Introduction to Data Communications

DCOM 252 Spring 2016

Instructor:
Office:
Telephone:
Email:
Office Hours:
Textbook:

Professor Greg Schmidt

Catonsville - H Building Room 124
443.840.4916
gschmidt@ccbcmd.edu
Ask instructor for specific semester hours

ISBN-13: 978-0133814743, ISBN-10: 0133814742

Course Description
Advanced Protocols surveys the various protocols that comprise todays converging
communication technologies and state-of the-art networks. This course is intended for
anyone wishing to understand how communication and network protocols operate:
programmers writing network applications, system administrators responsible for

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Introduction to Data Communications DCOM 258 Spring 2016

maintaining systems and networks utilizing the various protocols, and users who deal
with network applications on a daily basis.

Course Goals

Describe in detail the structure and organization of the OSI Reference Model and
how it serves as a blueprint for open communications and systems at all levels;

Demonstrate a solid foundation in communication and LAN/WAN protocols;

Describe the core functions of networking, such as packet switching and routing;

Demonstrate knowledge of LAN/WAN communication techniques; and

Discuss the converging nature of communications and networking and the

interoperability of todays architectures.

Major Topics

Internet Protocol (IP)

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)

Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)

IP Routing

Dynamic Routing Protocols;

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

Broadcasting and Multicasting

Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)

The Domain Name System (DNS

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

Evaluation
Class Participation/Attendance
Reading the assigned material before the next class period, attending each
class, completing and turning in the homework assignments on time, and actively
participating in class discussions is required for successfully completing this
class. Should you miss a class, you are responsible for all work missed. Note:
No incomplete grades will be given for failure to attend and participate. If you
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Introduction to Data Communications DCOM 258 Spring 2016

must withdraw from the class, you should initiate an official withdrawal in the
Admissions Office.
Midterm and Final Exams
The exams will be a combination of multiple-choice, true/false, and fill-in-theblank questions. The questions will be generated from your required weekly
readings, the lecture material, any hands-on exercises, the daily class quizzes,
and any supplemental handouts.
Chapter Quizzes
After the completion of each chapter a quiz on the material in that chapter will
typically be given.
Case Studies / In class / On line exercises
Case studies and in class (or online) labs will be assigned on an approximately a
bi-weekly basis.
If you need to reschedule an exam due to an emergency, you must contact me
by phone or email prior to, or on the day of the exam.

Grading
Midterm
Final Exam
Chapter Quizzes
Case Studies / In-class / On-line exercises
TOTAL

25%
25%
25%
25%
100%

A
B
C
D
F

=
=
=
=
=

90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
Below 600

The following CCBC policies apply to this course:

Code of Academic Integrity
For the College to make its maximum contribution as an institution of high learning, the
entire college community must uphold high standards of integrity, honesty, and ethical
behavior. In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of
constructive service, honesty is imperative. Each student has a responsibility to submit
work that is uniquely his or her own, or to provide clear and complete acknowledgement

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Introduction to Data Communications DCOM 258 Spring 2016

of the use of work attributable to others. To these ends, the following actions are
expected of students:
complete all work on exams without assistance;
follow the professors instructions when completing all class assignments;
ask for clarification when instructions are not clear;
report to the instructor any unauthorized information related to an exam;
provide proper credit when quoting or paraphrasing; and
submit only ones own work.
Students who do not accept responsibility for the integrity of their own work will
experience sanctions, including a written reprimand, failure of the assignment, failure of
the course, and/or dismissal from the program. For repeat and extreme offenses, the
College reserves the right to suspend or expel students.

Writing Policy
The College recognizes that clear, correct, and concise use of language is characteristic
of an educated person. Therefore, whenever possible, faculty members in all disciplines
should require written assignments in their courses in order to encourage effective
writing by their students. Also, instructors should consider the quality of writing in
determining a grade for a written assignment. Poor writing can be a sufficient cause for
a failing grade on a paper and, in extreme cases, a failing grade in a course.

Emergency Closing Policy

For late openings or closings at CCBC check out the College Web site at
http://www.ccbcmd.edu, or tune into local radio and television stations.

Student Support Services

Students are encouraged to seek help from their instructors whenever they encounter
academic difficulty (either during scheduled office hours or by appointment).
CCBC is committed to affording students reasonable accommodations for disabilities
defined by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Further information about services for students with disabilities at The Community
College of Baltimore County may be obtained by contacting:
CCBC Essex (7201 Rossville Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21237)

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