EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

COURSE

: EC 301 COMPUTER NETWORK FUNDAMENTALS

INSTRUCTIONAL DURATION

: 15 WEEKS

CREDIT(S)

:2

LECTURER

: MR. MOHD AFFENDY BIN CHI NONG

PREREQUISITE

: NONE

SYNOPSIS
COMPUTER NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS course introduces students to the
concepts and principles of data transmission and computer networks. This course
enables students to correctly use standard terminology in describing the main
Local Area Network (LAN) topologies, hardware and software components used in
networking. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to build
a network infrastructure using copper cabling, fiber optic cable, and wireless
devices. Students also learn to troubleshoot and secure the network.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLO)

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Explain the hardware and network devices to build Local Area Network (LAN) for a
specific implementation. (C2)
2. Apply networking connection using straight-through or crossover UTP cables
complying with TIA/EIA-568-B wiring standard. (C3)
3. Select addressing scheme of TCP/IP in Local Area Network (LAN) properly using
network configuration tool. (C4)
4. Create a simple network connection using Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) in
accordance to IEEE 802.11 protocols. (P7)
5. Adhere to norm practice of professional bodies such as IEE E or TIA/EIA-568-B
during practical work session. (A3)

EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

SUMMARY (30 LECTURE: 30 PRACTICAL)

RTA

1.0

INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING
Introduction to networking. Network topologies, principles of
network communication, various network classifications of network
(LAN, WAN, MAN), organization network standards, advantages of
network computing, and functions of networking hardware and
devices. The topic also explains the setup of peer-to-peer network,
and a simple LAN.

(06 : 06)

2.0

THE OPEN SYSTEMS INTERCONNECTION (OSI) MODEL AND

NETWORK PROTOCOLS
OSI Model and the functions of its layers, logical address of a
computer, network protocol suites (TCP/ IP, IPX/ SPX, NetBios and
NetBeui, AppleTalk), and addressing schemes for TCP / IP.
Network services such as DNS, FTP, e-mail protocols (SMTP,
POP3, and IMAP4), web clients and servers.

(06 : 06)

3.0

DATA TRANSMISSION AND NETWORKING MEDIA

Basics of data transmission, transmission flaws affecting data
signals (noise, attenuation, latency). Characteristics of various
transmission media and its limitations in terms of throughput, noise
immunity, size and scalability, and cost are also covered in this
topic. Network cabling preparation is included as well.

(06 : 06)

4.0

INTERNET CONNECTION THROUGH ISP

Basic concept of internet service provider, internet protocols and
internet connectivity

(02 : 02)

5.0

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES
Various types of technologies in wireless and the configuration of
wireless LANs including the standards and components. Security
on a wireless LAN is also discussed.

(04 : 04)

6.0

BASIC SECURITY
Various types of threats and methods of attack in a network
environment. It also covers basic security policies in networking.

(02 : 02)

7.0

NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTING
Common faults of network connectivity. The topic discusses
various ways to troubleshoot a network system, including the
purpose of the Helpdesk.

(04 : 04)

EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

SYLLABUS
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING
1.1 Describe basic concepts and components of computer networks
1.1.1 List advantages of networked computing relative to standalone
computing.
1.1.2 Differentiate two fundamental types of networks:
a.
Peer-to-peer networks
b.
Client/server networks
c.
1.1.3 Differentiate the various classification of networks according to its
size:
a.
Local Area Network (LAN)
b.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
c.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
1.1.4 Explain common element to all client/server networks: client, server,
workstation, network interface card, network operating system, node,
connectivity device, backbone, segment, topology, and transmission
media.
1.1.5 Distinguish the various computer network topologies:
a.
Bus
b.
Ring
c.
Star
d.
Hybrid
1.2 Identify networking standards
1.2.1 Identify organizations that set standards for networking:
a.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
b.
Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) and Telecommunications
Industry Association (TIA)
c.
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
d.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
e.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
f.
Internet Society (ISOC)
g.
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and Internet
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
1.3 Describe principles of communication in networking
1.3.1 Explain the source, channel and destinations in network
communication.
1.3.2 Explain the rules of communications:
a.
Establish a link
b.
Issue a command and command qualifier
c.
Acknowledgment of command
d.
Dissection messages
e.
Error detection and correction
f.
Termination of transmission

EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

ASSESSMENT
The course assessment is carried out in two sections:
9

EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

i.

Coursework (CA)
Coursework is continuous assessment that measures knowledge, technical skills and
soft skills.

ii.

Final Examination (FE)

Final examination is carried out at the end of the semester.

The percentage ratio of FE to CA shall follow the guideline stated in the ArahanArahan Peperiksaan dan Kaedah Penilaian which is approved by the Lembaga
Peperiksaan dan Penganugerahan Sijil/ Diploma Politeknik.

Remark:
CLO1: Explain the hardware and network devices to build Local Area Network (LAN) for a specific
implementation. (C2)

10

EC301 Computer Networking Fundamentals

CLO2: Apply networking connection using straight-through or crossover UTP cables complying with
TIA/EIA-568-A or TIA/EIA-568-B wiring standard. (C3)
CLO3: Select addressing scheme of TCP/IP in Local Area Network (LAN) properly using network
configuration tool. (C4)
CLO4: Create a simple network connection using Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) in accordance
to IEEE 802.11 protocols. (P7)
CLO5: Adhere to norm practice of professional bodies such as IEE E or TIA/EIA-568-B during
practical work session. (A3)
*(x) refers to the quantity of assessment

REFERENCES
Todd Lammle. (2007). CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide (6th Edition), Wiley
Publishing. (ISBN: 978-0-470-110089)
Andrew S. Tanenbaum. (2003). Computer Networks Fourth Edition. Prentice Hall. (ISBN: 0-13066102-3)
Cisco System. (2005). CCNA 1 and 2 Companion Guide, Revised (Cisco Networking Academy
Program), 3rd Edition. Cisco Press (ISBN: 978-1-58713-150-9).
Tamara Dean. (2005). Network + 2005 in Depth. Thomson Course Technology. (ISBN: 1-59200-7929)
Wendell Odom, Thomas Knott. (2006). Networking Basics CCNA 1 Companion Guide (Cisco
Networking Academy). Cisco Press. (ISBN: 978-1-58713-164-6)

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