INTERNET E SICUREZZA M - Z
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: Michele Giuseppe MALGERIExpected Learning Outcomes
The course introduces the structure and protocols of the Internet, the main technologies for computer networks, and the fundamentals of network security. Through the study of the presented topics, the student acquires the knowledge necessary to understand the overall functioning of the Internet and, specifically:
Knowledge and Understanding Abilities:
- Understanding the protocols underlying the most common services, such as the WWW, DNS, and email.
- Learning the mechanisms governing the operation of TCP and UDP protocols.
- Understanding the structure of the IP protocol and techniques for addressing and sub-networking.
- Comprehending how Internet routing works.
- Familiarizing with key Layer 2 technologies for wired and wireless networks.
- Understanding the main algorithms, mechanisms, and protocols for network security.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding Abilities:
- Ability to assess the complexity of a network and identify its main components.
- Capability to determine the necessary elements for network functionality and address security concerns.
Ability of Making Judgements:
- The student is able to understand network functionality, identify potential issues, and propose standard solutions, including security aspects.
Communication Skills:
- The student acquires knowledge of network protocols, including security aspects, and the associated technical vocabulary.
Learning Skills:
- Ability to learn the key concepts of computer networks and security, necessary to pursue further studies with a high degree of autonomy.
Course Structure
The primary teaching method is traditional classroom instruction coupled with discussions to reinforce acquired knowledge.
In the event that the course is delivered in a blended or distance learning mode, necessary adjustments may be introduced compared to what was previously stated, in order to adhere to the planned program as indicated in the syllabus."
Required Prerequisites
- Algorithm Concept, Definition and Characteristics of a Programming Language, Basics of Computational Complexity, Basic Data Structures
- Structure of an Operating System and an Electronic Computer
- Numerical Calculation, Derivatives, Integrals
- Matrices
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Internet and Computer Networks:What is the Internet, Network edge, (*) The core of the network, (*) Delays, packet loss, and throughput in packet-switched networks, (*) Protocol layers and their service models, History of computer networking and the Internet.
Application Layer: (*) Principles of network applications, (*) Web and HTTP, (*) Internet email, (*) DNS: The Internet’s directory service.
Transport Layer:Introduction to transport layer services, (*) Multiplexing and demultiplexing, (*) Connectionless transport: UDP, (*) Principles of reliable data transfer, (*)Connection-oriented transport: TCP., (*) Flow control, (*) Congestion control in TCP.
Network Layer: Introduction, Virtual circuit and datagram networks, (*) Routers, (*) Internet Protocol (IP), (*) IPv4. IPv6, (*) Routing algorithms, Routing in the Internet.
Link Layer and Local Area Networks (LANs): Introduction and services, Error detection and correction techniques, (*) Multiple access protocols, (*) Local area networks, (*)Ethernet technologies, Link layer switches.
Wireless Networks: Introduction, (*) Wireless links and network characteristics, (*) Wi-Fi 802.11 wireless LANs. Personal Area Networks: Bluetooth.
Network Security: Introduction, cryptography principles; message integrity and digital signatures; authentication. Application layer security: email. Transport layer security: TLS. Network layer security: IPSec protocol and VPNs. Overview of wireless network security. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems.
Textbook Information
Course Planning
Subjects | Text References | |
---|---|---|
1 | "Internet and Computer Networks: What is Internet. At the Network Edges. The Network Core. Delays, Loss, and Throughput in Packet-Switched Networks. Protocol Layers and their Service Models. History of Networks and the Internet." | Textbook: chapter 1 |
2 | "Application Layer: Principles of Network Applications." | textbook: chapter 2 |
3 | "Application Layer: Web and HTTP. DNS: The Internet Directory Service." | textbook: chapter 2 |
4 | "Application Layer: File Transfer: FTP. Email on the Internet." | textbook: chapter 2 |
5 | "Transport Layer: Introduction and Transport Layer Services. Multiplexing and Demultiplexing. Connectionless Transport: UDP. Principles of Reliable Data Transfer." | textbook: chapter 3 |
6 | "Transport Layer: Connection-Oriented Transport: TCP. Reliable Data Transfer. Flow Control. TCP Congestion Control." | textbook: chapter 3 |
7 | "Network Layer: Introduction. Virtual Circuit and Datagram Networks. Routers." | textbook: chapter 4 |
8 | "Network Layer: Internet Protocol (IP). IPv4." | textbook: chapter 4 |
9 | "Network Layer: IPv6. Routing Algorithms. Routing on the Internet." | textbook: chapter 5 |
10 | "Link Layer and Local Area Networks: Introduction and Services. Error Detection and Correction Techniques. Multiple Access Protocols." | textbook: chapter 5 |
11 | "Link Layer and Local Area Networks: Local Area Networks. Ethernet Technologies. Link-Layer Switches." | textbook: chapter 5 |
12 | "Wireless Networks: Introduction. Wireless Links and Network Characteristics." | textbook: chapter 6 |
13 | "Wireless Networks: Wi-Fi 802.11 Wireless LAN. Personal Area Networks: Bluetooth." | textbook: chapter 6 |
14 | Network Security: Introduction, cryptography principles; message integrity and digital signatures; authentication. Application layer security: email. Transport layer security: TLS. Network layer security: IPSec protocol and VPNs. Overview of wireless network security. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems. | textbook: chapter Supplementary materials provided during lectures (if any) |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
"The exam consists in a test to be answered in written and/or computer-based form:
- If the test is sufficient, a final grade is typically proposed. Upon the student's request or at the discretion of the instructor, the exam may be supplemented with an additional oral examination.
- If the test is insufficient, the exam is not passed.
Please note that the written questions, correction, and any potential oral examination may take place on the same day.
In the event that the course is delivered in a blended or distance learning mode, necessary adjustments may be introduced compared to what was previously stated, and therefore, the exam may be conducted remotely using different methods."
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
- Describe routing algorithms.
- Describe the TCP segment in detail.
- Describe the IP packet in detail.
- Describe in detail the functioning of the HTTP protocol.
- Describe flow control mechanisms at the transport layer."
- Describe the protocols for transport layer security