1. Introduction to Computer Networks 1.1 Definition of Computer Network A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices designed to share data, applications, and resources. 1.2 Goals of Networking Resource sharing High reliability Cost-effective communication Improved performance 1.3 Advantages of Computer Networks File and data sharing Centralized management Backup and recovery Faster communication Scalability 1.4 Applications of Networks Business applications Home networks Mobile and IoT applications Cloud computing E-commerce and online banking 2. Network Models and Architectures 2.1 OSI Reference Model 7 layers (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application) Responsibilities & protocols Layered communication concept 2.2 TCP/IP Model 4 layers (Network Access, Internet, Transport, Application) Real-world protocol stack Mapping with OSI model 2.3 Comparison of OSI vs TCP/IP Structure Layer functions Practical usage Protocol dependencies 2.4 Protocols and Standards Definition of protocol Role of IEEE, ITU-T, IETF Importance of standards for global communication 3. Physical Layer 3.1 Role of Physical Layer Transmission of raw bits over a physical medium. 3.2 Transmission Media Guided Media: Twisted pair, Coaxial cable, Fiber optic Unguided Media: Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared 3.3 Signal Types Analog vs Digital signals Bandwidth and data rate Attenuation, distortion, and noise 3.4 Multiplexing Techniques Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) 3.5 Transmission Impairments Noise types Delay, jitter, bandwidth limitations 4. Data Link Layer 4.1 Responsibilities of Data Link Layer Framing Error detection and correction Flow control Media access control 4.2 Error Detection and Correction Parity check CRC Checksum Hamming code 4.3 Flow Control Stop-and-wait Sliding window protocol 4.4 Media Access Control (MAC) ALOHA CSMA/CD CSMA/CA Token passing 4.5 Data Link Layer Devices Bridges Switches Layer 2 hubs 5. Network Layer 5.1 Network Layer Functions Logical addressing Routing Packet forwarding Congestion control 5.2 IP Addressing IPv4, IPv6 Classful and Classless addressing Subnetting and supernetting 5.3 Routing Algorithms Distance vector Link-state Hierarchical routing Shortest path algorithms (Dijkstra) 5.4 Routing Protocols RIP, OSPF, BGP Static vs Dynamic routing Interior vs Exterior routing protocols 5.5 Network Layer Devices Routers Layer 3 switches 6. Transport Layer 6.1 Transport Layer Services End-to-end delivery Error control Flow control Connection establishment 6.2 TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) Connection-oriented communication Three-way handshake Congestion control Reliable delivery 6.3 UDP (User Datagram Protocol) Connectionless service Low overhead Suitable for real-time applications 6.4 Port Numbers Well-known, Registered, Dynamic ports Role of sockets 7. Application Layer 7.1 Application Layer Services Network communication support for user applications 7.2 DNS (Domain Name System) Hierarchical naming Name resolution DNS servers and records 7.3 Email Protocols SMTP POP3 IMAP 7.4 Web Protocols HTTP and HTTPS URL and URI Web servers and browsers 7.5 File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Active and passive modes Secure FTP 7.6 Remote Login Telnet SSH 8. Wireless and Mobile Networks 8.1 Wireless Transmission Concepts Frequency spectrum Propagation models Antennas 8.2 Cellular Networks GSM architecture CDMA LTE and 5G basics 8.3 Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11) Wi-Fi architecture Access points and stations Security protocols (WEP, WPA, WPA2) 8.4 Bluetooth and PAN Communication range Bluetooth layers and profiles 8.5 Ad-hoc Networks MANET, VANET Routing characteristics 9. Network Security 9.1 Security Goals Confidentiality Integrity Availability Authentication Non-repudiation 9.2 Threats and Attacks Malware Phishing DoS/DDoS Man-in-the-middle Spoofing and sniffing 9.3 Security Mechanisms Encryption Firewalls Intrusion Detection Systems VPN 9.4 Cryptographic Techniques Symmetric and asymmetric encryption RSA, AES Digital signatures 9.5 Network Security Policies Password policies Access control Audit logs 10. Network Management 10.1 Network Monitoring Concepts Performance metrics Fault management Configuration management 10.2 SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) SNMP architecture MIB (Management Information Base) Agents and managers 10.3 Performance Measurement Latency Throughput Jitter Packet loss 10.4 Troubleshooting Tools Ping Traceroute Netstat Wireshark 11. Emerging Trends in Networking 11.1 Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Control plane vs Data plane OpenFlow protocol Centralized controller 11.2 Network Virtualization Virtual LANs Virtual switches Network slicing 11.3 Internet of Things (IoT) IoT architecture Sensor networks IoT protocols (MQTT, CoAP) 11.4 Cloud Networking Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) Data center networks Virtualized storage 11.5 Edge and Fog Computing Low-latency processing Localized computation Real-time applications 12. Network Topologies & Switching 12.1 Types of Network Topologies Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Hybrid Advantages and disadvantages 12.2 Switching Techniques Circuit switching Packet switching Message switching 12.3 VLANs (Virtual LANs) Segmentation Network isolation Security advantages
Course Description – Computer Networks
Computer Networks is a fundamental course that introduces students to the concepts, architecture, protocols, and technologies used in modern data communication systems. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of how computers and other devices connect, communicate, and exchange information over wired and wireless media. Students learn the design principles behind network architecture, the functioning of various networking layers, and the essential protocols that govern communication in local and global networks.
This course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of networking. It begins with the basics of network types, topologies, hardware components, and transmission media, followed by a detailed study of reference models such as the OSI and TCP/IP architectures. Students will explore the working of each layer—from the physical layer to the application layer—including framing, switching, routing, congestion control, transport services, and application-level protocols like HTTP, DNS, FTP, and email systems.
The course also emphasizes practical skills such as IP addressing, subnetting, configuration of routing protocols, and socket programming basics. Students are introduced to different network devices, including hubs, switches, routers, and wireless access points, and learn how these devices function and interact within a network environment.
In addition to traditional networks, the course highlights modern networking trends such as wireless networks, mobile communication, cloud networking, software-defined networking (SDN), IoT-based communication, and network virtualization. Special focus is given to network security concepts, including threats, encryption techniques, firewalls, and secure communication mechanisms, to equip students for the challenges of today’s interconnected digital world.
By the end of the course, students will be able to design, analyze, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks, understand the operation of key protocols, ensure secure communication, and apply networking concepts to real-world applications. The course prepares learners for advanced studies in communication technologies, cybersecurity, distributed systems, and cloud-based infrastructures.
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my self Im Iswarya working Assistant Professor in GVN College ,department of computer Science ,thank you
