GUJARAT TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (GTU)

Competency-focused Outcome-based Green Curriculum-2021 (COGC-2021)

6th Semester

Course Title: Computer Networks & Data Communication

(Course Code: 4361101)

Diploma Programme in which this course is offered	Semester in which offered
Electronics and Communication	Sixth

1. RATIONALE

Computer Networks & Data Communication is crucial for students as it forms the backbone of modern communication systems. Understanding this subject is essential for comprehending how data is transferred and shared across devices and networks. It enables students to grasp the fundamentals of internet protocols, network security, and the seamless flow of information in the digital age. Proficiency in this subject is essential for various careers, ensuring students are well-equipped for the ever-evolving technology landscape. Thus, this course is an important course for students who want to work in network administration, cybersecurity, software development, and systems engineering.

2. COMPETENCY

The course content should be taught and implemented with the aim to develop various types of related skills leading to the achievement of the following competency

Utilize hardware and software technologies For the purpose of setting up, commissioning and maintaining secure computer networks.

3. COURSE OUTCOMES (COs)

The theory should be taught and practical should be carried out in such a manner that students are able to acquire different learning outcomes in cognitive, psychomotor and affective domain to demonstrate following course outcomes.

Analyze the key concepts of data communication, the various physical network topologies and layered models.
Select proper transmission media and devices based on network requirements
Manage contemporary network infrastructures and configure fundamental network devices based on criteria and analyze communication protocols of hardware layer
Use Internet protocols and standards.
Understanding of network security, cryptography, IP security, web security, information security standards.

TEACHING AND EXAMINATION SCHEME

Teaching Scheme (Hours)			Total Credits	Examination Scheme (Marks)				Total
L	T	P	C	Theory CA	Theory ESE	Practical CA	Practical ESE	Total
3	-	2	4	30*	70	25	25	150

(*): Out of 30 marks under the theory CA, 10 marks are for assessment of the micro-project to facilitate integration of COs and the remaining 20 marks is the average of 2 tests to be taken during the semester for assessing the attainment of the cognitive domain UOs required for the attainment of the COs.

Legends: L -Lecture; T - Tutorial/Teacher Guided Theory Practice; P -Practical; C - Credit, CA -Continuous Assessment; ESE -End Semester Examination.

4. SUGGESTED PRACTICAL EXERCISES

The following practical outcomes (PrOs) are the subcomponents of the COs. These PrOs need to be attained to achieve the COs.

S. No.	Practical Outcomes (PrOs)	Unit No.	Approx. Hrs. Required
1.	Perform and Verify Ring topology using Trainer Kit.	1	02
2.	Introduction to Network Simulator Tool Packet Tracer Simulator.	1	02
3.	Building a Simple Network	1	02
4.	Using Wireshark to View Network Traffic	2	02
5.	Building Ethernet Straight and Crossover Cable	2	02
6.	Build a Simple Two Computers Network and Verify the Connectivity in Packet Tracer Simulator.	2	02
7.	Configure and Verify the Basic Switch Settings by using 2960 Switch.	2	02
8.	Set Various Passwords on 1941 Router and Verify those Passwords.	2	02
9.	Configure and Verify the Basic Router Settings by using 1941 Router.	2	02
10.	Virtual LAN Configuration in Packet Tracer by using 2960 Switch.	2	02
11.	Inter-virtual LAN Configuration using Legacy Inter-Virtual LAN Routing.	3	02
12.	Inter-virtual LAN Configuration using Router on Stick Inter-Virtual LAN Routing.	3	02
13.	Inter-virtual LAN Configuration using Multi-Layer Switch Inter-Virtual LAN Routing.	3	02
14.	Implement Spanning Tree Protocol using Three Switches.	3	02
15.	Implement Ether-Channel using LACP and PAGP Protocols.	3	02
16.	Router as a Server and as a Client Configuration using DHCPv4 Protocol.	4	02
	Total		30

Note

More Practical Exercises can be designed and offered by the respective course teacher to develop the industry relevant skills/outcomes to match the COs. The above table is only a suggestive list.
The following are some sample 'Process' and 'Product' related skills (more may be added/deleted depending on the course) that occur in the above listed Practical Exercises of this course required which are in the COs and ultimately the competency.

