SOUTH ILOCANDIA COLLEGE OF ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY

San Eugenio, Aringay, La Union 2503

COMPUTER DEPARTMENT

REF:

SICAT-CD2-BSCS-CS403-2015

LEARNING PLAN FOR CS 403

DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING
I.

MISSION AND VISION

Mission of SICAT
Provide quality education by designing competent curriculum to keep a progressive interaction with the innovative modern era and
to contribute to public service by producing accomplished and highly merited graduates.
Vision of SICAT
Exemplify professionalism, integrity, and discipline in their chosen crafts and perpetually aspire to become a premiere educational
institution.
Department Mission and Vision
Provide an excellent education in all computer-related fields to prepare for career opportunities requiring a high-level of technical
knowledge and skills. Provide aesthetic and hands-on approach in instruction to develop more responsive strategies to the rapidly
changing demands of the computing profession.
Objectives of the Computer Department
1. To produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills in computing required for professional careers.
2. To provide flexible and dynamic curriculum that is responsive to the computing innovation.
3. To strengthen the partnership that facilitates the collaboration of industry, government, and education.
4. To excel in the field of research both theoretical and applied.
5. To enhance teachers-learners relationships in order to create wholesome and productive teaching-learning environment.

II.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) is a four-year degree program designed to prepare students to be Computer
Scientists with sub-specialists. The program provides progressive structures in which students are able to gain ever-wider knowledge and
understanding, appropriate skills, and ethics. The program outcomes include three domains such as knowledge, skills, and values to
introduce students to the theory and practice of Computer Science, including software development techniques and the technologies
underlying specific application areas such as computer systems servicing and computer programming.
1

After finishing the B.S. Computer Science program, the graduates should be able to:
Domains
Knowledge:
1. Analyze requirements for rapidly changing computing problems and information system environments;
PK1
2. Identify scientific terms, facts, concepts, principles, theories and methods;
3. Design well-tested solutions for rapidly changing computing problems and information system environments;
PK3
4. Employ technical and academic developments to improve capabilities in the field of Computing profession.
PK4

PK

Skills:
1. Utilize fundamental to complex skills and tools necessary for computing practices;
PSI
2. Obtain materials, tools and equipment in accordance with job requirements;
PS2
3. Participate in workplace communication, practice career professionalism, and occupational health and safety
procedures;
4. Communicate effectively by writing, speaking, listening, and computing with peers, experts, educators and a range
of audiences.
PS4

PS

Values:
PV
1. Awareness of the implications of computer science on the individual and on society;
PV1
2. Participate in service-oriented endeavors in the field of Computing profession;
PV2
3. Promote Filipino historical and cultural heritage by showing a deep and principled understanding;
PV3
4. Use computer systems to communicate and solve problems in an ethical way;
PV4
5. Practice Christian way of service in their personal and professional deeds as Sicatians in the service of the society and
divine providence.
PV5

PK2

PS3

III.

DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

IV.
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Code

CS 403

Course Description

Data Communications and Networking

Semester and Year Offered

Second Semester

Credit Units

Three (3) Credit Units

Contact Hours Per Week

Three (3) Hours

Course Pre-requisite
(if there is any)

N/A

Course Description

This course on Data Communications and Networks provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts
on data communication and the design, deployment, and management of computer networks.

Course Outcomes

At the end of the term, the would-be Computer Scientists are expected to:

Fourth Year
Lecture: Three (3) units
Laboratory:
Lecture: Three (3) hours
Laboratory:

Knowledge:
1. Identify the different components and their respective roles in a communication system
2. Propose efficient, cost effective, reliable and appropriate technology to establish
communication links
3. Design an enterprise network employing the common LAN technologies and be able to
evaluate the advantages and disadvantages
4. Describe the technical issues related to the Wide Area Networks and identify the
common technologies available in establishing WAN infrastructure
5. Describe the specific actions that can be taken to enforce network level security
Skills:
1. Utilize fundamental to complex skills and tools necessary for data communications and
networking
3

COK
COK1
COK2
COK3
COK4
COK5
COS
COS1

2. Configure a PC to work as a host in a TCP/IP network and to use the IP-based commands
to facilitate the troubleshooting process
3. Obtain materials and tools in performing basic computer troubleshooting
4. Communicate effectively in presenting networking works with peers and a range of
audiences
Values:
1. Responsiveness of the requirements for different operating systems platforms
2. Participate in team-oriented endeavors in the field of computing practices
3. Utilize computer applications in doing specific tasks
4. Apply computing ethics in accordance with society, norms, and industry standards
Learning Outcomes

