Examine the operation of modern communication networks. Discuss the concept of layered network architecture to gain practical insights on the principal functions and services required for achieving reliable end-to-end communications. Explore networking application design and programming; service interfaces and peer-to-peer protocols; the reference model for TCP/IP; IEEE LAN (Local Area Network) architectures; network-layer and transport-layer issues; link layer with focus on contention-based access; wireless networks that cover WiFi; and basics of cellular networks.