5016.20 - Computer Networks and Data Communication


Course number
5016.20
Title
Computer Networks and Data Communication
ECTS
7.5
Prerequisites
Upper secondary school with mathematics at the level B
Purpose
This course is an introduction to data communication and networking and describes the infrastructure and functions of local computer networks, wide-area networks and the internet.
Content
Introduction to data communications and networking. Basic network concepts and network infrastructure, circuit- and packet switching, protocol layers, network protocols TCP/IP etc., addressing and routing. Services, infrastructure and data communication within local networks, wide-area networks and the internet: application layer, transport layer, network layer, data link layer and physical layer. Computer-based tools for the analysis of network traffic.
Learning and teaching approaches
Lectures, theoretical- and computer-based exercises.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course the student is expected to be able to: • Apply general design principles to the design of different types of computer networks (access, core, backbone) • Describe the basic functionality and role of the most important protocols in each protocol layer used in the Internet • Explain, using network design principles and protocol layering techniques, how the Internet supports multi-media services • Describe and analyze reliable data communication principles • Illustrate an understanding of ethical issues dealing with networks and data communications • Use a software-based protocol analyzer (packet sniffer) to examine the detailed workings of various Internet protocols
Assessment method
4-hour written examination without helping aids (no computer, no textbook or any other course related material).
Examination
External
Marking scale
7-
Bibliography
Computer Networking, A Top-Down Approach - James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross, Pearson Education; Seventh Edition; ISBN-10: 0-13-359414-9, ISBN-13: 978-0-13-359414-0