WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY IN AFRICA

Addressing gender disparity and fostering equity in University Education

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES & IT

Course Outline: Computer Networks & Telecoms (IS 125)

Instructor: Sibanda D
Contact: +263 773 994500 dumisanisibanda17@gmail.com

1. PREAMBLE
This course introduces the structure, functions, components, and models of computer networks. The
principles of IP addressing and fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are
introduced to provide a foundation for the curriculum. By the end of the course, students will be able
to build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP
addressing schemes.

2. AIM
This course will emphasize the critical importance of open network standards and protocols, which
allow software and hardware from a variety of vendors to interoperate while also driving down the
cost of network systems.

3. OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to/able to:
 Understand different network technologies
 Understand the Layered Architecture of Computer Networks.
 Learn various network protocols and algorithms
 Become familiar with security risks threatening computer networks

1
 4. COURSE CONTENT
Week Topics Students to
Cover
1 Unit I: Introduction to Networks & Networking - Group
Concepts Presentations
 Why networking?
 Essential network components
 Comparison of different types of networks
(client/server and peer-to-peer networks)
 The OSI Reference Model

2 Unit II: Network Design Essentials - Group

 Basics of a network layout Presentations
 Standard networking topologies - Test 1
 Role of hubs and switches in a network topology
 Construct a basic network layout

Assignment 1
3&4 Unit III: Networking Media
 Common Media Characteristics
 Cable Types used in Networking: Coaxial Cable,
Twisted Pair Cable (Shielded and Unshielded),
Fiber-Optic Cable
 DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) and DCE (Data
Circuit-Terminating Equipment) Connector Cables
 Cable Selection Criteria
 Wireless Networking, Wireless Networking
Components

5 Unit IV: The Data Link Layer

 Types of errors, error detection and correction
 Multiple Access (Random, Controlled Access,
Channelization)

2
6, 7, 8 Unit V: The Network Layer - Lab
&9  TCP/IP Model Assignment 1
 IPv4 Addressing – including subnetting - Labs
 IPv6 Addressing
 Assigning IP Addresses (Static, DHCP)
 ARP
 NAT
 Host Names and DNS (Domain Name System)
 Routing - Protocols
10 Unit VI: The Transport Layer & Application Layer - Lab
Protocols Assignment 2
 UDP and TCP – Port numbers
 Telnet, FTP, TFTP, PING, SMTP, POP3

11 & Unit VII: Network Security - Labs

12  Network security Threats - Revision
 Security Policy
 Social engineering, malware, DoS, Spyware,
Spoofing, Spam
 Security in Network Design (Router Access Lists,
Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Firewalls,
Proxy Servers, Scanning Tools)
 Encryption (Key Encryption, , SSL (Secure Sockets
Layer), IPSec (Internet Protocol Security), Secure
Shell (SSH))
 Wireless Network Security (WEP (Wired
Equivalent Privacy), IEEE 802.11i and WPA (Wi-Fi
Protected Access))
 VPN

5. METHODOLOGIES
– Lectures
– Lab - Sessions
– Group Work
– Research/Presentations

6. COURSEASSESSMENT.
Final examination: 70%
Course work: 30%
a. 1 In-class Test
b. 1 Assignment
c. 2 Practical lab Assignments

7. COURSE MATERIAL

i. Tamara Dean, Network + Guide to Networks, 6th Edition

ii. Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, 4th Edition
iii. Behrouz A. Forouzan, Data Communications and Networking.