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Identical coursesComputer Networks (B-KUL-G0Q43A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractAims
This course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of important topics in computer networks. We will focus on the following layers of the protocol stack: application, transport, network and data link. The course also provides some basic context on the physical layer.
The course is taught 'from the top down', i.e. beginning with the application layer and then moving down the network stack to conclude with the physical layer. The course content ranges from theoretical concepts, through the engineering of network protocols to hands-on practical exercises.
After following the course, the student should be familiar with the functioning of the most important building-blocks and protocols of a computer network.
Previous knowledge
The student should be familiar with algorhythms and data structures, as dealt with in the course Methods of informatics or Principles of programming. Next, the student is supposed to have already become acquainted with the Internet as a user and to be somewhat familiar with the basic concepts of protocol and network architecture. An elementary knowledge of cooperative tasks and deadlocks will be an aid when processing the course.
Order of Enrolment
This course unit is a prerequisite for taking the following course units:
H04G7A : Capita Selecta Computer Science: Distributed Systems
Identical courses
This course is identical to the following courses:
X0C97A : Computer Networks
Is included in these courses of study
- Schakelprogramma: Master in de toegepaste informatica (Leuven) 61 ects.
- Bachelor in de informatica (Leuven) 180 ects.
- Voorbereidingsprogramma: Master in de ingenieurswetenschappen: computerwetenschappen (Leuven) 61 ects.
- Educatieve master in de wetenschappen en technologie (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Bachelor in de ingenieurswetenschappen (Leuven) (Hoofdrichting computerwetenschappen) 180 ects.
- Bachelor in de ingenieurswetenschappen (Leuven) (Nevenrichting computerwetenschappen) 180 ects.
Activities
5 ects. Computer Networks (B-KUL-G0Q43a)
Content
Introduction
This section provides context on Computer Networks and their applications. Students are then introduced to important reference models for computer networks.
Application layer:
This section looks at application layer challenges, the architecture of key networked applications and important application-layer protocols. Example protocols may include, but are not limited to: Telnet, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), the Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Gnutella, Chord, Bittorrent and The Onion Router (TOR).
Transport layer:
This section begins with an overview of the services that the transport layer provides. The basic elements of a transport layer protocol are then discussed and important Internet transport protocols are described. Example protocols may include, but are not limited to: the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), the Real Time Protocol (RTP) and the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
Network layer:
This section considers network layer concerns, including: routing algorithms, congestion control, quality of service and internetworking. Important network layer Internet protocols are then discussed. Example protocols may include, but are not limited to: the Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4), Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) and Link State Routing. This section will conclude with an introduction to the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), the next version of the Internet Protocol.
Data Link Layer:
This section focuses on the Medium Access Control (MAC) sub-layer. Students will be introduced to design issues for MAC-layer protocols and a number of case-study protocols including ALOHA, Ethernet, Berkeley-MAC (BMAC) and Time Synchronized Mesh Protocol (TSMP). We will also focus on framing and, to a smaller degree, the physical layer.
Course material
Manual:
Computer Networks, 5th Edition, A. Tanenbaum (Dutch or English edition)
1 ects. Computer Networks: Laboratory Sessions (B-KUL-G0Q44a)
Content
The practical sessions for Computer Networks consist of three topics, the weighting of which will be announced during the course:
- Simulating application protocols using Telnet (home exercise)
- Sockets Programming with Java (lab sessions)
- Network Administration with CISCO (lab sessions)
Course material
Documentation will be made available via Toledo.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Computer Networks (B-KUL-G2Q43a)
Explanation
The exam will consist of a total of four questions: two open book questions and two closed book questions.