Course Overview
Following on from COMP 2825 Computer Architecture, students are introduced to the basic concepts and terminology related to data communications, networking and network topologies. COMP 3725 replaces COMP 3721 in the CST/PTS Diploma and is equivalent to the full-time CST Diploma course. Students will learn about the TCP/IP protocol suite and the principles of protocols at the physical, data link, network and transport layers, the characteristics of transmission media, analog/digital transmission, multiplexing/switching techniques, basic error detection and correction, elementary data link protocols, flow control and an introduction to routing and congestion control issues. Multiple access protocols, the UDP and TCP protocols, networking and internetworking devices, LANs and WANs will also be discussed. The course has a strong emphasis on data communications at the physical layer and the assignments will reinforce the fundamental concepts and analysis techniques. Upon successful completion, students will be familiar with network protocol implementation using a layered approach and apply basic data communication theory to the design and analysis of networks.
Domestic fees
$808.03
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the basic concepts and terminology related to data communications and networking.
- Explain the characteristics of the TCP/IP protocol suite.
- Discuss and analyze protocols at the physical, data link, network and transport layers.
- Discuss network protocol implementation using a layered approach.
- Apply basic data communication theory to the design and analysis of networks.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2016
Related Programs
Data Communications for CST (COMP 3725) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Computer Systems
Diploma Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below are two offerings of COMP 3725 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 45819
Dates
Sep 12 - Nov 28 Loading
- CRN 45819
- $808.03 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. This course is delivered online with exams on-campus. The course is 60 hours - 48 hours synchronous online classes and 12 hours asynchronous activities/labs. The class meets once per week for 4 hours online and requires an additional 1 hour per week asynchronously. FINAL EXAM: November 28, 1400-1800, at the Burnaby campus SW1 1021. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 15+ hours per week. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows. Class in session October 10 (Thanksgiving).
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 48125
Dates
Sep 12 - Nov 28 Loading
- CRN 48125
- $808.03 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Chi En Huang
Course outline
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. This course is delivered online with exams on-campus. The course is 60 hours - 48 hours synchronous online classes and 12 hours asynchronous activities/labs. The class meets once per week for 4 hours online and requires an additional 1 hour per week asynchronously. FINAL EXAM: November 28, 0900-1300, at the Burnaby campus SW1 1021. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 15+ hours per week. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows. Class in session October 10 (Thanksgiving).
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of COMP 3725 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 87398
Dates
Jan 09 - Apr 10 Loading
- CRN 87398
- $808.03 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Chi En Huang
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- Course is 60 hours - 48 hours synchronous online classes and 12 hours asynchronous activities/labs. The class meets once per week for 4 hours online and requires an additional 1 hours per week asynchronously. FINAL EXAM: April 10, 0900-1300, at the Burnaby campus SW01 Room 1021. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 15+ hours per week. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC with microphone and video camera. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows. Class in session February 13 (Family Day). No class March 20 and March 27 (Easter).
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.