Computer Communications

Launch your career in computer network & security.

Provide an introduction to fundamental network architecture concepts and network design alternatives

About This Specialization

This specialization is developed for seniors and fresh graduate students to understand fundamental network architecture concepts and their impacts on cyber security, to develop skills and techniques required for network protocol design, and prepare for a future of constant change through exposure to network design alternatives. Students will require a prior knowledge of C programming, an understanding of math probability and a computer science background is a plus.

Created by:

4 courses

Follow the suggested order or choose your own.

Projects

Designed to help you practice and apply the skills you learn.

Certificates

Highlight your new skills on your resume or LinkedIn.

Projects Overview

The assessments covers fundamental computer networking concepts and principles which will guide the learner to apply the networking theory and design principles, verify their understandings, and build a solid foundation for creating innovations in today's Internet. It lays foundations of network architectures, protocol design principles, and TCP/IP programming skills, which are necessary to take more advanced courses in graduate study and/or technical training in the industry. It covers basic networking knowledge and in-depth understanding of the inner-workings of computer networks and their evolution. Communication systems, from simple to asynchronous point-to-point links, to those based on complex network architectures will be assessed.

Courses

Intermediate Specialization.: Some related experience required.

COURSE 1
Fundamentals of Network Communication
Current session: Sep 25 — Nov 6.
Commitment
5 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week
Subtitles
English
About the Course
In this course, we trace the evolution of networks and identify the key concepts and functions that form the basis for layered architecture. We introduce examples of protocols and services that are familiar to the students, and we explain how these services are supported by networks. Further, we explain fundamental concepts in digital communication, and focus on error control techniques that include parity check, polynomial code, and Internet checksum. Students will be required to have some previous programming experience in C-programming (C++/Java), some fundamental knowledge of computer organization and IT architecture and a background in computer science is a plus.
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 2
Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Local Area Networks
Current session: Sep 25 — Nov 6.
Commitment
5 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week
Subtitles
English
About the Course
In this course, we discuss peer-to-peer protocols and local area networks. Part one in this course is to answer the question of how does a peer-to-peer protocol deliver reliable data transfer service across unreliable transmission lines or networks. We focus on several medium access control protocols and their performance analysis. In the second part, we discuss how medium access control protocols coordinate the access to the communication channel so that information gets through from a source to a destination in the same broadcast local area network. We further discuss local area network and wireless LAN.
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 3
Packet Switching Networks and Algorithms
Current session: Sep 25 — Nov 6.
Commitment
5 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week
Subtitles
English
About the Course
In this course, we deal with the general issues regarding packet switching networks. We discuss packet networks from two perspectives. One perspective involves external view of the network, and is concerned with services that the network provides to the transport layer that operates above it at the end systems. The second perspective is concerned with the internal operation of a network, including approaches directing information across the network, addressing and routing procedures, as well as congestion control inside the network.
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 4
TCP/IP and Advanced Topics
Current session: Sep 25 — Nov 6.
Commitment
5 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week
Subtitles
English
About the Course
In this course, we give an in-depth study of the TCP/IP protocols. We examine the details of how IP enables communications across a collection of networks. We pay particular attention to the hierarchical structure of IP addresses and explain their role in ensuring scalability of the Internet. The role of address prefixes and the uses of masks are explained in details. We review in details about TCP three-way handshake, flow control, and congestion control. Furthermore, we provide an introduction to some advanced topics, including Multicast, SDN and security
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.

Creators

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs College of Engineering and Applied Science is consistently recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the country according to US News.
The University of Colorado is a recognized leader in higher education on the national and global stage. We collaborate to meet the diverse needs of our students and communities. We promote innovation, encourage discovery and support the extension of knowledge in ways unique to the state of Colorado and beyond.

Xiaobo Zhou
Professor, Interim Dean

FAQs

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.