Learning outcomes

The course covers standard principles and design methodology methods of the modern communication networks, with particular emphasis on the layering approach and the network resource management.
At the end of the course, the student will have to show to know and understand networking notions, including the different protocols adopted in each layer.

Program

* General concepts:
-- Classification: WAN, MAN, LAN;
-- Circuit-switched and packet-switched networks;
-- Reference models: ISO-OSI and TCP/IP.

* The Application Level:
-- The client/server model;
-- World Wide Web (HTTP);
-- File Transfer Protocol (FTP);
-- Electronic mail (SMTP, POP3 e IMAP);
-- Domain Name Service (DNS).

* The Transport Level:
-- Aims and services;
-- TCP (3-way handshaking, flow control, retransmission, congestion control);
-- UDP;

* The Network Level:
-- The IP protocol:
---- Packet format;
---- Address format and use, netmask, ARP and RARP;
---- Class-less inter-domain routing (CIDR);
-- Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP);
-- Internet control management protocol (ICMP);
-- Routing protocols (distance vector, link state routing);
-- IPv6;
-- Network Address Translation (NAT).

* The Data-Link Level:
-- Framing;
-- Multple access;
-- The MAC sub-layer: Aloha, CSMA, CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA;
-- Bridge, switch and LAN;
-- Wireless LAN.

Examination Methods

The examination aims at verifying the comprehension of course contents and the capability to apply these contents in the resolution of some exercises.

Examination consists of a written test with three questions about the theory and three numerical exercises.
The total score that can be obtained from the questions about the theory is 12 points. The student must obtain at least 7 points int his part, otherwise the examination fails and the exercises are not evaluated.
The total score that can be obtained from the exercises is 21 points. The final score is the sum the points obtained from the questions and from the exercises. If the final score is less than 17 points, the examination fails. If it is equal to 17 points, the student must sustain an oral exam. If the final score is equal to or greater than 18 points, the exam is passed. If the exam is passed, the student may ask for an additional oral exam. The oral exam consists of at least three questions about the theory. The final score is given by the mean of the scores obtained in the written and oral exams.

Bibliography

Teaching materials

•   01 - Introduzione   (pdf, it, 3499 KB, 30/09/16)
•   02 - Livello Applicativo   (pdf, it, 2022 KB, 13/10/16)
•   03 - Livello di Trasporto   (pdf, it, 1524 KB, 20/10/16)
•   04a - Livello di Rete - Indirizzamento   (pdf, it, 917 KB, 02/11/16)
•   04b - Livello di Rete - Altre funzionalita'   (pdf, it, 5125 KB, 02/11/16)
•   05 - Livello Data Link   (pdf, it, 1996 KB, 22/11/16)
•   -- - Esercizi riassuntivi   (pdf, it, 3606 KB, 06/12/16)
•   -- - Modalita' d'esame   (pdf, it, 79 KB, 06/12/16)
•   -- - Ulteriori temi d'esame   (pdf, it, 229 KB, 15/12/16)