TCOM 370 Principles of Data Communication

TCOM 370 Principles of Data Communication

Spring 1999

This course covers the basics of digital communications and local area networks. The topics studied include the physical layer of communication systems (physical media, signals, bandwidth, capacity, modems, etc.), data transmission schemes, error detection and correction, data compression, ARQ protocols, ALOHA protocol, and ethernet.

Minimum Prerequisites:

At least two semesters of Calculus (Math 140/141), Physics 151,

Probability and Random Variables (SYS 301 or equivalent, may be taken concurrently)

A sophomore level course in EE or Systems will help the student to relate better to some of the material in this course. Students should be able to do standard integration and trigonometry. Some probability and random variable concepts will be used, and it is important that a course such as SYS 301 be at the very least a concurrrent course.

Required Text:

F. Halsall, Data Communications, Computer Networks and Open Systems.
Addison-Wesley, 4th Ed., 1996 (Course will cover Ch. 1-6)

(Other Useful Text: W. Stallings, Data and Computer Communications.
Prentice-Hall, 5th Ed., 1997)

Grading:
Homework 10-15 % (some homework collected and graded).
Three Mid-Term Exams 40- 45 % (evening exams)
Final Exam 40-45 %

Instructor:

Prof. Saleem A. Kassam
Room 356 GRW
kassam@ee.upenn.edu
898-5990

Office Hours: Thursdays 3 – 4, Wednesdays 11-12, 1:30 – 3

Teaching Assistant:

Ms. Yinglu Zhang
Room 312 Moore Bldg.
yinglu@ee.upenn.edu
898-8890

Office Hours: Mondays 1:30 - 3:00, Wednesdays 3:00 - 4:30