COS2
COS3
COS4
COV
COV1
COV2
COV3
COV4

At the end of the term, the future Computer Scientists should be able to:
Prelim
1. Describe the basic concept of communications and the electronic implementation of
communications paradigms
2. Identify the characteristics and analyze the signal properties
3. Describe how digital data can be transmitted using analog transmission facilities
4. Map a binary pattern into a signal encoded using different encoding schemes
5. Select a suitable transmission media for the implementation of a communication
network
6. Recognize the constrains related to the practical usage of transmission media
Midterm
7. Describe the design issues related to data transfer
8. Compare and contrast the circuit and packet switching technologies
9. Describe the concept and the use of multiplexing technologies
10.Describe error control mechanisms
11.Describe the advantages of a layered architecture
12.Illustrate the roles of each layer in the OSI model two process process communication
13.Provide a description of the emergence and the evolution of computer networks
14.Discuss the selection of suitable geometric layout for a network based on the standard
topologies
15.Outline the features of different types of computer networks
Semi-Final
16.Give a description of the TCP/IP protocol suite including the roles of major protocols
17.Configure an IP address block into a given number of subnets
18.Use the IP-based diagnostic commands to support troubleshooting in IP networks
19.Describe IP routing mechanisms
20.Describe the popular application layer protocols in the Internet
21.Recognize the limitations of IP version 4 and the advantages of IP version
4

LO1
LO2
LO3
LO4
LO5
LO6
LO7
LO8
LO9
LO10
LO11
LO12
LO13
LO14
LO15
LO16
LO17
LO18
LO19
LO20
LO21

Final
22.Compare and contrast different LAN technologies such as IEEE 802 LAN standards
23.Describe the problem of channel allocation in the LAN segments and the solutions used
24.Design a large Ethernet network using hubs and switches and to suggest the suitable
devices to provide the connectivity to the other outside networks
25.Describe the problems associated in deploying a wireless LAN and propose solutions
26.Identify the techniques of securing a private network
27.Describe issues in structured cabling

LO22
LO23
LO24
LO25
LO26
LO27

Alignment of the Course Outcomes to Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:
Identify the different components and
their respective roles in a
communication system
Propose efficient, cost effective, reliable
and appropriate technology to establish
communication links
Design an enterprise network employing
the common LAN technologies and be
able to evaluate the advantages and
disadvantages
Describe the technical issues related to
the Wide Area Networks and identify the
common technologies available in
establishing WAN infrastructure
Describe the specific actions that can be
taken to enforce network level security.
Skills:
Utilize fundamental to complex skills and
tools necessary for data communications
and networking

COK1

COK2

COK3

COK4
COK5
COS1

LO27

LO26

LO25

LO24

LO23

LO22

LO21

LO20

LO19

LO18

LO17

LO16

LO15

LO14

LO13

LO12

LO11

LO10

LO9

LO8

LO7

LO6

LO5

LO4

LO3

LO1

Course Outcomes

LO2

Learning Outcomes

Configure a PC to work as a host in a

TCP/IP network and to use the IP-based
commands to facilitate the
troubleshooting process
Obtain materials and tools in performing
basic computer troubleshooting
Communicate effectively in presenting
Multimedia works with peers and a
range of audiences
Values:
Responsiveness of the requirements for
computer applications
Participate in team-oriented endeavors
in the field of computing practices
Utilize computer applications in doing
specific tasks
Apply computing ethics in accordance
with society, norms, and industry
standards
Indicator:
outcome

Consultation Hours:
Day
Saturday

COS2
COS3
COS4
COV1
COV2
COV3
COV4

Has major contribution to the course outcome

Time
12:00 03:00

Room
Consultation Room

Has minimal contribution to the course

Learning Plan
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

TIME
ALLOTMENT

CONTENTS

ACTIVITIES/
STRATEGIES

ASSESSMENT TOOLS

LEARNING
RESOURCES

PRELIM (16 hours)

Week 1, 2, and 3:
Describe the basic concept of
communications and the electronic
implementation of communications
paradigms
Identify the characteristics and the
analyze the signals properties

I. Fundamentals of digital
communications
1.1. Introduction to digital
communications
1.1.1. Definitions of
terms
1.1.2. Signal
propagation
1.1.3. Signal types
1.1.3.1. Sine
waves
1.1.3.2. Square
waves
1.1.4. Signal
parameters
1.1.4.1.
Amplitude
1.1.4.2.
Frequency
1.1.4.3. Phase

