Overview

The Introduction to Data Communications training course is an instructor led presentation course that provides a fundamental overview of the hardware, protocols and techniques used in the modern datacommunications environment.

This technical training course will familiarise delegates with the way that data is transported, how data networks operate and the protocols, so that delegates will gain awareness of datacomms concepts and the vocabulary in use.

The technical skills and knowledge gained through the theory and practical training sessions can be used as a starter course before moving on to other more advanced data communications training courses.

Target Audience:

This is a foundation level course, ideal for anybody with an interest in Data Communications, as such no special prerequisites are necessary other than the desire to learn!

The course is generic in nature and is aimed at both technical and non-technical professionals new to the data environment.

Read more

Delegates will learn how to

At the end of this course you will be able to understand:

  • The various techniques used in data communications
  • The standards and protocols in use in Data networks
  • The fundamental concepts of telephone networks
  • Analogue to digital to analogue conversion
  • Internet connectivity
  • Mobile Data networks
  • Convergence
Read more

Outline

Chapter 01 - Introduction

Objectives

  • Describe Data Communication
  • Explain Binary codes
  • Define connection types
  • Describe VPN's

Content

  • Data Communication Overview
  • Binary
  • Binary Codes
  • Serial Transmission
  • Communications
  • Different Types of Connection
  • Communication Modes
  • Why Data Communications
  • Available Connections
  • Protocol
  • What is a Private Network?
  • What is a Virtual Private Network?

Chapter 02 - Standards

Objectives

  • Explain Data rates terminology
  • Describe the difference between a DTE & DCE
  • Describe Flow control
  • Explain Synchronous and Asynchronous protocols

Content

  • Standards
  • Communication between Devices
  • Standards for Data Transfer
  • Physical Interfaces
  • Electrical Interfaces
  • Functional Interfaces
  • Universal Serial Bus
  • Software Flow Control
  • Hardware Flow Control
  • OSI Concepts
  • The Layers of the OSI

Chapter 03 - Local and Wide Area Networks

Objectives

  • Define network types
  • Describe LAN Addressing
  • Describe Ethernet
  • Explain LAN hardware types

Content

  • LAN Definition
  • LAN Standards
  • LAN Topologies
  • CSMA/CD
  • Ethernet
  • Token Passing
  • Token Ring
  • FDDI
  • LAN Addressing
  • LAN Frames
  • Typical Connectivity
  • LAN cabling
  • Hubs
  • Bridges
  • Switches
  • WANs - Extending Beyond LANs
  • Wide Area Networks

Chapter 04 - Introduction to TCP/IP

Objectives

  • Explain Internet Protocol
  • State the governing bodies
  • Explain Routing
  • Explain TCP concepts

Content

  • Packet Switched Networks
  • WAN Architecture
  • Internet Protocol
  • Internet Protocol Addressing
  • Routers
  • Routers and Routing
  • Static Routing
  • Dynamic Routing
  • Dynamic Routing Protocols
  • Transport Protocols
  • TCP Concepts
  • User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
  • Domain Name Service

Chapter 05 - Analogue & Digital Voice

Objectives

  • Explain voice basics
  • Describe telephone networks
  • Explain modulation
  • Explain compression techniques

Content

  • Telephone Beginnings
  • Overview of the PSTN
  • Circuit Switched Networks
  • End-to-End Connection
  • The Local Loop
  • Voice Basics
  • Bandwidth
  • Analogue to Digital
  • Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)
  • Digital to Analogue
  • The Modem
  • Quadrature Amplitude Modulation(QAM)
  • Data Compression
  • Baseband and Broadband

Chapter 06 - Remote Access

Objectives

  • Describe access techniques
  • Describe ISDN
  • Explain ISDN signalling
  • Explain the advantages of ISDN

Content

  • Access via the PSTN
  • Integrated Service Digital Networks
  • ISDN Types
  • Basic Rate Interface (BRI)
  • Primary Rate Interface (PRI)
  • Signaling
  • Direct Dialing In (DDI)
  • ISDN Applications
  • Benefits of ISDN
  • Advantages of ISDN

