Basics of Computer Networking and Fault finding

Explore the fundamentals of computer networks and gain a comprehensive understanding of how data travels across systems. This course delves into the core concepts behind network design and operation, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape.

Network Architecture & Protocols:

• Network Architectures: Learn about different network models and their underlying structures.
• Protocol Layers: Understand the layered approach to network communication and the roles of each layer.
• Service Models: Explore various service models that define how network resources are utilized.
• Application Layer Protocols: Master essential protocols like HTTP (web browsing), FTP (file transfer), and SMTP (email).
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) File Sharing: Discover the principles and architectures of peer-to-peer file sharing protocols, including their advantages and potential security considerations.
• ISPs & Domain Name Systems (DNS): Gain insight into the role of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and how Domain Name Systems (DNS) translate domain names into IP addresses.
• Socket API & Network Socket Programming: Learn to interact with network resources using the Socket API and develop basic network socket programs.

Transport Layer Protocols:

• Reliable vs. Unreliable Transport: Compare and contrast reliable and unreliable transport-layer protocols.
• TCP & UDP: Deep dive into TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol), understanding their characteristics and use cases.
• Port Numbers: Learn how port numbers are used to identify specific applications and services on a network.
• Multiplexing & Demultiplexing: Understand how multiple applications can share a single network connection.
• Flow Control & Congestion Control: Explore techniques for managing network traffic to prevent overload and ensure fair resource allocation.
• Fairness: Learn about ensuring equitable bandwidth distribution among network users.
• Network Performance Metrics: Analyze delay, jitter, and packet loss in packet-switched networks.
• Bandwidth, Throughput, & Quality of Service (QoS): Understand the relationship between these key performance indicators and how they impact network performance.

Network Layer Services & Protocols:

• Switching Fabric: Explore the components and functions of a switching fabric.
• Routing & Forwarding: Learn how data packets are routed across networks.
• Queues & Buffering: Understand the role of queues and buffers in managing network traffic.
• Virtual-Circuit vs. Datagram Networks: Compare and contrast these two network architectures.
• Internet Protocol (IP): A comprehensive look at IP, the foundation of the internet.
• IPv4 & IPv6: Understand the differences between IPv4 and the next-generation IPv6.
• Tunneling: Learn about techniques for encapsulating network traffic for security and privacy.
• Routing Algorithms: Explore LS (Link State) and DV (Distance Vector) algorithms used for routing.
• Internet Routing: Understand how the internet is routed using protocols like RIP, OSPF, and BGP.
• Broadcast & Multicast: Learn about these different methods of sending data to multiple recipients.
• Network Mobility: Explore techniques for supporting mobile devices on a network.

Link Layer & Physical Layer:

• Link Layer Services: Understand the role of the link layer in network communication.
• Ethernet: A detailed look at Ethernet, the most common link-layer technology.
• Hubs, Bridges & Switches: Compare and contrast these devices and their functions.
• Link Layer Addressing: Learn about MAC addresses and their role in network communication.
• Error Detection & Correction: Explore techniques for detecting and correcting errors in data transmission, including parity, checksumming, and CRC.
• Manchester Encoding: Understand this encoding scheme used in some networking technologies.
• ATM & MPLS: Explore ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) technologies.
• Local Area Networks (LANs) & IEEE 802.11 (Wireless LANs): Understand the principles of LANs and wireless LANs.
• Multiple-Access Protocols: Learn about different protocols for sharing a network medium, including random access.
• ALOHA Protocols: Explore the efficiency of pure and slotted ALOHA.

Physical Layer Fundamentals:

• **Physical Media