8 hours

- Lecture
- Group
Discussion

- Short quiz

Handouts
LCD Projector
Published Books
Library Research

1.2. Channel effects on

transmission
1.2.1. Attenuation
1.2.2. Effects of limited
bandwidth
1.2.3. Delay distortion
1.2.4. Noise
1.3. Data rate limits in
channels
1.3.1. Nyquist's
theorem
1.3.2. Shannon's
theorem
Week 4, 5, and 6:
Describe how digital data can be
transmitted using analog
transmission facilities
Map a binary pattern into a signal
encoded using different encoding
schemes
Select a suitable transmission
medium/media for the
implementation of a
communication network

II. Physical layer

characterization
2.1. Transmission Media
2.1.1. Twisted pair
cables
2.1.2. Co-axial cables
2.1.3. Fiber optic
cables
2.1.4. Wireless media
2.2. Physical Layer Interfaces
2.2.1. RS 232 / EIA
232/ USB

8 hours

- Lecture
- Group
Discussion

- Short quiz

Handouts
LCD Projector
Published Books
Library Research

Recognize the constrains related to

the practical usage of transmission
media
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

CONTENTS

TIME
ALLOTMENT

ACTIVITIES/
STRATEGIES

MIDTERM (16 hours)

8

ASSESSMENT TOOLS

LEARNING
RESOURCES

Week 7, 8, 9, and 10:

Describe the design issues related
to data transfer
Compare and contrast the circuit
and packet switching technologies
Describe the concept and the use
of multiplexing technologies
Describe error control mechanisms

III. Data transmission

mechanisms
3.1. Communication modes
3.1.1. Simplex
3.1.2. Half-duplex
3.1.3. Full - duplex
3.2. Transmission modes
3.2.1. Serial
transmission
3.2.2. Parallel
transmission
3.3. Synchronization
3.3.1. Asynchronous
transmission
3.3.2. Synchronous
transmission
3.4. Introduction to packet
switching
3.4.1. Circuit switching
vs. packet switching
3.4.2. Types of services
3.4.2.1. Connection
oriented services
(Virtual circuits)
3.4.2.2.
Connectionless
services (Datagrams)
3.5. Multiplexing
3.5.1. Frequency
division multiplexing
3.5.2. Synchronous
time division
multiplexing
3.5.3. Statistical time
division multiplexing
3.6. Error control methods
3.6.1. Feedback error
recovery (ARQ) (Eg:
Based on parity check)

8 hours

- Lecture
- Group
Discussion

- Short quiz

Handouts
LCD Projector
Published Books
Library Research

3.6.2. Forward error

correction (FEC) (Eg;
CRC)
Week 11 and 12:
Describe the advantages of a
layered architecture
Illustrate the roles of each layer in
the OSI model two process process communication
Provide a description of the
emergence and the evolution of
computer networks
Discuss the selection of suitable
geometric layout for a network
based on the standard topologies

IV. Network architectures

4.1. Introduction to computer
networks
4.2. Network topologies: Bus,
Star, Ring
4.3. Types of networks
4.3.1. Local area
networks
4.3.2. Wide area
networks
4.3.3. Personal area
networks
4.4. Layered network model
4.4.1. OSI model
4.4.2. TCP/ IP model

8 hours

- Lecture
- Group
Discussion

- Group Discussion

Handouts
LCD Projector
Published Books
Library Research

Outline the features of different

types of computer networks

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

TIME
ALLOTMENT

CONTENTS

ACTIVITIES/
STRATEGIES

ASSESSMENT TOOLS

LEARNING
RESOURCES

SEMI-FINAL (16 hours)

Week 13, 14, 15, and 16:
Give a description of the TCP/IP
protocol suite including the roles of
major protocols
Configure an IP address block into
a given number of subnets

V. Internet Protocols
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 History of the
Internet protocols
5.1.2 Internet protocol
stack
5.1.3 IP Addressing

16 hours

10

- Lecture
- Group
Discussion

- Short quiz

Handouts
LCD Projector
Published Books
Library Research

Use the IP based diagnostic

commands to support
troubleshooting in IP networks
Describe IP routing mechanisms
Describe the popular application
layer protocols in the Internet
Recognize the limitations of IP
version 4 and the advantages of IP
version6

