Data communication principles course

This online course explains the fundamental principles of data communications and describes the role of the basic functional components of data links and the protocols that define their operation.

Prerequisites:

An understanding of the basic properties of digital signals. It is recommended that the PTT course SRA: "Analogue and digital signals" is studied before attempting this course.

Summary of topics covered:

Role and operation of the various components of a digital link.

Role of an interface between communications sub-systems in terms of the transfer of control signals and data.

Comparison of the characteristics of serial and parallel interfaces.

Comparison of the operation of synchronous and asynchronous links.

Comparison of the basic properties of simplex, duplex and half duplex communication links.

Principles and advantages of packet switching with particular reference to the connectionless operation of the Internet.

Concepts and causes of congestion and congestion collapse; methods of avoiding congestion.

Role and facilities of data protocols and their categorisation with reference to the OSI Reference Model and to the Internet suite of protocols.

Role and basic structure of local and wide area networks; role of the functional components of these networks.


Number of modules: 5
Approximate study time: 4 hours

Download and view the StarTel course summary in Adobe PDF format