Computer Network — What This Subject Is About
To understand the functioning of computer networks and popular networking protocols. By the end you should be able to: explain data communication fundamentals; describe the physical layer and data link layer; explain IP addressing and key network-layer protocols; describe the transport layer; and recognise network devices and network management systems.
Subject 3.3 (Practicum) • Total 100 Marks • 4 Credits • L 2 – P 4 • 3rd Semester — Computer Science & Engineering • Session 2026–27
What You Will Study
Unit 1 — Introduction (6 Periods, 12%)
Introduction to computer networks; network models — OSI reference model, TCP/IP model.
The two famous layered models that explain how data travels from one computer to another, layer by layer.
Unit 2 — Data Communication and Communication Methodologies (10 Periods, 25%)
Transmission media — principles, issues and examples; wired media (coaxial, UTP, STP, fibre optic cables); wireless media (HF, VHF, UHF, microwave, Ku band); network topologies; data link layer — design issues and example protocols (Ethernet, WLAN, Bluetooth); switching techniques (circuit, packet, message).
The physical ways data travels — cables and wireless — the shapes networks take, and how data is switched from sender to receiver.
Unit 3 — Network Layer (10 Periods, 25%)
Network layer — design issues and example protocols (IPv4); concept of IPv6; routing principles, issues, algorithms (distance-vector, link-state) and protocols (RIP, OSPF).
How data finds its way across many networks: IP addresses, IPv6, and the routing algorithms that choose the path.
Unit 4 — Transport Layer (8 Periods, 25%)
Transport layer — design issues and example protocols (TCP/UDP); application layer protocols (SMTP, DNS).
Reliable vs fast delivery (TCP vs UDP), and the everyday application protocols behind email and website names.
Unit 5 — Network Devices (8 Periods, 13%)
Functioning of network devices — NIC, hub, bridge, switch, router, WiFi devices; network management system and example protocol (SNMP).
What each box in a network actually does, and how whole networks are monitored and managed.
Practical Work
- Study a network simulation tool (Wireshark, Cisco Packet Tracer, NS-2, GNS3, etc.).
- Observe how data travels through the OSI layers using network tools.
- Show various types of networking cables and connectors and identify them clearly.
- Study specifications of cables and connectors of various companies on the internet and find out the differences.
- Make patch cords using different types of cables and connectors — crimping, splicing, etc.
- Demonstrate different types of cable testers and use them for testing patch cords.
And more — the complete list of 10 practicals is inside the PDF.
Complete Syllabus
The full examination scheme, the complete practicals list and the reference books from the official syllabus. The unit-wise topics are in the "What You Will Study" section above.
Examination Scheme
| Code | Paper | Type | L – P | Credits | Internal | External | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3 | Computer Network | Practicum | 2 – 4 | 4 | 40 | 60 (3 hrs) | 100 |
| Computer Network Total | 4 | 40 | 60 | 100 | |||
Units at a Glance
| Unit | Topic | Periods | Marks Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 6 | 12% |
| 2 | Data Communication and Communication Methodologies | 10 | 25% |
| 3 | Network Layer | 10 | 25% |
| 4 | Transport Layer | 8 | 25% |
| 5 | Network Devices | 8 | 13% |
Complete Practicals List
This is the complete list of practicals from the official syllabus.
- Study a network simulation tool (Wireshark, Cisco Packet Tracer, NS-2, GNS3, etc.).
- Observe how data travels through the OSI layers using network tools.
- Show various types of networking cables and connectors and identify them clearly.
- Study specifications of cables and connectors of various companies on the internet and find out the differences.
- Make patch cords using different types of cables and connectors — crimping, splicing, etc.
- Demonstrate different types of cable testers and use them for testing patch cords.
- Configure computing devices (PC, laptop, mobile) for a network — IP address, gateway, DNS and security options.
- TCP communication between two devices.
- Show various networking devices — NICs, hub, bridge, switch, router, gateway, WiFi access point, etc.
- Study specifications of various networking devices of various companies on the internet and find out the differences.
Reference Books
As listed in the syllabus:
- Computer Networks, 4th Edition (or later) — Andrew S. Tanenbaum, PHI
- TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1 — W. Richard Stevens, Addison Wesley
- Data and Computer Communications — William Stallings, PHI
- An Engineering Approach to Computer Networking — S. Keshav, Pearson
- An Integrated Approach to Computer Networks — Bhavneet Sidhu, Khanna Publishing House
- Data Communications and Networking — Behrouz A. Forouzan, McGraw-Hill
- Cisco Press books on CCNA
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks is Computer Network worth?
100 marks, 4 credits. It is a practicum subject (2 lecture + 4 practical hours a week): internal 40, external 60.
Which units carry the most weightage in Computer Network?
Data Communication, Network Layer and Transport Layer, 25% each. Introduction is 12% and Network Devices is 13%.
What practical work is there in Computer Network?
Wireshark and Packet Tracer, making patch cords, configuring IP/gateway/DNS on computers, TCP communication between two devices, and studying NICs, hubs, switches and routers. The complete list is in the Complete Syllabus section above.
Do I need to learn IPv6 for this subject?
Yes. Unit 3 covers IPv6 along with IPv4 and the routing protocols RIP and OSPF.
Which books should I refer to for Computer Network?
The syllabus lists Tanenbaum’s Computer Networks, Stevens’ TCP/IP Illustrated, Stallings’ Data and Computer Communications and Forouzan’s Data Communications and Networking, plus Cisco CCNA books. The full list is in the Complete Syllabus section above.
How can I download the Computer Network syllabus PDF?
The PDF is free to download — use the download link in the Download section below. It is prepared by KAMALDNP Academy from the official BTEUP syllabus.
Related Syllabus Posts
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- Advance Computer Networks — BTEUP CSE 5th Semester Syllabus 2026-27
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Download the Computer Network Syllabus PDF
Download the complete Computer Network syllabus PDF below — prepared by KAMALDNP Academy, with the full topic list, practicals and reference books.
Download the Computer Network Syllabus PDF
Source: BTEUP 2nd Year curriculum (folder2627), approved in C.D.C. meeting held on 16.07.2026. Topic lists follow the official syllabus; short explanations are the author's own plain-English summaries, not syllabus text. Please confirm with your own polytechnic for any local changes.