Objectives and competences
The objective of this course is for students to be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental operation principles and basic standard technologies of computer networks, and thereby of modern communications networks in general, as well as to write simple network applications.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Introduction: telecommunications networks and services, computer networks and the Internet, standards.
• Applications and layered architectures: examples of layering, the OSI in TCP/IP reference models, application protocols and TCP/IP utilities, implementing network software.
• The physical layer: overview of transmission media, physical interfaces, data transmission modes.
• The data link layer: error detection, principles of protocols for reliable data transfer, examples of standard protocols.
• The medium access control sublayer: the channel allocation problem, standard local area networks and interconnection devices.
• The network layer: network services and internal network operation, routing, congestion control.
• TCP/IP: internetworking, IP and its companions, routing in the Internet, TCP, UDP.
Learning and teaching methods
• lectures,
• tutorial,
• computer work,
• homework assignments.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
On completion of this course the student will be able to
• explain the basic principles of data communications network operation,
• write simple programs by using socket programming,
• explain the kind of equipment or protocol some well-known acronyms and numbers of standards stand for,
• distinguish between different kinds of computer networks and their components in terms of their function and layers of operation
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
• Communication skills: manner of expression in homework assignments and at midterm examinations or written examination.
• Use of information technology: use of software tools and communication devices in lab work.
• Calculation skills: basic calculations regarding data communications and network addressing.
• Problem solving: writing programs.
Readings
• A. S. Tanenbaum, D. Wetherall: Computer Networks, Fifth Edition, Pearson, Boston, 2011.
• L. L. Peterson, B. S. Davie: Computer Networks: A Systems Approach, Fifth Edition, Morgan Kaufman, Amsterdam, 2012.
• F. Halsall: Computer Networking and the Internet, Fifth Edition, Addison-Wesley, Harlow, 2005.
• J. F. Kurose, K. W. Ross: Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, Seventh Edition, Pearson, Harlow, 2017.
• B. A. Forouzan: Data Communications and Networking, Fifth Edition, McGraw-Hill, Boston, 2013.
Prerequisits
Recommended is basic knowledge of computer science and programming in a high-level programming language.
Additional information on implementation and assessment The written exam may be substituted with continuous knowledge testing and assessment.
