Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 371 D100

Data Communications and Networking (3)

Class Number: 5453

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • 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:

Communication networks play a central role in our everyday connected life. This course introduces principles, architectures, and protocols of modern data communication networks.  The course will cover the preliminaries of networks and the Internet, and will provide students the foundation to further study networks. Topics span from physical and link layers up to transport and application layers. Students learn how the Internet works, how data travels end-to-end, and how networks are designed and managed. The course includes analytical problem-solving and hands-on assignments.

Topics:

  • Introduction to networking: Internet and OSI Reference Models
  • Application-layer: Principles and Protocols (HTTP, SMTP, DNS, P2P, Sockets etc.)
  • Transport layer: TCP, UDP, reliability, congestion control
  • Network layer: IP addressing, subnetting, routing concepts and algorithms
  • Data link layer: Introduction, framing, error detection/correction, Medium Access Control (MAC), Local Area Networks (LAN)
  • Advanced Topics

Grading

  • Assignments 30%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final Exam 40%

NOTES:

CLASS PARTICIPATION & EXPECTATIONS:
Students are encouraged to participate and share their thoughts in class. Their views and opinions will contribute to creating a collaborative learning environment and help enrich class discussions. Respectful dialogue and active engagement with peers and course materials are expected.
LATE SUBMISSION POLICY (Percentage per day lost after due date): 10% (No assignments accepted beyond 3 days late) OR according to university-wide policy.
GRADING RUBRICS: will be provided with the assessment as part of the assessment description or will be set-up in Canvas depending on the assessment type.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Kurose, J. F. & Ross, K. W. (2025).
Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach
9th edition
Pearson
ISBN: 9780135415603

RECOMMENDED READING:

Tanenbaum, A. S. & Wetherall, D. (2010).
Computer Networks
5th edition
Pearson


ISBN: 9780132126953

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 C- 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).

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.