Curricular Unit:Code:
Computer Networks II831RCO2
Year:Level:Course:Credits:
3UndergraduateComputer Systems Engineering7 ects
Learning Period:Language of Instruction:Total Hours:
Portuguese/English91
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
Understanding the basis of telecommunication networks from the OSI model perspective, with focus on the network, transport and application layers. Introduction to network security. Simulation and configuration of routing protocols, congestion and quality of service control in the lab. Network application programming using “Berkeley Sockets” in GNU/LINUX
Syllabus:
The Network layer: Network Layer design issues, Routing Algorithms, Network Level in the Internet, IP Protocol, IP Addresses, OSPF, BGP, Advanced Topics, Congestion Control Algorithms, Quality of Service, Internetworking. The Transport Layer: The Transport Service, UDP, RTP, TCP. The Application Layer: DNS – “Domain Name System”, Electronic Mail, LDAP. Security: Communications Security, IPSEC, VPNs, Firewalls.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The syllabus presented is consistent with the learning objectives of the curricular unit since there is a large convergence between the table of contents and the knowledge that the student is supposed to acquire in each of the program topics. The fundamental concepts and operation of network layer protocols are presented in the first chapter including interior and exterior, static and dynamic routing, congestion and quality of service control. The transport layer, with emphasis on the TCP and UDP protocols, and the application layer are then presented with examples on network application programming. The syllabus concludes with an introduction to security in computer networks. The learning objectives are achieved by supplementing the theoretical concepts with concrete examples run in lab environment using simulators and network equipment.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
The transmission of knowledge in this syllabus will be with theoretical oriented lectures and practical classes in laboratory environment. The lectures present the fundamental concepts for understanding the items of the program. In practical classes students are confronted with real problems that need solving eventually resorting to physical or virtual equipment (in the context of simulators) where suitable. The assessment of the skills acquired by the student in this curricular unit consists of the following assessment elements:
(1) Theoretical Test 1
(2) Theoretical Test 2
(3) Practical Project
(4) Worksheets
(5) Exam(s)
Continuous evaluation:
Pactical Grade (PG) = 0.9*(3) + 0.1*(4),
Final Grade = ((1) + (2) + PG) /3, PG>=9.5
Exam Evaluation (PG>=9.5):
Final Grade = (5)
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The teaching/learning methodology applied in this curricular unit as well as its evaluation system is perfectly aligned with the objectives to be attained by the students at the end of the term. The theoretical concepts are presented, discussed, applied and evaluated in the context of lectures, which guarantees students a solid foundation to understand the challenges facing this area of knowledge. On the other hand, so that the study is not restricted to conceptual models, in the practical lessons are presented concrete case studies and implemented solutions for real problems using appropriate equipment and software tools. This combination guarantees training for students that allows them to meet the scientific goals, essential to a good understanding of the theme, as well as the ability to adapt to technological changes. The evaluation process consists of theoretical tests and practical work also guarantees a correct balance between the efforts dedicated to both components. The objective is to train professionals’ specialized in state-of-the-art techniques and tools but also ensure its ability to follow future developments. In this curriculum unit it is studied the organization, operation and protocols associated with the OSI model network layer with a focus on IP networks. The transport layer is then presented with emphasis on the TCP protocol and sockets API. The most important network services are studied at the application layer. Finally an introduction to security in computer networks is presented. These concepts are then applied in the resolution of the chips and practical work in the context of practical classes.
Reading:
[1] A. S. Tanenbaum et al. - "Computer Networks 6th edition" - Pearson 2021
[2] Kurose,J., Ross, K. "Computer Networks - a Top Down Approach", 7th ed, 2016, Pearson
[3] Commer, D. –“Internetworking with TCP/IP, volume 1, 6th edition” – Prentice Hall 2013.