GUJARAT TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (GTU)

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

6th Semester

Course Title: Computer Networks & Data Communication

(Course Code: 4361101)

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.

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

TEACHING AND EXAMINATION SCHEME

(*): 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.

Note

1. 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.
2. 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.

5. MAJOR EQUIPMENT/ INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED

1. Computer
2. Topology Trainer Kit

LIST OF SOFTWARE/TOOLS

1. Cisco Packet Tracer
2. 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:

1. 'Valuing Level' in 1st year
2. 'Organization Level' in 2nd year
3. '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.

8. SUGGESTED SPECIFICATION TABLE FOR QUESTION PAPER DESIGN

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.

1. Prepare journals based on practical performance in the laboratory.
2. Students are encouraged to register themselves in various MOOCs such as: Swayam, edx, Coursera, Udemy etc to further enhance their learning
3. 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
4. Explore real-world case studies of network implementations, failures, or security breaches, encouraging students to analyze and propose solutions.
5. To design a network in your department such as one drive can be accessible from any other system.
6. 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.)
7. List different types of Network operating system.
8. 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

1. Dynamic Cloud Network Control Under Reconfiguration Delay and Cost.
2. Measuring Web Latency and Rendering Performance.
3. Configuration to a DHCP Server
4. Implement and Verify Static Routes
5. Connectivity Tests with Traceroute
6. Configure Dynamic NAT using Packet Tracer
7. configure Switch and Router VTY,Privilege and enable Password Assignment
8. Implement and Verify Default Routes
9. Client-Server based Instant Messenger.
10. Configure VLAN in Switch
11. Configure Web browser security settings.
12. Case study on Demonstration of wireless network between mobile device and PC for file transfer.
13. Install a small wireless network using access points.
14. 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

13. SOFTWARE/LEARNING WEBSITES

1. Cisco Packet Tracer
2. Computer Network Architecture - JavaTpoint
3. GeeksforGeeks
4. Cisco Network Security

14. PO-COMPETENCY-CO MAPPING

Program Outcomes (POs)

1. Basic & Discipline specific knowledge : An applied knowledge of basic mathematics, science and engineering fundamentals and engineering specialization to solve the engineering problems.
2. Problem Analysis: Identify and analyze well defined engineering problems using codified standard methods.
3. 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.
4. Engineering Tools, Experimentation and Testing: Apply modern engineering tools and relevant techniques to conduct standard tests and measurements.
5. Engineering practices for Society, Environment and sustainability : Apply relevant technology in context of Society, sustainability, environment and ethical practices.
6. 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.
7. Life-long learning : Ability to analyze individual needs and engage in updating in the context of technological changes.

Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs)

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

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

BoS Resource Persons