This four-hour course covers fundamental concepts related to data communications. It begins with an overview of the relationship between data communications and telecommunications, and introduces the notion of convergence. It then introduces the concepts of network models, protocols, layers, and protocol suites and suggests a five-layer model used in modern networks. The course then walks through each of the five layers, explores the core concepts and functions of each, and provides examples of technologies, protocols, and services present in each layer. As each layer is explained, participants can explore a hypothetical network and see where each layer lives.

Running Time: 3.9 hours