language of your choice (e.g., Python, Java, C).
  • Test and evaluate your protocol's functionality and performance.
Contribute to Open-Source Network Projects
Gain practical experience and contribute to the open-source community by working on real-world network projects.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source network projects that align with your interests.
  • Review the project documentation and codebase.
  • Contribute bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements.
  • Collaborate with other contributors and learn from their expertise.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Network Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Administrator
Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of computer networks. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Network Administrators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course provides a solid foundation for this role by teaching students about the evolution of networks, layered architectures, and error control. This knowledge is essential for Network Administrators to be able to troubleshoot and maintain networks effectively.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Network Engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course provides a solid foundation for this role by teaching students about the evolution of networks, layered architectures, and error control. This knowledge is essential for Network Engineers to be able to design and maintain networks effectively.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of computer systems. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Systems Administrators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course provides a solid foundation for this role by teaching students about the evolution of networks, layered architectures, and error control. This knowledge is essential for Systems Administrators to be able to troubleshoot and maintain computer systems effectively.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Computer Programmers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Computer Programmers who want to develop software that uses networks.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Information Security Analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course provides a solid foundation for this role by teaching students about the evolution of networks, layered architectures, and error control. This knowledge is essential for Information Security Analysts to be able to protect computer systems and networks effectively.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Web Developers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Web Developers who want to learn more about the evolution of networks and layered architectures.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of databases. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Database Administrators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about the evolution of networks and layered architectures.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Marketing Managers typically need a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Marketing Managers who want to learn more about the evolution of networks and layered architectures.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer products and services. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Technical Support Specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Technical Support Specialists who want to learn more about the evolution of networks and layered architectures.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Project Managers typically need a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Project Managers who want to learn more about the evolution of networks and layered architectures.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Business Analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about the evolution of networks and layered architectures.
Product Manager
Product Managers plan and develop products. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Product Managers typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Product Managers who want to learn more about the evolution of networks and layered architectures.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Technical Writers typically need a bachelor's degree in English or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about the evolution of networks and layered architectures.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Systems Analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Systems Analysts who want to learn more about the evolution of networks and layered architectures.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers sell technical products and services. They may work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, and government agencies. Sales Engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. The Fundamentals of Network Communication course may be helpful for Sales Engineers who want to learn more about the evolution of networks and layered architectures.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Network Communication.
Considered a classic in the field, this book provides an in-depth exploration of the TCP/IP protocol suite. It is an essential reference for students and professionals seeking a deep understanding of how the Internet works.
This comprehensive textbook provides a thorough overview of computer networking concepts, from basic principles to advanced topics. It valuable resource for students seeking foundational knowledge in this field.
This widely respected textbook offers a comprehensive treatment of computer networks. It is suitable for students at various levels, from introductory to advanced, and provides a strong foundation for further study in the field.
This advanced textbook delves into the theory and practice of error control coding. It is particularly relevant for students interested in the fundamentals of digital communications and error detection and correction techniques.
This introductory textbook covers the fundamentals of data communications and networking, including topics such as network architectures, protocols, and security. It suitable resource for students with limited prior knowledge in this area.
This practical guide introduces the principles of socket programming in Java. It useful resource for students who want to learn how to develop network applications using the BSD socket API.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Fundamentals of Network Communication.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser