Courses and textbooks in the field of data transmission typically deal with the following OSI model protocol layers and topics:

• Layer 1, the physical layer:
  • Channel coding including
    • Digital modulation schemes
    • Line coding schemes
    • Forward error correction (FEC) codes
  • Bit synchronization
  • Multiplexing
  • Equalization
  • Channel models
• Layer 2, the data link layer:
  • Channel access schemes, media access control (MAC)
  • Packet mode communication and Frame synchronization
  • Error detection và automatic repeat request (ARQ)
  • Flow control
• Layer 6, the presentation layer:
  • Source coding (digitization and data compression), and information theory.
  • Cryptography (may occur at any layer)