S. No.	Sample Performance Indicators for the PrOs	Weightage in %
1	Lab Records	05
2	Question answer or Writing steps exercise	20
3	Executing of exercise	40
4	Printout/ Result	20
5	Viva voice	15
Total	Total	100

5. MAJOR EQUIPMENT/ INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED

Computer
Topology Trainer Kit

LIST OF SOFTWARE/TOOLS

Cisco Packet Tracer
Cisco Packet Tracer Course

6. AFFECTIVE DOMAIN OUTCOMES

The following sample Affective Domain Outcomes (ADOs) are embedded in many of the above-mentioned COs and PrOs. More could be added to fulfill the development of this competency.

a) Work as a leader/a team member.
b) Follow ethical practices.

The ADOs are best developed through the laboratory/field-based exercises. Moreover, the level of achievement of the ADOs according to Krathwohl's 'Affective Domain Taxonomy' should gradually increase as planned below:

'Valuing Level' in 1st year
'Organization Level' in 2nd year
'Characterization Level' in 3rd year

7. UNDERPINNING THEORY

Only the major Underpinning Theory is formulated as higher level UOs of Revised Bloom's taxonomy in order that development of the COs and competency is not missed out by the students and teachers. If required, more such higher level UOs could be included by the course teacher to focus on attainment of COs and competency.

