Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Local Area Networks

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/peer-to-peer-protocols-local-area-networks

Introduction

### Course Review: Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Local Area Networks If you’re an aspiring network engineer or simply someone interested in understanding the intricacies of data transmission and networking, the **Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Local Area Networks** course on Coursera may be a perfect addition to your educational journey. In this review, I will detail the course content, discuss its benefits, and provide insights into whether it’s the right fit for you. #### Course Overview **Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Local Area Networks** offers a deep dive into the mechanisms that allow for reliable data transfer across potentially unreliable networks. The course is structured in two main parts: 1. **Peer-to-Peer Protocols:** In this module, you'll explore the fundamental principles behind peer-to-peer protocols and various service models. The focus here is on understanding Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) protocols, which are crucial for ensuring reliable data transmission. 2. **Medium Access Control and Local Area Networks:** This section discusses how Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols regulate access to communication channels, ensuring that information flows efficiently from one point to another. You’ll get exposure to notable MAC protocols such as CSMA/CD, which is fundamental to Ethernet LAN standards. #### Detailed Syllabus Overview - **Peer-to-Peer Protocols:** - Gain insights into service models and learn about the ARQ protocols that ensure reliable connections. - **Reliable Services and Data Link Controls:** - Understand how TCP employs ARQ techniques to maintain data integrity and accomplish flow control in a network environment. Framing techniques and widely used data link control standards are also introduced here. - **Medium Access Control:** - Learn about the necessity of MAC protocols, including random access and scheduling protocols. You’ll also analyze the impact of delay-bandwidth product on protocol performance. - **Local Area Networks:** - Delve into the structure of LAN frames, discussing standards like IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and IEEE 802.11 (wireless LAN). This module also covers MAC protocols related to these standards. - **Course Project:** - A comprehensive peer review assessment enables students to apply learned concepts in a practical environment, thereby enhancing understanding and retention. #### Why Take This Course? 1. **Hands-On Learning:** The course includes practical components, including peer review assessments, which encourage collaborative learning and allow you to apply theoretical principles in real-world scenarios. 2. **Expert Instruction:** Led by experienced instructors in the field, the course promises quality content that is both informative and relevant to current industry practices. 3. **Flexible Learning:** As an online course, you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace, making it easier to fit into your busy schedule. #### Who Should Enroll? This course is ideal for: - **Students/New Graduates**: Anyone looking to solidify their understanding of networking concepts. - **Professionals**: IT professionals wanting to refresh their knowledge of networking and data transfer protocols. - **Tech Enthusiasts**: If you have a personal interest in networking technologies, this course will deepen your understanding. #### Final Recommendation Overall, **Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Local Area Networks** is a compelling course that lays a solid foundation in networking principles and peer-to-peer technologies. Whether you are starting your journey in network engineering or are a professional aiming to refine your skills, this course equips you with essential knowledge and practical experience. I highly recommend enrolling if you seek a comprehensive yet understandable approach to understanding networking fundamentals.

Syllabus

Peer-to-Peer Protocols

This module examines peer-to-peer protocols and service models. Importantly, it examines three automatic repeat request (ARQ) protocols that provide reliable data transfer service.

This module introduces TCP that uses ARQ techniques to provide reliable stream service and flow control end-to-end across connectionless packet network. It also examines two framing techniques that are used to identify the boundaries of frames of information within a digital bit stream, and discusses two data link control standards in widespread use.

This module discusses the need for medium access control (MAC), and introduces representative random access and scheduling MAC protocols - including the carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection CSMA-CS protocol which forms the basis for the Ethernet LAN standard. It also shows the impact of delay-bandwidth product on protocol performance.

This module discusses the structure of the frames used in LANs, and introduces several important LAN standards, including the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet LAN and IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN. Furthermore, the MAC protocols associated with each LAN standard are also described.

This is a comprehensive peer review assessment