Author(s)

L. Hughes

Abstract

A practical introduction to data communications L. Hughes^ Department of Mathematics and Computing Science, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3, Canada 1 Introduction Data communications is rapidly becoming a subject with which many stu- dents are familiar (through their contact with computer networks such as the Internet), but about which few have grasped the basic concepts. Al- though introductory courses in data communications are intended to expose students to the fundamentals, many present material in a manner that does not build upon the students' existing knowledge; for example, the 7-layer ISO OSI Reference Model [2] introduces the physical properties of commu- nication channel before discussing what is sent across the channel. Given the industrial demand for people with skills in this field, data com- munications can (and should) be taught to undergraduates in a practical manner, allowing the students to gain hands-on experience. However, de- spite the a

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