Curricular Unit:Code:
Computer Networks I1093RCO1
Year:Level:Course:Credits:
3UndergraduateComputer Systems Engineering7 ects
Learning Period:Language of Instruction:Total Hours:
Winter SemesterPortuguese/English91
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
Upon successful completion of this course unit students should be able to:
1. Describe and identify the fundamental characteristics of layered communication systems.
2. Explain the theoretical basis of information theory and apply the Nyquist and Shannon-Hartley theorems.
3. Describe the mechanisms of data transmission and encoding.
4. Describe the characteristics and applications of the different transmission media.
5. List the functions and apply the algorithms used in the logical link layer.
6. Design, simulate and evaluate the performance of logical link layer protocols.
7. Describe the characteristics of local area networks (LANs) and evaluate the performance of media access protocols.
8. Identify and describe the components of the IEEE 802 architecture.
9. Design, implement, configure, test and manage enterprise class Ethernet LANs (with redundancy and virtual local area networks).
Syllabus:
1. Introduction. Network hardware and software. Reference Models. Network Standardization.
2. Physical Layer. Data Transmission. Data Encoding. Transmission Media.
3. Data Link Layer. Requirements. Frames. Error Control. Flow Control. Protocol Examples.
4. Local Area Networks (LANs). Topologies. MAC Protocols. IEEE 802 architecture. Ethernet.
5. LAN Interconnection. Extending LANs: Repeaters and HUBs. Limiting Collision Domains: Bridges and Switches. Spanning Tree Protocol. Limiting Broadcast domains: VLANs. IEEE 802.1Q, GVRP and VTP Protocols.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
In this curricular unit the fundamental concepts of computer network organization are presented in the introductory chapter; physical and data link layers of the OSI model are presented in the two following chapters and, in the last chapter, local area networks are studied. The learning objectives are achieved by supplementing the theoretical concepts with real use cases deployed 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 solve exercises eventually using physical or virtual equipment (in the context of simulators) where suitable. The final grade is calculated according to the following formula:
practical grade = 0,8 * (project) + 0,2 * worksheets
theoretical grade = (theoretical Test 1 + theoretical Test 2) / 2
final Grade = (2 * theoretical grade + Practical grade) / 3
Both the Practical and Theoretical grade have to be positive (> = 9.5).
If any of the components is not positive the curricular unit will not be completed and the positive component will be preserved according to the regulations.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
Learning objectives focus on understanding how computer networks are structured according to layered models. In this curricular unit students will learn about the Network’s physical and logical link layers, as well as, local area networks (LANs). The resolution of practical exercises and projects, involving conceptual design, but also configuration, implementation, testing and management of enterprise local area networks allows students to acquire the necessary skills.
Reading:
[1] Tanenbaum, A. – “Computer Networks 5th Edition – Prentice Hall 2010
[2] Stallings, W. –“Data and Computer Communications 10th edition” – Prentice Hall 2013.
[3] Commer, D. –“Internetworking with TCP/IP, volume 1, 6th edition” – Prentice Hall 2013.
Lecturer (* Responsible):
Bruno Andrade Gomes (bagomes@ufp.edu.pt)
Pedro Sobral (pmsobral@ufp.edu.pt)