Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CMPT 371 D100

Data Communications and Networking (3)

Class Number: 4883

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Fri, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 225 and (MATH 151 or MATH 150), with a minimum grade of C-. MATH 154 or MATH 157 with a grade of at least B+ may be substituted for MATH 151 (MATH 150).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Data communication fundamentals (data types, rates, and transmission media). Network architectures for local and wide areas. Communications protocols suitable for various architectures. ISO protocols and internetworking. Performance analysis under various loadings and channel error rates.

COURSE DETAILS:

Computer networks and the Internet have become an essential part of our everyday life; almost every device that we use is either already connected to the Internet or soon will be. This course provides an introduction to the dynamic and exciting field of computer networking. The course covers the principles and practical aspects of designing and operating networks as well as analyzing their performance.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics:
- Introduction: Overview; Network types; Protocol Layers
- Network Applications and Socket programming
- Transport Layer: UDP, TCP; Congestion and Flow Control
- Network Layer: Forwarding, Addressing, and Routing
- Link Layer: Multiple Access Protocols; LANs, WLANs

Grading

  • Will be discussed in the first week of classes.

NOTES:

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Computer Networking: A top-down Approach, Kurose and Ross, Pearson, latest edition. 

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.

  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a D or higher.

 

  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

 

  • Use of AI tools by students for completing graded scholarly activities and course submissions that has not been explicitly authorized by the instructor  will be considered as plagiarism under SFU’s Code of Academic Policy (http://www.sfu.ca/policies/teaching/t10-02.htm).  Following this policy, instructors will report all instances of plagiarism to the academic integrity board.  

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.