Data Communications and Networking

Second Semester AY 2025-2026

About

Catalog Description
Course Number and Section CMSC 137
Course Title Data Communications and Networking
Description Basic principles of data communications; design issues and protocols in the layers of data network; networks for various applications.
Prerequisites CMSC 125
Credit 3 units
Aim

The aim of this course is to introduce students to data communications and networking concepts.

Objectives
At the end of this course the student should be able to:
  1. explain how data is transmitted over communication channels;
  2. identify and describe the different layers of the OSI reference model and TCP/IP protocol suite, including the protocols available for each layer;
  3. describe how different architectures of Local Area Networks and Internetworks operate, together with the services they provide;
  4. protect and secure data in networked environments;
  5. develop network-enabled applications using a high-level programming language;and
  6. perform basic network administration.
Topics (based on ACM's 2023 CS Curriculum Guidelines: Networking and Communication)
  1. NC-Fundamentals
  2. NC-Networked Applications
  3. NC-Reliable Support
  4. NC-Routing and Forwarding
  5. NC-Single Hop Communication
  6. NC-Network Security
  7. NC-Mobility
  8. NC-Emerging Topics
Evaluation/Grading(Tentative)
(A) Quizzes/Assignments 10%
(B) Lab Exercises 40%
(C) Midterm Exam 20%
(D) Final Exam 20%
(E) Project 10%
Final Grade A+B+C+D+E=100%
Passing grade is 55%. No grade of 4.0 and INC will be given. Grading scale is shown below.
0.00 54.99 5.0
55.00 59.99 3.0
60.00 64.99 2.75
65.00 69.99 2.5
70.00 74.99 2.25
75.00 79.99 2.0
80.00 84.99 1.75
85.00 89.99 1.5
90.00 94.99 1.25
95.00 100 1.0
Attendance Policy

University policy on attendance will apply. No makeup for missed quizzes. Makeup exam can be given if a valid excuse slip is presented.

Collaboration Policy

Honor Code
  • Properly acknowledge help received.
  • No looking at solutions/programs from previous years.
  • No sharing of code with other students.
  • Be ready to explain your code.
Google Classroom: TBA

Staff

Name Role Email
Joseph Anthony C. Hermocilla Lecture/Laboratory Instructor jchermocilla@up.edu.ph
Fermin Roberto G. Lapitan Laboratory Instructor fglapitan@up.edu.ph
John Michael Raqueño Laboratory Instructor jrraqueno@up.edu.ph
Leonard Paul A. Garchitorena Laboratory Instructor lagarchitorena@up.edu.ph
Aaron Carl Maaño Laboratory Instructor acmaano1@up.edu.ph
Moh. Al-Fadhel Cali Laboratory Instructor mdcali@up.edu.ph

Schedule

Week Date Lecture Topics Learning Materials Laboratory
1 Jan 19-23 COURSE OVERVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
2 Jan 26-30 Data Communications and Computer Networks Overview Configuring a Linux Box for TCP/IP
3 Feb 2-6 Physical Layer Network Design: Wiring and Patch Cables
4 Feb 9-13 Physical Layer Packet Analysis
5 Feb 16-20 Data Link Layer (TBA)
6 Feb 23-27 Data Link Layer Subnet Calculations
7 Mar 2-6 Data Link Layer IP Routing
8 Mar 9-11 MIDTERM EXAM (MARCH 11, 7PM-9PM)
Mar 12-13 READING BREAK
9 Mar 16-20 Network Layer 1 Socket Programming 1
10 Mar 23-27 Network Layer 2 Socket Programming 2
Mar 30-Apr 3 LENTEN BREAK
11 Apr 6-10 Transport Layer 1 DNS and BIND9
12 Apr 13-17 Application Layer SSH and GPG
13 Apr 20-24 Software Defined Networks, Other Wireless Networks Network Emulation and Software Defined Networks
14 Apr 27-May 1 Peer-to-Peer Networks
  • Peer-to-Peer Networks
15 May 4-8 (Buffer Week/Extra Topics)
16 May 11-13 (Buffer Week/Extra Topics)
Finals Week May 15-22 FINAL EXAM

Resources

Textbook

[FOR]: Forouzan, B.A.2013.Data Communications and Networking, 5th Ed.McGraw-Hill, New York

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