COMSATS Institute of Information Technology

Department of Computer Science

Syllabus 2015-2016
Coordinators: Dr. Abdul Wahid, Dr. Ghufran Ahmed, Dr. Majid Iqbal, Dr. Sajjad Ahmed
Madni
Title: Computer Communication and Networks (CSC339)
Credit: 4 (3 - 1)
Textbook:
1. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 6th Edition by James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross, 6/E,
Addison-Wesley 2013
2. Data Communications and Networking, 5th edition, Behrouz Forouzan, 2012

Description: This course covers an introduction to computer networks and layered architectures:
connectivity, topology, circuit and packet switching; TCP/IP and ISO models; Application layer: C/S
model, DNS, SMTP, FTP and WWW; Socket programming and network security; Transport layer: TCP
and UDP; Network layer: internetworking, addressing and routing algorithms and protocols; Data link
layer: framing, flow and error control protocols, PPP, MAC and LANs; Physical Layer: circuit switching,
coding, multiplexing and transmission media.

Prerequisites: Nil
Grading Policy:
1. Quizzes (15%)
2. Assignments (10%)
3. Sessionals (10+15=25%)
4. Final (50%)
Exam Questions: The questions of the sessionals and final exams are based on the topics
covered in the course, examples discussed during lectures, homework problems, and the
exercises of the textbook.
Missing Exam: No makeup exam will be given for final exam under any circumstance. When a
student misses Sessional I or Sessional II for a legitimate reason (such as medical emergencies),
his grade for this exam will be determined based on the Department policy. Further, the student
must provide an official excuse within one week of the missed exam.
Attendance: Attendance is a University Requirement. Student having less than 80% attendance
will not be allowed to sit in the final exam and will get F grade.

Academic Integrity: All CIIT policies regarding ethics apply to this course. The students are
advised to discuss their grievances/problems with their counselors or course instructor in a
respectful manner.

Computer Communication and Networks CSC339- Syllabus

2015-2016
Note: The pace of coverage given in the syllabus is tentative and may be adjusted by each
instructor as per need.

Lecture Mapp
ed to
CLO
#
1.

CLO 1

2.

CLO 1

3.

CLO 1

4.

CLO 1

5.

CLO 2

CLO 2

CLO 2

CLO 2

CLO 3

10

CLO 2

11.

CLO 2

12

CLO 2

Topics Covered

Introduction and overview: What is internet, Network

edge: Client Server Programs
Access Networks and Physical Media , Network Core:
Circuit Switching vs. Packet switching
How do the packets make their way through, ISPs and
internet backbones, Concepts of Delay Loss and
Throughput; Queuing delay, End to End delay,
Throughput in Packet switched Networks
Protocol layers and their service models: Layered
Architecture, Messages, Segments, Datagrams and
Frames
Application Layer: HTTP: Persistent vs. Non Persistent
connections, Message format, Cookies, Web Caching,
Conditional GET
Assignment 1
FTP, Electronic mail: SMTP, Mail Access Protocols,
Message Format
DNS: How it works
P2P file distribution
DHT (distributed Hash table)
Quiz 1
Socket Programming with TCP: Client Server
Application in Java
Transport Layer: Transport Layer Services,
Multiplexing, Demultiplexing; UDP: segment structure,
Checksum
Sessional 1
Principles of reliable data transfer: Building a reliable
data transfer protocol, Pipelined reliable data transfer
protocol
Go Back N

Textbook
Section

Book 1:
Chap 1
Book 1:
Chap 1
Book 1:
Chap 1

Book 1:
Chap 1
Book 1:
Chap 2

Book 1:
Chap 2
Book 1:
Chap 2
Book 1:
Chap 2
Book 1:
Chap 2
Book 1:
Chap 3
Book 1:
Chap 3
Book 1:
Chap 3

13

CLO 2

Selective Repeat Protocol

14

CLO 2

Connection Oriented TCP: Connection, segment

structure, RTT estimation and timeout, reliable data
transfer, Flow Control
Quiz 2

15

CLO 2

16

CLO 2

The Network Layer: Virtual Circuits and datagram

networks, whats inside a router
IP protocol: Datagram format
Assignment 2

Book 1:
Chap 4
Book 1:
Chap 4

17

CLO 2

IPv4 Addressing: subnetting

14.

CLO 2

ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)

15.

CLO 2

Routing algorithms: Distance Vector

16

CLO 2

Link state routing protocol

17

CLO 2

18

CLO 2

19

CLO 2

20

CLO 2

21

CLO 2

22

CLO 2

Routing in the internet, broadcast and multicast routing.

Intro to IPv6
Quiz 3
Link Layer and Local area networks: Introduction, Link
layer services, Where is Link Layer implemented,
Adaptors communicating
Link Layer error detection techniques: Parity Check,
Checksumming methods, CRC
Assignment 3
Multiple access protocols: Channel Partitioning
protocols, LANs,
Random Access Protocols slotted ALOHA, ALOHA,
CSMA, CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA, Taking Turns Protocols,
Sessional 2
link layer addressing (ARP), Ethernet: Frame structure

Book 1:
Chap 4
Book 1:
Chap 4
Book 1:
Chap 4
Book 1:
Chap 4
Book 1:
Chap 4

23

CLO 2

24

CLO 2

25

CLO 2

26

CLO 2

link layer switches: Forwarding and Learning, Self

Learning, Switches vs. Routers
Quiz 4
Demonstration of connecting two computers using cross
cable, PPP Protocol: Data Framing, A day in life of a web
page request
Physical Layer: Analog and Digital Data, Analog and
Digital Signals, Periodic and non-periodic Signals,
Attenuation, Distortion, Noise,
Nyquist Bit Rate, Shannon Capacity

Book 1:
Chap 3
Book 1:
Chap 3

Book 1:
Chap 5
Book 1:
Chap 5
Book 1:
Chap 5
Book 1:
Chap 5
Book 1:
Chap 5
Book 1:
Chap 5
Book 1:
Chap 5
Book 2:
Chap 3
Book 2:

27

CLO 2

28

CLO 4

29

CLO 4

30

CLO 4

Line coding, Line coding schemes, Block coding,

Scrambling, Pulse Code Modulation, Delta Modulation,
Parallel Transmission, Serial Transmission
Assignment 4
Wireless and Mobile Networks: Characteristics,
CDMA,WiFi: 802.11 Wireless LANs
Mobile IP and Other wireless technologies (3G, 4G,
Edge, GPRS).
Security in Computer Networks: Principles of
Cryptography, Message Integrity and End Point
Authentication,
Final Exam

Chap 3
Book 2:
Chap 3,4

Book 1:
Chap 6
Book 1:
Chap 6
Book 1:
Chap 8

Homework/Practice Problems: CCN CSC339

Note: Each Class Instructor will announce the Weekly Homework Problems from the following
list or other sources as may be determined by him.
Section

Suggested HW/ Practice problems from the text.