Objectives and competences
The objective of this course is to teach students understanding of functions and structure of computer networks (architecture, protocols, computer network layers, design and management of computer networks). Students will be able to write simple communication programs on all layers of computer networks.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Introduction: basic concepts of data transmission, characteristics of distributed systems, ISO/OSI and TCP/IP model.
• Structure of computer networks: local-area networks, wide-area networks, wireless technologies.
• The physical layer.
• The data link layer: error detection and correction, elementary data link protocols, multiple access protocols, Ethernet, wireless LANs (IEEE 802.11), broadband wireless networks, Bluetooth, data link layer switching.
• The network layer: routing algorithms, congestion control algorithms, quality of service, internetworking.
• The transport layer: elements of transport protocol, UDP, TCP.
• Wireless and mobile networks: CDMA, WiFi 802.11, mobile IP.
• Network security: cryptography, authentication protocols, digital signatures, certificates, SSL protocol, intrusion detection, firewall.
• The application layer: synchronous and asynchronous communication, master slave, client-server, peer to peer, group communication, multimedia stream model, object model, message-oriented communication, stream-oriented communication, RPC, name services, distributed file services, clock synchronization, mutual exclusion, consistency and replication, trading services, factory services, HTTP protocol, notification services, P2P systems, grid technology, electronic and voice mail, VOIP, RTP, SIP, internet radio, video on demand, MPI, cloud computing, map-reduce computational model.
Learning and teaching methods
• Lectures: in lectures, students get to know the theoretical contents of the course. Lectures are conducted as classical lectures in frontal form, interleaved with discussions on practical examples of network-centric computing.
• Tutorials: in tutorial exercises, students are informed about lab work.
• Lab work: in laboratory exercises, students work on individual tasks.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
On completion of this course the student will be able to
demonstrate understanding of function and structure of computer networks (architecture, protocols, layers),
find appropriate information about operation of computer network components on the internet and on professional literature,
select and use of appropriate components for LANs or WANs,
design and management of computer networks,
write a simple communication programs for all layers of computer networks.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Communication skills: oral lab work defence, manner of expression at written examination and oral examination.
Use of information technology: use of different tools for network design, analysis and management of computer networks implementation, debugging and testing of simple Web applications.
Problem solving: design and implementation of a simple communication programs.
Readings
• Larry L. Peterson, Bruce S. Davie, Computer Networks: A Systems Approach 6th Edition, Morgan Kaufmann, 2021.
• J. F. Kurose, K. W. Ross: Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (8th Edition), Pearson; 2022.
• A. S. Tanenbaum: Computer Networks, Fifth Edition; Prentice Hall PTR; New Jersey, 2010.
• G. Coulouris, J. Dollimore, T. Kindberg: Distributed Systems: Concepts and Design, 5th Edition, Addison Wesley; Harlow, 2010