Chapter 07 - UK Private Circuits

Objectives

  • Describe PCM
  • Explain multiplexing
  • Describe PDH
  • Describe SDH

Content

  • Pulse Code Modulation
  • 64kbits/s Leased Lines
  • Basic Time Division Multiplexing
  • N x 64k
  • Statistical Time Division Multiplexing
  • Multiplexer Summary
  • 30 Channel PCM Frame
  • E1 Leased Lines
  • Typical Connectors
  • Transmission Technologies
  • The PDH Multiplexer Mountain
  • PDH - Limitations
  • Synchronous Digital Hierarchy
  • SDH Operation
  • SDH Bus Structured System
  • SDH Advantages

Chapter 08 - Virtual Private Networks

Objectives

  • Describe what a VPN is
  • Describe different VPN types
  • Explain the various technologies in use

Content

  • Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
  • Benefits of a VPN
  • VPN Features
  • VPN components
  • VPN security components
  • Point to Point Protocol
  • Point to Point Tunnelling Protocol
  • Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol
  • IPSec

Chapter 09 - Frame Relay

Objectives

  • Describe Frame Relay networks
  • Describe the Frame Relay structure
  • Explain traffic management

Content

  • Frame Relay Access
  • PVCs and SVCs
  • The Frame Relay Frame structure
  • Link Layer Address structure (DLCI)
  • Congestion Indicators (FECN and BECN)
  • Discard Eligibility (DE)
  • Traffic contracts and parameters
  • CIR Management
  • Voice over Frame Relay (VoFR)
  • Video over Frame Relay

Chapter 10 - Asynchronous Transfer Mode

Objectives

  • Describe ATM networks
  • Describe ATM cells
  • Explain ATM virtual connections

Content

  • Introduction to ATM
  • The Cell
  • The ATM layer
  • The Physical layer
  • The ATM Adaptation Layer (AAL)
  • ATM Service Categories and Traffic Management
  • Virtual Paths and Channels
  • ATM Connections
  • Benefits and Features of ATM

Chapter 11 - Broadband Technologies

Objectives

  • Explain the basic concepts DSL
  • Describe the local loop
  • Explain DSL standards
  • Describe other broadband techniques

Content

  • Local loop technology
  • Local Loop Restrictions
  • Frequency Allocation
  • Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
  • How Does ADSL Work?
  • The DSLAM
  • ADSL Standards
  • G.lite G.DMT
  • BT IPStream Network Model
  • Symetric Digital Subscriber Line
  • Fibre to the node/curb/home
  • Broadband cable modems
  • Very High Bit Rate DSL

Chapter 12 - IP VPNs

Objectives

  • Describe VPN's
  • Explain MPLS
  • Describe MPLS switching
  • Content
  • IP VPN
  • What is MPLS?
  • MPLS IP Voice
  • MPLS
  • Any-to-Any Solution
  • Labels
  • Label Substitution
  • MPLS Operation
  • Label Substitution

Chapter 13 - Mobile & Wireless

Objectives

  • Describe mobile access systems
  • Explain mobile standards
  • Explain wireless networks

Content

  • Wireless Access
  • Mobile Network Generations
  • Data through GSM
  • The Short Message Service
  • Wireless Application Protocol
  • General Packet Radio Service
  • UMTS (3G)
  • Bluetooth
  • WiFi
  • WiFi Standards
  • Considerations
  • Wi-Max
  • Wireless Networks Comparison

Chapter 14 - The Convergence Story

Objectives

  • Describe Next Generation Networks
  • Explain NGN hardware
  • Explain VoIP

Content

  • The Big Picture
  • Simplified Networks
  • Converged Solutions
  • NGN - Simplified Network
  • Multi-Service Access Nodes
  • Metro Node
  • NGN - The Core
  • Voice over IP (VoIP)
  • Voice over IP Protocols

Further Study

Read more

Why choose QA

Frequently asked questions

See all of our FAQs

How can I create an account on myQA.com?

There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.

If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".

If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.

Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.

How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?

Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.

We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting (more details in the link below) to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.

Learn more about our Virtual Classrooms.

How do QA’s online courses work?

QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.

All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.

Learn more about QA’s online courses.

When will I receive my joining instructions?

Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.

When will I receive my certificate?

Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.

Contact Us

Please contact us for more information