EE 362/CMPEN 362 (was EE 458/CSE 458) – Data Communications

Designation:

Senior/Grad-level technical elective for Electrical and Computer Engineering students

Catalog Data:

EE 362/CMPEN 362 (was EE 458/CSE 458): Data transmission, encoding, link control techniques; communication network architecture, design; computer communication system architecture, protocols. Prerequisite: CMPEN 271/CSE 271; EE 317/EE 353 or 350.

Prerequisites by topic:

1. Understanding basic principles in calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and complex variables.
2. Understanding of basic linear systems and the Fourier Transform.
3. Proficiency in applying elementary principles of probability.
4. Understanding of the concept of modulation in Communication.
5. Understanding of logic block diagrams.

Course Objectives:

This course provides an understanding of the different layers of design of data communication networks. These layers range from the lowest physical layer of signal design through the highest layers of end-to-end performance. Through lecture and out-of-class assignments, students are provided learning experiences that enable them to:

1. Design or select signaling methods that optimize data rate and probability of correct reception over various kinds of communication links, both wired and wireless.
2. Design and evaluate protocols and methods of packet assembly and routing, so as to optimize performance over a communication network.
3. Keep current with developing network standards, so as to be able to make intelligent decisions about new application alternatives.

Topics:

1. Networking and the layered concept. (2 classes)
2. Physical layer – signals, impairments, media, modulation (6 classes)
3. Link layer – communication interfacing, frames, error control (6 classes)
4. Multiplexing – frequency, time, synchronous and statistical (4 classes)
5. Network layer – circuit switching (3 classes)
6. Network layer – packet switching and routing (5 classes)
7. Network layer – X.25, Frame Relay, ATM networks (5 classes)
8. Local Area networks – Access protocols, ALOHA, Ethernet, Rings, optical fiber (5 classes)
9. Internetworking, TCP/IP, Routing, Transport protocols (5 classes)
10. Multicasting (2 classes)

Class Schedule:

Three 50-minute lectures per week.

Computer Usage:

Students mostly are proficient in computer and Internet usage. They are encouraged to use the Web to gather information on developing communication ideas and standards.

Laboratory projects and assignments:

11-12 assignments, approximately weekly, emphasize problems in design and performance evaluation of communication systems or networks.

Contribution to meeting the professional component:

This course provides a design emphasis in the area of communication networks and links. Topics pertaining to economics and manufacturability are related to techniques to make communication more efficient and reliable.

Relationship to program design:

1. Graduates will understand the application of Fourier Analysis to communication signal design [Ref: Outcome O.2.3.]
2. Graduates will see communication applications of shift-register circuits to communication error control. [Ref: Outcome O.2.5.]
3. Graduates will attain in-depth knowledge of communication techniques and communication networks. [Ref: Outcome O.3.1.]
4. Graduates will see applications of system modeling in communication. [Ref: Outcome O.3.2.]
5. Graduates will have understood the rapidly-developing changes in communications and networking. These demonstrate the need for lifelong learning to keep up with developments. [Ref: Outcome O.4.2.] Also, these rapid changes have a strong influence on society and economics. . [Ref: Outcome O.6.3.]