Unit	Unit Outcomes (UOs) - Application Level and Above	Topics and Sub-topics
Unit - I: Fundamentals of Networking & Data Communication	1a. Explain data communication and its significance in the field of information technology 1b. Explain and distinguish various physical network topologies, including bus, ring, star, mesh, and hybrid configurations, and comprehend their implications for network design and performance 1c. Define Protocol and standards 1d. Explain the need for layer modeling 1e. Describe the functions of each layer of OSI Reference model 1f. Describe the functions of each layer of TCP/IP Reference model 1g. Describe internet model 1h. Explain concepts in Data Communication Networking	1.1 Need, Advantages and Applications of Computer Networks 1.2 Physical topologies of Network: Star, Ring, Bus, Mesh, Tree, Hybrid 1.3 Internet Standards: Protocol, Interface, Services, Primitives, semantics, syntax 1.4 Network Classification: i. Based on Transmission Technologies: Point-to-point, broadcast ii. Based on scale: PAN, LAN, WAN, MAN, VPN, Internet iii. Based on Architecture: Peer to Peer, Client Server, advantages of Client Server over Peer-to-Peer Model 1.5 Layering of Models 1.6 OSI and TCP/IP models and their comparison 1.7 Concept of Internet model 1.8 Concepts in Data Communication Networking
Unit - II: Network Devices	2a. Explain functions of following network devices: Repeater, Hub, Bridge, Switch Router, B-router, Gateway, Network Adapter, Access point, Wireless Access points and role of them at layer 2 and layer 3 2b. Differentiate all network devices 2c. Function firewall in network security 2d. Describe a network management system with functions of OS, CLI, Administrative Functions, Interfaces 2e. Explain and distinguish Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet 2f. Explain wireless LAN 2g. Explain FDDI & CDDI	2.1 Classification of Transmission Media: Role of different devices 2.2 Repeaters, Hubs, Bridges, Switches (layer 2 and layer 3) 2.3 Routers 2.4 Access Points 2.5 Firewall 2.6 Introduction to Network management system (OS, CLI, Administrative Functions, Interfaces) 2.7 Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet 2.8 Wireless LAN 2.9 FDDI & CDDI
Unit - III: Hardware Layer	3a. Explain characteristics of guided and unguided transmission media 3b. Sketch constructional details of twisted pair, coaxial cable and fiber optic cable with labels 3c. Explain the significance of the wireless medium as a physical layer in data communication. Discuss the key characteristics and challenges associated with using wireless communication as the physical layer 3d. Describe ISM band and range of frequencies in it 3e. Describe DSL technology with its types, advantages and limitations 3f. Explain cable modem 3g. Explain error control and flow control at data link layer in detail 3h. Discuss error control and flow control at the data link layer 3i. Explain HDLC, PPP, Multiple Access, CSMA, CSMA/CD and CSMA/CA 3j. Describe and differentiate circuit switching and packet switching approach 3k. Describe and distinguish Static and Dynamic Routing Algorithms 3l. Explain IP addressing scheme (all types- Classless and classful) with examples 3m. Explain CIDR. How does it differ from traditional IP address allocation methods? 3n. Describe NAT and the different types of NAT 3o. Explain the role of ICMP 3p. Describe and distinguish ARP and RARP 3q. Describe and distinguish DHCP and BOOTP 3r. Explain how these protocols (ICMP, ARP, RARP, DHCP, BOOTP) contribute to the overall functioning of the Internet and local networks 3s. Distinguish various components of IPv4 and IPv6 protocol 3t. Explain different Line coding types	3.1 Physical Layer: Transmission media (Twisted pair, Coaxial cable, Fiber optic cable) 3.2 Physical Layer Interfaces: Types of Connectors and Signals 3.3 Wireless Medium as Physical layer 3.4 ISM Band 3.5 Circuit switching 3.6 DSL technology types-xDSLs 3.7 Cable modem 3.8 Sub Layers of Data Link Layer and functions: Error control, Flow control examples 3.9 Data link protocol HDLC, PPP, Multiple Access, CSMA, CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA 3.10 Network Layer: Packet Switching 3.11 Virtual circuits, and datagram, Static and Dynamic Routing Algorithms 3.12 Types IP Addressing: gateway addressing, network and broadcast addressing, dotted decimal notation, loopback addressing 3.13 CIDR & NAT 3.14 IP layer protocols (ICMP, ARP, RARP, DHCP, BOOTP) 3.15 IPv4 and IPv6 comparison 3.16 Line coding types
Unit - IV: Software Layer	4a. Explain TCP and UDP protocol in transport layer in relation to connection oriented and connection less network 4b. Role of DNS- Domain Name System 4c. Describe the process of DNS resolution 4d. Explain WWW and browsers 4e. Difference between IMAP and POP3 in the context of E-mail. Discuss SMTP protocol 4f. Explain FTP and the difference between active and passive FTP modes and Remote Login 4g. Describe VoIP 4h. Describe Social Services, Forums, blogs	4.1 Transport Layer: Elements of Transport protocols - TCP & UDP, connection oriented and connection less network 4.2 Application Layer: 4.2.1 DNS- Domain Name System 4.2.2 Internet Services: World Wide Web: Web browser, HTML 4.2.3 Electronic Mail: Functions of E-mail system, User agent, Message format, Mail Protocols (SMTP, POP3), FTP, Remote Login 4.3 Voice and Video over IP 4.4 Social services: Forum, Newsgroup, blog
Unit - V: Network Security	5a. Key aspects related to the Copyright Act in India 5b. Define the terms "encryption" and "decryption" in the context of cryptography 5c. Difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms 5d. Explain IP security 5e. Explain ISO standards and how it contributes to information security 5f. Briefly describe the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008, and its impact on cyber laws in India 5g. Explain Social Issues, Hacking & Precautions	5.1 Introduction to Network Security, Cryptography, symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms 5.2 IP security: SSH and Web security 5.3 Information Security Standards - ISO, IT Act, Copyright Act, Cyber Laws in India 5.4 IT Act 2000 Provisions and latest amendments 5.5 Social issues, Hacking, precautions

8. SUGGESTED SPECIFICATION TABLE FOR QUESTION PAPER DESIGN

Sr. No.	Unit	Hrs.	R Level	U Level	A Level	Total Marks
1	Unit - I Fundamentals of Networking & Data Communication	7	4	5	3	12
2	Unit - II Network Devices	8	6	4	4	14
3	Unit - III Hardware Layer	12	6	6	6	18
4	Unit - IV Software Layer	10	6	6	4	16
5	Unit - V Network Security	5	4	2	4	10
Total	Total	42	26	23	21	70

Legends: R=Remember, U=Understand, A=Apply and above (Revised Bloom's taxonomy)

9. SUGGESTED STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Other than the laboratory learning, following are the suggested student-related co-curricular activities which can be undertaken to accelerate the attainment of the various outcomes in this course: Students should conduct following activities in groups and prepare reports of each activity.

Prepare journals based on practical performance in the laboratory.
Students are encouraged to register themselves in various MOOCs such as: Swayam, edx, Coursera, Udemy etc to further enhance their learning
Prepare chart to represent the Network Topology Diagrams, Protocol Stack Diagrams, Flowcharts for Protocols, Error and Flow Control Graphs, Bandwidth Utilization Charts, Network Performance Metrics, Comparison Charts for Data Link Protocols, Routing Algorithm Comparison Graphs, IP Addressing Schemes, Network Security Charts, Comparison of Wireless Technologies, Network Management Tools Comparison, Data Communication Medium Comparison, Ethical Hacking Incidents etc
Explore real-world case studies of network implementations, failures, or security breaches, encouraging students to analyze and propose solutions.
To design a network in your department such as one drive can be accessible from any other system.
Prepare LAN cable and test it. (Practice cable stripping, untwisting, and proper crimping techniques, Learn about different types of LAN cables, such as Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a, and their applications, Create a simple diagram or documentation illustrating the cable connections.)
List different types of Network operating system.
Identify the type of Network in your Institute.

10. SUGGESTED SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES (if any)

These are sample strategies, which the teacher can use to accelerate the attainment of the various outcomes in this course:

a) Massive open online courses (MOOCs) may be used to teach various topics/subtopics. b) Guide student(s) in undertaking micro-projects. c) Some of the topics/subtopics are relatively simple and very easy for the students for self-learning, but to be assessed using different assessment methods. d) With respect to section No.09, teachers need to ensure to create opportunities and provisions for co-curricular activities. e) Guide students for using the latest Technical Magazine. f) Arrange visit to relevant industry g) Show video lectures to explore various network management tools, including both graphical user interfaces (GUI) and command-line interfaces (CLI), emerging technologies, such as 5G, IoT, or SDN, and their impact on network communication with help of the internet. h) Invite industry experts to deliver guest lectures on current trends, challenges, and best practices in computer networks and data communication

11. SUGGESTED MICRO-PROJECTS

Only one micro-project is planned to be undertaken by a student that needs to be assigned to him/her in the beginning of the semester. In the first four semesters, the micro-project is group-based. However, in the fifth and sixth semesters, it should be preferably be individually undertaken to build up the skill and confidence in every student to become problem solver so that s/he contributes to the projects of the industry. In special situations where groups have to be formed for micro-projects, the number of students in the group should not exceed three.

The micro-project could be industry application based, internet-based, workshop-based, laboratory-based or field-based. Each micro-project should encompass two or more COs which are in fact, an integration of PrOs, UOs and ADOs. Each student will have to maintain a dated work diary consisting of individual contributions in the project work and give a seminar presentation of it before submission. The total duration of the micro-project should not be less than 16 (sixteen) student engagement hours during the course. The student ought to submit a micro-project by the end of the semester to develop the industry-oriented COs.

A suggestive list of micro-projects is given here. This has to match the competency and the COs. Similar micro-projects could be added by the concerned course teacher.

MICRO PROJECT: Prepare following Designs

Dynamic Cloud Network Control Under Reconfiguration Delay and Cost.
Measuring Web Latency and Rendering Performance.
Configuration to a DHCP Server
Implement and Verify Static Routes
Connectivity Tests with Traceroute
Configure Dynamic NAT using Packet Tracer
configure Switch and Router VTY,Privilege and enable Password Assignment
Implement and Verify Default Routes
Client-Server based Instant Messenger.
Configure VLAN in Switch
Configure Web browser security settings.
Case study on Demonstration of wireless network between mobile device and PC for file transfer.
Install a small wireless network using access points.
Develop a small Network. (Hands on Training.)

