Computer Networks

Course Objectives :

  1.  Build an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computer networking.
  2.  Familiarize the student with the basic taxonomy and terminology of the computer networking area.
  3.  Introduce the student to advanced networking concepts, preparing the student for entry Advanced courses in computer networking.
  4.  Allow the student to gain expertise in some specific areas of networking such as the design and maintenance of individual networks.

Course Outcomes (CO)

  • CO 1 Understand basic computer network technology.
  • CO 2 Understand and explain Data Communications System and its components.
  • CO 3 Implements various network topologies and IP addressing, subnetting.
  • CO 4 Enumerate the layers of the OSI model and TCP/IP.

UNIT-I

Data Communications: Components, Networks, The Internet, Protocols and Standards, Network Models: The OSI Model, TCP/IP Protocol Suite , A Comparison of the OSI and TCP/IP Reference Models, Addressing, Physical Layer: Analog and Digital Signals, Transmission modes, Transmission Media: Guided Media, Unguided Media, Review of Error Detection and Correction codes.

Switching: Circuit switching (space-division, time division and space-time division), packet switching (virtual circuit and Datagram approach), message switching.

UNIT-II

Data Link Layer: Design issues, Data Link Control and Protocols: Flow and Error Control, Stop-and-wait ARQ. Sliding window protocol, Go-Back-N ARQ, Selective Repeat ARQ, HDLC, Point-to –Point Access: PPP Point –toPoint Protocol, PPP Stack, Medium Access Sub layer: Channel allocation problem, Controlled Access, Channelization, multiple access protocols, IEEE standard 802.3 & 802.11 for LANS and WLAN, high-speed LANs, Token ring, Token Bus, FDDI based LAN, Network Devices-repeaters, hubs, switches bridges.

UNIT-III

Network Layer: Design issues, Routing algorithms, Congestion control algorithms, Host to Host Delivery: Internetworking, addressing and routing, IP addressing (class full & Classless), Subnet, Network Layer Protocols: ARP, IPV4, ICMP, IPV6 ad ICMPV6.

UNIT - IV

Transport Layer: Process to Process Delivery: UDP; TCP, congestion control and Quality of service. Application Layer: Client Server Model, Socket Interface, Domain Name System (DNS): Electronic Mail (SMTP), file transfer (FTP), HTTP and WWW.

Textbook(s):

  1. Behrouz A. Forouzan, “Data Communications and Networking”, Tata McGraw-Hill.

References:

  1. A. S. Tannenbum, D. Wetherall,, “Computer Networks”, Prentice Hall, Pearson.
  2. Fred Halsall, “Computer Networks”, Addison – Wesley.
  3. Tomasi, “Introduction To Data Communications & Networking”, Pearson.

The domain of Computer Networking has a broad range of job profiles with strong career prospects due to the increasing demand for skilled professionals as technology evolves. Here are several key job profiles in the field of Computer Networking that offer solid career opportunities:

1. Network Engineer

  • Description: Design, implement, and manage an organization's networks (LAN, WAN, wireless). Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to network infrastructure.

  • Skills Required: Cisco (CCNA, CCNP), routing and switching, firewalls, VPNs, network protocols.

  • Career Prospects: With the growing complexity of enterprise networks, demand for Network Engineers continues to rise.

2. Network Architect

  • Description: Plan and design complex network infrastructures for organizations, including LANs, WANs, cloud networks, and hybrid networks.

  • Skills Required: Advanced knowledge of network protocols, data communication, and design methodologies.

  • Career Prospects: High demand due to the need for scalable and secure network infrastructure.

3. Cloud Network Engineer

  • Description: Focuses on designing and maintaining cloud-based networks, connecting on-premise networks with cloud services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).

  • Skills Required: Cloud platforms, SDN, virtualization, cloud security.

  • Career Prospects: Strong as businesses continue to move to the cloud.

4. Network Security Engineer

  • Description: Safeguard the network infrastructure from cyber threats, implement firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and encryption protocols.

  • Skills Required: Cybersecurity skills, firewall management, threat detection, encryption techniques.

  • Career Prospects: Excellent, given the increasing focus on cybersecurity.

5. Wireless Network Engineer

  • Description: Specializes in the setup and management of wireless networks, including Wi-Fi, 5G, and other mobile communication networks.

  • Skills Required: Wireless communication technologies, signal processing, 802.11 protocols.

  • Career Prospects: Growing, with the rise of mobile connectivity and IoT.

6. Network Administrator

  • Description: Responsible for maintaining an organization's network infrastructure, ensuring network availability, performance, and security.

  • Skills Required: Network monitoring tools, IP addressing, troubleshooting, and configuring network devices.

