course-details-portlet

DCST1006

Data communication and networks

Choose study year
Credits 7.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Spring 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

Introduction to layered communication, standardization in computer networks, network structures and the behavior and tasks of network components. Topics included in the subject (examples of potential technologies/protocols given in brackets):

  • The physical layer and the data link layer (Ethernet)
  • The network layer (IP, ICMP, routing)
  • Network addressing (IP addressing)
  • The transport layer (TCP and UDP)
  • The application layer (HTTP, SMTP, DNS)
  • Switching (VLANs)
  • Network services (DHCP)
  • LAN redundancy (STP, FHRP)
  • Link aggregation (EtherChannel)

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • K1: The candidate is familiar with key reference models and relevant protocols, and understands their role in modern computer networks
  • K2: The candidate is familiar with important network services supporting modern computer networks.
  • K3: The candidate is familiar with basic networking components and widely used network technologies

Skills:

  • F1: The candidate can design and install small and medium-sized computer networks.
  • F2: The candidate can manage, maintain and troubleshoot existing data networks.
  • F3: The candidate can further develop existing computer networks to meet future needs.

General competence:

  • G1: The candidate is able to read and understand new material that deals with computer networks and data communication
  • G2: The candidate is able to work with computer network oriented issues both individually and in collaboration with others

Learning methods and activities

  • Lectures
  • Laboratory work in groups on physical network equipment
  • Mandatory assignments

Compulsory assignments

  • Mandatory assignments

Further on evaluation

  • Mandatory assignments must be approved before the candidate will be permitted to attend the final exam.
  • Re-sit examination in August. Re-sit examination can be arranged as oral exam.

About the mandatory assignments: They include a set of module exams completed on Cisco's learning platform NetAcad and/or a set of assignments completed using, for example, Cisco’s Packet Tracer. More information about the mandatory activities is published on the subject's Blackboard page throughout the semester. Examples of previously used tasks include:

  • Tasks in Wireshark to study the behavior of protocols such as TCP and UDP
  • Subnetting exercises
  • Design and configuration of small networks, including subnetting, setting up VLANs, DHCP servers, FHRP etc.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Digital Infrastructure and Cyber Security (BDIGSEC)

Course materials

  • Cisco NetAcademy teaching materials
  • Handouts/articles/slides from the lectures.
  • Recommended background material: Kurose, J. and Ross, K.W., "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach". Pearson

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
IMT2006 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
IIKG1001 2.5 sp Autumn 2019
DCSG1006 7.5 sp Autumn 2019
IDRI1008 5 sp Autumn 2020
TDAT2004 5 sp Autumn 2020
IIKG1003 3.7 sp Autumn 2023
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Computer and Information Science
  • Telecommunication
  • Computer Science
  • Informatics
  • Information Technology and Informatics
  • Technological subjects

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Computer Science