This document outlines a course on data communications and networks at the University of Zimbabwe's Department of Computer Science. The 60-hour course, led by Mr. B. Mapako, will provide a foundation in data communication and computer networks, and introduce topics like TCP/IP, Ethernet, IP addressing, routing, switching, WANs, network management, and IPv6. Students will learn through lectures, labs, and a final exam. Upon completing the course, students will have an in-depth understanding of small and medium-sized networks.

1. UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
COURSE OUTLINE
Course Narration: DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKS
Course Code: HCT 407
Contact Hours: 60
Course Leader: Mr. B.Mapako
Cell: 0719 845 018
E-mail: bmapako@science.uz.ac.zw/ bemapako@gmail.com
Lecture Times: 1400-1600 (Monday to Friday)
Course Description
The course is designed with objectives: Provide solid foundation in the field of data
communication and computer networks, give practical experience on networks and
networking devices, introduce the cutting-edge technologies. Topics discussed will include
layered network architecture, Link Layer protocols, Local Area Networks, Internet Protocol,
Network management, Access control lists, Wide Area Networks, and Routing.
Upon completion of this course, you will have
 A comprehensive and in-depth understanding understanding of small and medium-
sized networks, including general network technologies
 The ability to design small and medium-sized networks and implement the designs.
Course content
1. Basic Knowledge of TCP/IP
1.1 Introduction to Transmission Media
1.2 Ethernet framing
1.3 IP addressing
1.4 ICMP protocol

2. 1.5 ARP protocol
1.6 Transport layer protocol
1.7 Data forwarding Scenario
2. Introduction to the VRP
2.1 VRP Foundation
2.2 Navigating the CLI
2.3 File System Navigation and Management
2.4 VRP Operating system Image management
3. Introduction to the Ethernet Switching
3.1 Establishing a Single Switched Network
3.2 Spanning Tree Protocol
3.3 Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol
4. Introduction to the IP Unicast Routing
4.1 Basic Knowledge of IP Routing
4.2 IP Static Route
4.3 Link State Routing with OSPF
5. Introduction to the basic IP Serivce
5.1 DHCP Protocol Principles
5.2 FTP Protocol Principles
5.3 Telnet Protocol Principles
6. Advanced switching technologies
6.1 Link aggregation
6.2 VLAN Principle
6.3 VLAN Routing

3. 7. Introduction to WAN
7.1 Principle and Configuration of HDLC and PPP
7.2 Principle and Configuration of PPPoE
8. Introduction to Access Control
8.1 Network address translation
8.2 Access control list
8.3 AAA
8.4 Securing Data with IPsec VPN
8.5 Generic Routing Encapsulation
9. Introduction to Network Management
9.1 Simple Network Management Protocol
10. Introducing IPv6 Networks
10.1 Introducing IPv6 Networks
10.2 IPv6 Routing Technologies
10.3 IPv6 Application Service - DHCPv6
11. Basic knowledge of MPLS and SR
11.1 MPLS basic principle
11.2 Segment Routing basic principle
12 Unicast Protocols
12.1 OSPF Protocol Basic
12.2 OSPF Intra-Area Routing
12.3 OSPF Inter-Area Routing
12.4 OSPF External Routing
12.5 Special OSPF Areas and Other Features
12.6 IS-IS Principles and Configurations

4. 12.7 BGP Principles and Configurations
Student Assessment
1. Tests: 50%
2. Final Examination: 50%
References
Huawei Technologies Co, 2019. HCIA-Routing & Switching Entry Training Materials V2.5
Huawei Technologies Co, 2019. HCIA-Routing & Switching Intermediate Training Materials
V2.5
Huawei Technologies Co, 2017. HCNA Networking Study Guide 2017. Springer Verlag,
Singapor.
Peterson and Davie. Computer Networks (2nd Edition). San Francisco, CA: Morgan
Kaufmann Publishers, 1999. ISBN: 1558605142 .
Walrand and Varaiya. High Performance Communication Networks. San Francisco, CA:
Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 1996. ISBN: 1558603417.
Tanenbaum, A. S. Computer Networks. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ : Prentice Hall, 2003.
ISBN: 0130661023.
Stevens. TCP/IP Illustrated. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Pub. Co., c1994-c1996. ISBN:
0201633469.
Kleinrock, Leonard. Queueing Systems, Vol 1: Theory. New York, NY: Wiley J., 1975.
ISBN: 0471491101.