Computer Networks

Credits
6
Types
Elective
Requirements
This subject has not requirements , but it has got previous capacities
Department
AC
Web
http://jordid.site.ac.upc.edu/CN/
The goal of this course is to give a background in computer networks mechanisms and basic concepts used in the design of protocols and network architectures. These mechanisms include protocols and a wide range of thecnologies either for wired networks or wireless networks. The course includes the basic principles of transmission and switching, wireless communications shared medium transmission, mechanisms and algorithms for routing, network architecture and networking, resource management and network services.

Weekly hours

Theory
2
Problems
2
Laboratory
0
Guided learning
0
Autonomous learning
5

Objectives

  1. The main goal is to understand the basic concepts of the network architecture, the fundamental principles of network design and of the most relevant algorithms used in protocols and network functions.
    Related competences: CB6, CB7, CTR4, CTR5, CTR6, CEE2.1, CEE2.2, CEE2.3, CG1, CG3, CG5,
  2. The main goal will be achieved via discussion sessions based on selected readings. This approach fosters autonomous learning and team work skills.
    Related competences: CB7, CB8, CB9, CB6, CTR3, CTR4, CTR6, CEE2.2, CEE2.1, CEE2.3,

Contents

  1. Basic concepts in Computer Networks
    Transmission Principles.
    Error correction. Flow control.
    Switching. Statistical Multiplexing.
    Multiaccess Communications (ALOHA, CSMA/CD, TDMA, WDM).
    Wireless Transmission.
  2. Network Architecture Principles
    Network Design Principles.
    Naming and Addressing.
    IPv6. IPv6/IPv4 Transition and Coexistence.
    New Network Architectures.
  3. Resorce Management
    Basic principles in Quality of Service.
    Quality of Experience.
    Schedulers (FIFO, Priorities, Weighted Fair Queueing).
    Policy Functions: Leaky Bucket.
    Flow control.
    Congestion control.
    Integrated Services Architecture.
    Differentiated Services Architecture.
  4. Routing and Inter-Networking
    Routing Algorithms.
    Inter-domain Routing.
    Spanning Tree.
    Multicast Routing. Single Source Multicast.
  5. Network Services
    Mobility.
    P2P networks.
    Routing in overlay networks.
    Content Distribution Networks.
    Wireless Sensor Networks (Internet of the Things).
  6. Research Topics
    Current "hot topics" in computer networks research:
    Name centric networks (Data Centric Networking).
    Software-Defined Networks.
    Locator/ID split networks.
    Network Economics (Incentives and Economic Models).
    Smart Grid an Energy Efficiency.
    Internet of the Things (Machine-to-machine).
    Cloud Computing.
    Wireless Sensor and Ad Hoc Networks.
    Mobility and Vehicular Networks.
    Social Networks.

Activities

Activity Evaluation act


Basic Concepts in Computer Networks


Objectives: 1 2
Contents:
Theory
4h
Problems
4h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
10h

Network Architecture Principles


Objectives: 1 2
Contents:
Theory
4h
Problems
4h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
10h

Resource Management


Objectives: 1 2
Contents:
Theory
6h
Problems
6h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
15h

Routing and Inter-Networking


Objectives: 1 2
Contents:
Theory
6h
Problems
6h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
15h

Network Services


Objectives: 1 2
Contents:
Theory
3h
Problems
3h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
7h

Research Topics



Theory
3h
Problems
3h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
8h

Teaching methodology

Theoretical sessions will be complemented by discussion sessions based on assigned readings.
Studying some selected research papers will provide the flavor of research work.

Evaluation methodology

Midterm/Assignments: 25%
Discussion sessions: 20%
Active Participation in Class: 5%
Final Exam / Final project: 50%

Bibliography

Basic

  • Computer networking : a top-down approach featuring the Internet - James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross, Addison-Wesley, 2012. ISBN: 0132856204
  • Engineering Internet QoS - Jha, Sanjay; Hassan, Mahbub, Artech House, cop. 2002. ISBN: 1-58053-341-8
    http://cataleg.upc.edu/record=b1220487~S1*cat

Complementary

Previous capacities

Bachelor Degree. Admission to MIRI.