This course aims to equip participants with vital skills in computer networking, covering network concepts, transmission mediums, and technologies. It facilitates a thorough grasp of data communication across various network environments, particularly focusing on the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite. Through the examination of network architectures, topologies, and protocols, participants gain insight into essential networking principles. By blending theoretical knowledge with applications in real-world scenarios, learners are equipped not only to analyze and design but also to implement effective communication solutions in modern computing environments, fostering a holistic approach to skill enhancement.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Analyze network architectures, topologies, and protocols to discern essential components and their relationships within diverse network environments.
2. Articulate the layers and functionalities of the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite, elucidating their role in facilitating data communication across networks.
3. Apply theoretical understanding of network concepts and technologies to real-world scenarios, crafting communication solutions suited to modern computing environments.
4. Demonstrate adeptness in assembling and configuring network components to ensure seamless data transmission and connectivity across heterogeneous computing environments.
5. Differentiate wire-based and wireless data transmission methods, while evaluating error detection and correction techniques, to enhance network performance across varied communication mediums. 

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Data Communication and Networking

Week 2: Unit 2 – The Physical Layer and Transmission Media

Week 3: Unit 3 – Data Link Layer

Week 4: Unit 4 – Network Layer

Week 5: Unit 5 – Transport Layer

Week 6: Unit 6 – Session Layer and Presentation Layer

Week 7: Unit 7 – The Application Layer and Network Security

Week 8: Unit 8 – Introduction to Next-Generation Communication Technologies

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following outlines how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Data Communication and Networking

1. Explore the fundamental principles of data communication and explain the process involved in data transmission.
2. Employ various types of networks including LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN, and CAN.
3. Classify the layers and functionalities of the OSI Model and TCP/IP Model.
4. Estimate the role of key protocols and standards such as TCP, IP, HTTP, and Ethernet in facilitating communication across networks.

Week 2: Unit 2 – The Physical Layer and Transmission Media

1. Visualize and analyze the transmission process and understand how data is encoded, transmitted, and received at the physical layer.
2. Associate different types of transmission media with their advantages, limitations, and appropriate use cases in networks.
3. Predict specific types of guided and unguided transmission media for different network environments.
4. Estimate the effectiveness of multiplexing techniques and establish spread spectrum modulation techniques.

Week 3: Unit 3 – Data Link Layer

1. Explore various protocols and technologies used in the data link layer, such as Ethernet, HDLC, and PPP.
2. Diagnose and troubleshoot errors in data frames using error detection techniques such as CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check).
3. Apply error control techniques such as ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) and selective repeat to detect and recover from transmission errors, ensuring reliable data delivery.
4. Explore the differences between CSMA/CD and CSMA/CA in terms of collision detection and avoidance strategies.

Week 4: Unit 4 – Network Layer

1. Predict the behavior and performance of routing algorithms, including Distance Vector, Link State, and BGP (Border Gateway Protocol).
2. Evaluate various congestion control methods.
3. Diagnose and troubleshoot IP addressing and subnetting issues, including addressing conflicts and subnet mask mismatches, demonstrating proficiency in designing and managing IPv4 and IPv6 address schemes.

Week 5: Unit 5 – Transport Layer

1. Validate the selection of TCP or UDP as the transport protocol for different types of applications.
2. Describe the role of TCP/IP handshake mechanisms and TCP sliding window and relate their importance to ensure stable data transfer over the Internet.
3. Analyze the concept of Remote Procedure Call (RPC) to distributed computing environments.
4. Explain the fundamentals of TCP congestion management.

Week 6: Unit 6 – Session Layer and Presentation Layer

1. Determine strategies for implementing session layer protocols.
2. Explore advanced data compression and encryption techniques used in the presentation layer.

Week 7: Unit 7 – The Application Layer and Network Security

1. Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of DNS architecture.
2. Determine strategies for enhancing the performance, security, and scalability of HTTP-based web applications.
3. Evaluate SNMP-based network management solutions for monitoring, configuring, and troubleshooting network devices and services.
4. Assess the effectiveness of intrusion detection systems (IDS) in identifying and mitigating security breaches.

Week 8: Unit 8 – Introduction to Next-Generation Communication Technologies

1. Relate the functionalities of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Internet of Things (IoT) Networks, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), and Cellular Networks.
2. Summarize how these technologies interact and complement each other within modern network ecosystems.

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam