This course is part of the Computer Communications Specialization

4.6
stars
2,063 ratings

Xiaobo Zhou

88,667 already enrolled

Offered By

Computer Communications SpecializationUniversity of Colorado System

About this Course

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In this course, we trace the evolution of networks and identify the key concepts and functions that form the basis for layered architecture. We introduce examples of protocols and services that are familiar to the students, and we explain how these services are supported by networks. Further, we explain fundamental concepts in digital communication, and focus on error control techniques that include parity check, polynomial code, and Internet checksum. Students will be required to have some previous programming experience in C-programming (C++/Java), some fundamental knowledge of computer organization and IT architecture and a background in computer science is a plus.

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Course 1 of 4 in the

Computer Communications Specialization

Intermediate Level

Approx. 15 hours to complete

English

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Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 1 of 4 in the

Computer Communications Specialization

Intermediate Level

Approx. 15 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.32/5 (394 Ratings)

Xiaobo Zhou

Professor, Interim Dean

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

105,153 Learners

4 Courses

Offered by

University of Colorado System

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating95%(6,648 ratings)

Week

Week 1

5 hours to complete

Communication Networks and Services

5 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 22 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes

4 videos

Welcome4m

Evolution of Communication Networks5m

Computer Network Evolution5m

Examples of Protocols and Services5m

5 readings

Lecture Slides - Evolution of Communication Networks10m

Lecture Slides - Computer Network Evolution10m

Lecture Slides - Examples of Protocols and Services10m

A brief history of the internet (Optional)45m

Computer Networks (4th or 5th Edition), Tanenbaum and Wetherall2h

2 practice exercises

Practice Assessment - Communication Networks and Services14m

Graded Assessment - Communication Networks and Services20m

Week

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Layered Architectures

2 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 18 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

3 videos

Layered Architecture and OSI Model5m

OSI Unified View of Protocols and Services5m

TCP/IP: Architecture and Routing Examples6m

4 readings

Lecture Slides - Layered Architecture and OSI Model10m

Lecture Slides - OSI Unified View of Protocols and Services10m

Lecture Slides - TCP/IP: Architecture and Routing Examples10m

RFC 2151, "Internet & TCP/IP tools and utilities"30m

2 practice exercises

Practice Assessment - Layered Architecture10m

Graded Assessment - Layered Architecture14m

Week

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Socket API & Digital Transmissions

2 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 18 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

3 videos

Berkeley Sockets API - I6m

Berkeley Sockets API - II5m

Digital Transmission Fundamentals6m

4 readings

Lecture Slides - Berkeley Sockets API - I10m

Lecture Slides - Berkeley Sockets API - II10m

Lecture Slides - Digital Transmission Fundamentals10m

RFC 793, “Transmission Control Protocol: DARPA Internet program protocol specification”20m

2 practice exercises

Practice Assessment - Socket API & Digital Transmissions20m

Graded Assessment - Socket API & Digital Transmissions20m

Week

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Error Control

3 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 22 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes

3 videos

Error Control - Parity Checks7m

Error Control – Polynomial Codes (CRC)7m

CRC Capability, Internet Checksum7m

5 readings

Lecture Slides - Error Control - Parity Checks10m

Lecture Slides - Error Control – Polynomial Codes (CRC)10m

Lecture Slides - CRC Capability, Internet Checksum10m

Parity, Checksums, Cyclic Redundancy Checks (Required)10m

RFC 1071, “Computing the Internet Checksum”20m

2 practice exercises

Practice Assessment - Error Control20m

Graded Assessment - Error Control20m

Reviews

4.6

410 reviews

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2 stars
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1 star
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TOP REVIEWS FROM FUNDAMENTALS OF NETWORK COMMUNICATION

by AOJul 12, 2019

This course helped me build foundation of computer communication. In the end, I feel like I had fun with interesting contents and assignments questions.

by TJul 29, 2020

it was helpful for me and it was easy for me cover it really quick since i have been studying about this for the last week or so in my uni.

by DMJun 6, 2020

Really fantastic experience learning with Coursera. Awesome study materials and choice of syllabus. Just the perfect one for new faces in this field. Keep it up Team Coursera!!!

by HAAug 26, 2022

in my openion in this course whose name is fundamental of network communication is very usefull in my education level iam very glade to learn this course.

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About the Computer Communications Specialization

This specialization is developed for seniors and fresh graduate students to understand fundamental network architecture concepts and their impacts on cyber security, to develop skills and techniques required for network protocol design, and prepare for a future of constant change through exposure to network design alternatives. Students will require a prior knowledge of C programming, an understanding of math probability and a computer science background is a plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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Fundamentals of Network Communication

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