Students can do any other project suggested by faculties or any suggested student activity.

12. SUGGESTED LEARNING RESOURCES

S. No.	Title of Book	Author	Publication with place, year and ISBN
1	Data Communication and Networking	Forouzen	Tata McGraw Hill, Education New Delhi (Latest edition)
2	Computer Networks	Tannebaum Andrew S, Wetherall David J.	Pearson, New Delhi, 5th Edition, 2011
3	Data and Computer Communication	Stallings Williams	PHI Learning, New Delhi (Latest edition)
4	Data Communication Networks	Sharma Sanjay	S.K.Kataria and Sons, New Delhi (Latest edition)
5	Computer Networks	Trivedi Bhushan	Oxford University Press, New Delhi 2013

13. SOFTWARE/LEARNING WEBSITES

14. PO-COMPETENCY-CO MAPPING

Program Outcomes (POs)

Basic & Discipline specific knowledge : An applied knowledge of basic mathematics, science and engineering fundamentals and engineering specialization to solve the engineering problems.
Problem Analysis: Identify and analyze well defined engineering problems using codified standard methods.
Design/ Development of Solution: Design solutions for well-defined technical problems and assist with the design of systems, components or processes to meet specified needs.
Engineering Tools, Experimentation and Testing: Apply modern engineering tools and relevant techniques to conduct standard tests and measurements.
Engineering practices for Society, Environment and sustainability : Apply relevant technology in context of Society, sustainability, environment and ethical practices.
Project Management : Use engineering management principles individually, as a team member or a leader to manage projects and effectively communicate about well-defined engineering activities.
Life-long learning : Ability to analyze individual needs and engage in updating in the context of technological changes.

Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs)

Develop proficiency in Installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of electronics and communication systems.
Create customized solutions to real-life problems using hardware and software.

Semester VI	PO 1	PO 2	PO 3	PO 4	PO 5	PO 6	PO 7	PSO 1	PSO 2
Competency & Course Outcomes	Basic & Discipline specific knowledge	Problem Analysis	Design/ development of solutions	Engineering Tools, Experimentation & Testing	Engineering practices for society, sustainability & environment	Project Management	Life long learning	PSO 1	PSO 2
Competency: Utilize hardware and software technologies for the purpose of setting up, commissioning and maintaining secure computer networks
CO 1: Analyze the key concepts of data communication, the various physical network topologies and layered models.	3	2	2	1	2	2	2	1	3
CO 2: Select proper transmission media and devices based on network requirements	3	2	2	2	1	1	3	2	2
CO 3: Manage contemporary network infrastructures and configure fundamental network devices based on criteria and analyze communication protocols of hardware layer	3	2	2	2	1	2	3	1	3
CO 4: Use Internet protocols and standards.	3	2	2	1	1	3	3	2	3
CO 5: Understanding of network security, cryptography, IP security, web security, information security standards.	3	3	1	2	2	3	3	2	3

Legend: ' 3' for high, ' 2 ' for medium, '1' for low or '-' for the relevant correlation of each competency, CO, with PO/ PSO

15. COURSE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

GTU Resource Persons

S. No.	Name and Designation	Institute	Contact No.	Email
1	Prof. U V Buch	GP, Ahmedabad	9825346922	uvbuch@gmail.com
2	Prof. B S Bhatt	AVPTI Rajkot	9974400964	mr.bhagirath@gmail.com
3	Prof. M D Doshi	GP, Gandhinagar	8511109144	mddoshi@gpahmedabad.ac.in

BoS Resource Persons

Sr. No.	Name and Designation	Institute	Contact No.	Email
1	Dr. A S Pandya, Principal BoS Chairman Electrical & Allied Branches	BPTI, Bhavnagar	9426201171	aspandya22@rediffmail.com
2	Dr. S N Sampat HoD & BoS Member EC	LE College Morbi	9033777389	snsampat@gmail.com