Computer Networks

Objectives

  • Explain the fundamental concepts of data communication, communication protocols, protocol families and their architecture, including the most common protocol elements;
  • Explain in detail the main functions of the IP protocol;
  • Implement concrete solutions to create an IP network, planning the addressing and routing schemes according to existing requirements and restrictions.
  • Have a global and critical view on local wired and wireless computer networks, and their key elements;
  • Explain the main features and operation of wired and wireless LAN technologies (e.g. Ethernet and Wi-Fi);
  • Apply the concept of internetworking to local computer networks.

Program

  1. Introduction to data communication
    • Concept of communication protocol and protocol functions.
    • OSI protocol reference model and TCP / IP model.
    • Introduction to computer networks: interconnection equipment, topologies and transmission media.
  2. Network Level: Internet Protocol
    • Motivation and network model.
    • Datagram switching vs. virtual circuits.
    • IP protocol: PDU, addressing, routing and IP fragmentation.
    • ICMP protocol.
    • Introduction to IPv6.
  3. Data Link Level
    • Introduction to data link level.
    • Error and flow control.
    • Types of Access Control.
    • Media access control methods.
  4. Local Area Networks
    • Addressing. ARP protocol.
    • Communication between LANs.
    • Ethernet networks.
    • Learning and switching in local area networks, VLANs.
  5. Wireless Networks
    • Fundamental concepts, elements and characteristics.
    • Media access control (without and with reservation).
    • 802.11 Networks

Bibliography

  • James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross, “A Top-Down Approach”, 8th Edition, Pearson, ISBN-13: 9780136681557, 2020. URL with study material: https://gaia.cs.umass.edu/kurose_ross/index.php
  • Andrew S.Tanenbaum, Nick Feamster, David J. Wetherall, “Computer Networks”, 6th Edition, Pearson, ISBN-13: 9780137523214, 2021.
  • William Stallings, “Data and Computer Communications”, 10th Edition, ISBN-13: 9780137561704, (2014) Pearson, 2021. URL with study material: http://williamstallings.com/DataComm/
  • E. Monteiro, F. Boavida, “Engenharia de Redes Informáticas”, 10th Edition, ISBN: 978-972-722-694-8, FCA, 2011.

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