  • Career Prospects: Stable, though it’s evolving with automation and cloud technologies.

7. Systems Engineer (Networking)

  • Description: Works on integrating networking and computing systems, ensuring smooth operation of both hardware and software solutions in the network environment.

  • Skills Required: Linux/Unix, system integration, network protocols, troubleshooting.

  • Career Prospects: Strong demand for multi-disciplinary professionals who handle both system and network management.

8. DevOps Engineer (Networking Focus)

  • Description: Bridges the gap between development and IT operations, focusing on automating network deployment and infrastructure management.

  • Skills Required: Scripting, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, cloud technologies.

  • Career Prospects: Excellent, especially with the rise of automation and cloud-native infrastructure.

9. Network Automation Engineer

  • Description: Focuses on automating the provisioning and configuration of network devices and services, reducing manual intervention and errors.

  • Skills Required: Python, Ansible, NETCONF, REST APIs, SDN.

  • Career Prospects: Very strong as automation continues to dominate IT operations.

10. Telecommunications Network Engineer

  • Description: Designs and manages telecommunication networks for voice, data, and video communications, including fiber optics and satellite networks.

  • Skills Required: Telecom protocols, routing/switching, signal modulation.

  • Career Prospects: Growing, especially in emerging technologies like 5G and IoT.

11. VoIP Engineer

  • Description: Specializes in managing Voice over IP (VoIP) systems, ensuring high-quality voice communications over IP networks.

  • Skills Required: SIP, QoS, VoIP protocols, troubleshooting voice systems.

  • Career Prospects: Strong, as businesses shift to cloud-based communication systems.

12. Network Consultant

  • Description: Provides expert advice on network infrastructure design, optimization, and security for various organizations.

  • Skills Required: Advanced network knowledge, troubleshooting, vendor-specific technologies (e.g., Cisco, Juniper).

  • Career Prospects: Excellent for experienced professionals with the ability to handle complex client needs.

13. Data Center Network Engineer

  • Description: Works specifically with large-scale data center environments, optimizing the network for high availability, scalability, and performance.

  • Skills Required: Data center networking technologies, load balancing, SDN, server virtualization.

  • Career Prospects: Very strong, as cloud computing and data centers continue to grow.

14. IoT Network Engineer

  • Description: Focuses on designing and maintaining the network infrastructure for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

  • Skills Required: IoT protocols, low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN), 5G, network scaling.

  • Career Prospects: Rapidly growing with the rise of connected devices.

15. SD-WAN Engineer

  • Description: Specializes in deploying and managing software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) to improve network performance, security, and flexibility.

  • Skills Required: SD-WAN solutions, network virtualization, cloud security.

  • Career Prospects: High demand due to the trend towards decentralized, hybrid cloud architectures.

16. Network Performance Analyst

  • Description: Monitors, analyzes, and optimizes the performance of networks to ensure high reliability and efficiency.

  • Skills Required: Network monitoring tools, performance tuning, packet analysis, QoS.

  • Career Prospects: Stable, with increasing importance in high-traffic environments.

17. Cybersecurity Network Specialist

  • Description: Works on protecting networks from cyber-attacks, implementing secure network practices, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

  • Skills Required: Encryption, VPN, firewalls, threat detection, IDS/IPS.

  • Career Prospects: Excellent, as cybersecurity threats continue to grow.

18. Network Support Specialist

  • Description: Provides technical support and troubleshooting for network hardware, software, and related systems.

  • Skills Required: Problem-solving, network diagnostics tools, understanding of network protocols.

  • Career Prospects: Stable, but increasingly shifting towards more specialized roles.

19. Network Forensics Expert

  • Description: Investigates network breaches and conducts forensic analysis to determine how a security incident occurred.

  • Skills Required: Deep understanding of network protocols, digital forensics, packet analysis, cybersecurity tools.

  • Career Prospects: Excellent due to the rise in cybersecurity threats.

20. 5G Network Engineer

  • Description: Focuses on designing and maintaining the next generation of cellular networks (5G), which will offer faster speeds and low latency.

  • Skills Required: 5G protocols, network slicing, SDN, RF engineering.

  • Career Prospects: Exceptional, as global demand for 5G infrastructure grows.


General Skills for Networking Roles:

  • Routing and Switching: CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent certifications.

  • Security: Knowledge of firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS systems.

  • Cloud Computing: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud knowledge.

  • Automation: Python, Ansible, Terraform for network automation.

  • Troubleshooting & Monitoring Tools: Wireshark, SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios.

With the constant evolution of technologies like SDN, 5G, IoT, and cloud computing, these roles will continue to grow, providing long-term career prospects in the Computer Networking field.

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