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

and Routing
5.1.4 Subnetting :Fixed
and variable length
5.1.5 Unicast routing
algorithms
5.2 Transport Layer protocols
5.2.1 TCP
5.2.2 UDP
5.3 IP Support Protocols
5.3.1 ARP
5.3.2 DHCP
5.3.3 ICMP
5.4 Application Layer
Protocols
5.4.1 Domain Name
System (DNS)
5.4.2 Email SMTP,
POP, IMAP
5.4.3 FTP
5.4.4 HTTP
5.4.5 RTP and Vo IP
5.5 IP version 6

TIME
ALLOTMENT

CONTENTS

ACTIVITIES/
STRATEGIES

ASSESSMENT TOOLS

LEARNING
RESOURCES

FINALS (12 hours)

Week 17 and 18:
Compare and contrast different
LAN technologies such as IEEE 802
LAN standards
Describe the problem of channel
allocation in the LAN segments and

VI. Local Area Networks

6.1 Introduction to LANs
6.2 Conventional LAN
Architectures
6.2.1 Access Protocols:
CSMA/CD,Token
Passing

6 hours

11

- Lecture
- Group
Discussion

- Short quiz

Handouts
LCD Projector
Published Books
Library Research

the solutions used

Design a large Ethernet network
using hubs and switches and to
suggest the suitable devices to
provide the connectivity to the
other outside networks
Describe the problems associated
in deploying a wireless LAN and
propose solutions

Week 19 and 20:

Identify the techniques of securing
a private network
Describe issues in structured
cabling
Identify connecting options made

6.2.2 Interconnecting
devices: Hubs, L2 /L3
Switch
6.3 IEEE 802 MAC layer
standards :802.3 , 802.11 ,
802.15
6.4 Switched Ethernet
variants: Fast Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet, 10Gb
Ethernet
6.5 Wireless LANs: (802.11)
6.5.1 Access methods:
CSMA/CA
6.5.2 Frequency
Bands: ISM
6.5.3 Operating
Modes: adhoc,
Managed
6.5.4 Variants: 802.11
a/ b/ g/ n
6.5.5 Wireless
interconnection
devices: Hub, Router
6.6 Bluetooth (802.15)
wireless personal area
network

VII. Practical aspects of

networking
7.1 Structured cabling and
specifications: Standards
CAT5, 5E, etc..
7.2 Network security
7.2.1 Firewalls and NAT

6 hours

12

- Group
Dynamics

- Group Discussion

Handouts
LCD Projector
Published Books
Library Research

available by service providers

7.2.2 VLANs, VPNs

7.2.3 Proxy servers
7.2.4 Wireless security
7.3 User access technologies
7.3.1 Wired: xDSL,
FTTH
7.3.2 Cellular wireless:
GPRS, EDGE, HSPDA
7.3.3 Broadband
wireless: 802.16

13

Course Requirements:
A student is expected to comply with the following:
(1) Must have at least 80% attendance of the prescribed number of days;
(2) Obtain satisfactory ratings for the quizzes (a minimum of two ) and the major examinations ( four or three ) given for the course;
(3) Submit a major project.
Note: Admission slips authorized by the SAS Office are required to be submitted on matters relevant to absences and tardiness and excused slips
to facilitate provisions on missed activities, quizzes, and major examinations.
Grading System

Use the grading system stipulated in the SICAT Handbook as reference

Assignments of percentages for class standing are as follows:

20 %

Participation in discussions and class activities

Reports
Written activities

40 %

Major requirements or outputs

Performance-based activities

40 %

Written exams (Prelim, Midterm, Semi-Final and Final)

Class Standing

Examinations
TOTAL

100 %

Grade per term and final grade

Computation of grades:
Class Standing + Major Exam
(Prelim Grade * 0.25) + (Midterm Grade * 0.25) + (Semi-Final Grade * 0.25) + (Final Grade * 0.25)

For the evaluation of the major requirements or outputs and other activities, rubrics, checklist, and peer assessment tools will be utilized.

14

Course References
A. Published Books
Halsall, Fred, (2005). Data Communications, Computer Networks and OSI, 4th Edition
Peterson, Larry L. & Davie, Bruce S. Computer Networks: A Systems Approach, 4th Edition
Stallings, William. (2007). Data and Computer Communications, 7th Edition
Tanenbaum, Andrew S. (2006). Computer Networks, 4th Edition

Prepared by:

DOROTHY D. AROMIN-CALICA
Course Instructor

Verified:

Noted:
JONALYN L. REOLIQUIO, MAEd
OIC-Registrar

JUBERT L. PADILLA, MIT

Program Head

Approved:

JOHN Y. CHAN, MBA

President

15