DCM555 - Data Communications I

Subject Title
Data Communications I

Subject Description
This course provides a foundation for the study of computer networking and telecommunications, concentrating on the physical and data link layers of the OSI/Internet Model. Students review basic network topologies as well as the OSI and Internet models. Building on concepts established in Introduction to Communications (COM455) and Networking Essentials (NET555), students examine the physical layer, including digital baseband signal types, source and line coding techniques, Nyquist criteria and aliasing, Shannon's limit and channel capacity, analog modulation from digital intelligence with an emphasis on bandwidth requirements, multilevel coding and multiplexing techniques. Characteristics of various transmission media (wire lines, optical fibers and antennas) are explored with an emphasis on how these characteristics impact on data throughput and reliability. A detailed overview of telephony is provided, beginning with Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) local loop characteristics and spanning telephone networks, multiplexing, circuit switching, cellular phone technology and high speed access (xDSL & Cable Modems). An introduction to source encoding techniques, including compression, voice coders (vocoders) and how they compare with lossless vocal intelligence coding techniques is also provided. The data link layer is then examined, including error detection and correction techniques, Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) mechanisms, High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocols, and Ethernet and wireless LAN standards.

Labs strongly support lecture material, providing hands-on experience with time and frequency domain measurements involving serial communication, pulse signal characteristics, Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), Amplitude, Phase and Frequency Shift Keying (ASK, PSK & FSK), Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) using analog and DS1/T1 signaling, Bit Error Rate (BER) analysis in the presence of noise, and Local Area Network (LAN) protocol analysis. Experience is provided with the use of the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) for control and data acquisition with function/arbitrary waveform generators, oscilloscopes, power supplies and Digital Multimeters (DMM). In the process, student gain experience with industry standard tools such as the Agilent Virtual Engineering Environment (VEE), the Wandel & Goltermann DSA-15 and Wireshark protocol analysis. Students also gain experience analyzing Voice-over-IP (VoIP) and packet switched telephony technology.

Credit Status
One subject credit in the Computer Engineering Technology program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Diagram and explain the function of network topologies and each layer of the OSI and Internet models.
2. Demonstrate competent use of oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and signal generators.
3. Generate baseband and modulated signals of various types; calculate channel capacities and bandwidth requirements; measure signal characteristics in the time and frequency domains; diagram the time and frequency domains for line coding techniques.
4. Diagram and explain the operation of components fo a fiber optic communication system; calculate bandwidth requirements and attenuation; recommend optical fibers, sources and detectors for specific communications applications.
5. List and explain major details of the physical and data link layer layers.
6. List and explain telephone systems (including cellular and SS7), broadband and multiple access methods; measure bit error rate for DS1/T1 signals.
7. List, explain and diagram data link controls and protocol formats including ARQ, HDLC and Ethernet.
8. Perform protocol analysis on LAN and Voice-over-IP (VoIP) traffic.
9. Program networked instruments over General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) and Internet Protocol (IP)

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.