Business Data Communication is a mandatory course exclusively intended for senior students majoring in Management Information Systems. Only students majoring in MIS, including those with a double major, are eligible to participate in this course. Students from other departments, IMBA students, and exchange students are kindly requested to unregister from this class.

This course offers an introductory overview of essential principles related to the design and implementation of computer communication networks, protocols, and applications. The topics covered include layered network architecture, the physical layer, data link protocols, network layer design, transport protocols, routing protocols, and network applications. Illustrative examples will be drawn from the Internet TCP/IP protocol suite. Moreover, the course incorporates various programming assignments (previous coding experience is a prerequisite), allowing students to gain practical skills in basic network programming and the development of simple network applications.

Announcement (Fall 2024)

• -/-: As there are limited seats available and considering the workload of the teaching assistants, we are unable to accommodate a large number of students in both classes. Nevertheless, students have the option to switch between classes 306007001 and 306007011. Priority for enrollment will be given to junior and senior MIS students, followed by MIS graduate students, and finally, MIS students pursuing a double major.

• -/-: You can expect to have homework assignment almost every week, including textbook exercises, lab assignments, and a term assignment. Managing multiple courses with heavy workloads can be challenging, so I strongly advise you to carefully consider taking this course. It is important to be aware of the potential difficulty and workload involved before making your decision.

• -/-: The deadline for signing the enrollment document is September 25. MIS students, including those pursuing a double major or minor, are guaranteed to receive the necessary signature for enrollment.

• 09/24: We will give you the id/password of the homework submission system in 10/01-02. Please come to the class to get your password. We will have our first homework in that week. If any question, please contact TA.

• 10/01: Due to the potential impact of a typhoon this week, there may be is no class on Wednesday, October 2nd. For students in Wednesday's class, please obtain your homework password next week, on October 9th. The first homework assignment for both classes will be announced at that time.

• 10/01: For Wednesday's students, the VoD files (recorded in Tuesday 10/01) are below. If Since typhoon arrives tomorrow, please watch the videos on your own. We will briefly review them next time, but you need to watch all of them at home.

  • https://youtu.be/qyi8i68efyw, https://youtu.be/rz_w83FrqaE, https://youtu.be/GQufjeJg6LY 

• 10/07: Homework #01

  • Please login to the homework submission system. The due date of this homework has been postponed to Oct. 15/16 before midnight.

• 10/15: Homework #02

  • The due date of this homework is postponed to Oct. 22/23 before 23:59. Please upload your pdf file.

• 10/22: Homework #02 updated

  • The due date of this homework is postponed to Oct. 28/29 before 23:59 (i.e., the midnight before the class).

• 11/04: Classroom changed!

  • November 5, 綜合院館南棟 112 教室, General Building of Colleges, (South Building) Room #270112.

• 11/12: Homework #03/#04

  • Due to multiple requests for deadline extensions, we have decided to extend the due dates for HW03 and HW04. Please see homework submission system!

• 11/19: Assignment #01 and #02 announced!

• 11/19: 12/17-18. No Class.

• 12/06:

  • All homework and assignments are announced. Please see the homework submission system.

  • Unfortunately, we have only limited time at the end of semester, so we will skip assignment AS#03 this year.

  • You may need a lots of time to finish Homework HW#06, and please try to finish it as early as possible.

  • No class in 12/17-18.

  • Final exam in 1/7-8.

Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes

The primary objective encompasses a range of goals, including but not limited to the following:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of networking design principles.

• Develop a solid grasp of layered network architecture and the underlying techniques involved.

• Acquire the knowledge and skills required to implement basic network-based programs.

• Demonstrate the ability to design and evaluate network structures for both home and enterprise environments.

The desired outcomes for students encompass various goals, including but not limited to the following:

• Familiarity with the design of existing computer networks.

• The ability to determine suitable hardware and software components for complex computer networks.

• Proficiency in analyzing protocol performance, both theoretically and experimentally, and understanding the trade-offs associated with different protocol designs.

• Competence in writing socket programs using network libraries.

• Experience in working with network devices, utilizing their own personal computers or laptops.

• The capability to manage complex enterprise networks effectively.

• Proficiency in monitoring network packets and performing thorough analysis.

• The ability to identify and address network security issues.

Homework

• To ensure timely submission of your homework, it is required to use the designated submission system and adhere to the specified due date and time. Late submissions are generally NOT permitted unless valid reasons are communicated to the TA or instructor via email at the time when the homework is announced.

• Additionally, it is important to note that each student has an individual account in the system, and sharing your password with classmates is considered cheating. Similarly, displaying or sharing your homework with others is also regarded as cheating. It is essential to maintain the integrity and individuality of your work throughout the course.