Introduction to data and computer communication networks. Network architectures, protocol, hierarchies, Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model. Point-to-point protocols and links, error detection, automatic repeat request (ARQ) strategies. The network layer, multi-access networks, local and metropolitan area networks (LANs and MANs), queuing theory, performance modelling of data networks. Selected topics from introduction to switching systems, blocking, topology, multistage space switches, synchronous digital transfer mode, time-division switching and switch architectures. -- Course Website
