Internet architecture M - Z

Academic Year 2023/2024 - Teacher: Michele Giuseppe MALGERI

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course introduces students to protocols of the Internet, as well as the main technologies for computer networks. Through the study of the presented topics, students acquire the knowledge enabling to understand how the Internet works.

Knowledge and Understanding Abilities:

- Understanding the protocols underlying common services such as WWW, DNS, and email.

- Learning the mechanisms governing the operation of TCP and UDP protocols.

- Understanding the structure of the IP protocol and addressing and subnetting techniques.

- Grasping how routing works on the Internet.

- Familiarity with key Layer 2 technologies for wired and wireless networks.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding Abilities:

- Being able to assess the complexity of a network and identify its key components.

- The capability to recognize the components necessary for a network's operation.

Ability of Making Judgments:

- The student can comprehend network operation and assess potential issues and standard solutions.

Communication Skills:

- The student gains knowledge of network protocols and the associated technical vocabulary.

Learning Skills:

- The ability to learn concepts specific to computer networks, necessary for pursuing 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

Attendance is not mandatory, although strongly recommended

Detailed Course Content

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 Computer Networking and the Internet.

Application Layer: Principles of Network Applications. Web and HTTP. File Transfer: FTP. Email on the Internet. DNS: The Internet Directory Service.

Transport Layer: Introduction and Transport Layer Services. Multiplexing and Demultiplexing. Connectionless Transport: UDP. Principles of Reliable Data Transfer. Connection-Oriented Transport: TCP. Reliable Data Transfer. Flow Control. Congestion Control in TCP.

Network Layer: Introduction. Virtual Circuit and Datagram Networks. Routers. Internet Protocol (IP). IPv4. IPv6. Routing Algorithms. Routing on the Internet.

Link Layer and Local Area Networks: 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 LAN. Personal Area Networks: Bluetooth.

The topics marked with (*) are essential skill to pass the exam.

Textbook Information

COMPUTER NETWORKING KUROSE JAMES F. - ROSS KEITH W. PEARSON / ADDISON WESLEY

Course Planning

 SubjectsText 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 4
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

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

"The exam consists in a test to be answered, usually not more than 1 hour, 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 answer 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."

VERSIONE IN ITALIANO