COMM_V 439 - Business Data Communications

As modern businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, understanding data communications has become essential for making informed, strategic decisions. This course offers business students a conceptual and applied overview of data communications technologies and their critical role in enabling organizational effectiveness, innovation, and resilience.

Students are introduced to core topics such as computer networks, network architecture (OSI and TCP/IP models), topologies, and networking hardware—framed through a managerial and strategic lens. The course also covers how data centers, cloud computing, and cybersecurity practices support business operations, risk management, and continuity planning.

To demonstrate the relevance of data communications across sectors, students examine its enabling role in transformative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), autonomous driving, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These examples are explored in the context of smart cities and digital infrastructure, highlighting how robust communication networks underpin technological innovation and business adaptation. Case studies, guest speakers from industry and possible guided tours (i.e UDC – UBC Data Center tour) further enrich students’ real-world perspective.

Toward the end of the term, students collaborate in teams to research and deliver a presentation on a selected data communications topic, with a focus on its business relevance. The project encourages students to apply course concepts through critical thinking and clear communication, without involving technical implementation.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the key technologies and concepts underpinning data communications.
• Compare the protocols and standards that support the data communication networks and applications using the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) and TCP/IP models
• Analyze how network structures and architectures support business performance and strategy.
• Evaluate business risks related to cybersecurity and assess continuity planning approaches.
• Interpret how data communications technologies enable innovation in areas such as AI, IoT, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Autonomous Driving, and smart city infrastructure.
• Present well-reasoned insights into the business implications of data communications technologies.

Credit will be granted for only one of COMM 439 and CPSC 317.

Prerequisite: COMM 335.