Access Networks and Shared Media

Access Networks and Shared Media
Course Number: 214 - 13329
ECTS credits: 6
YEAR 2/ Lower Division

PREREQUISITES/STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE COMPLETED:
Calculus I
Statistics

COMPETENCES AND SKILLS THAT WILL BE ACQUIRED AND LEARNING RESULTS:

Along this course, the students will acquire basic knowledge on computer networks in general and Internet in
particular, focusing on analyzing specific procedures in the access networks and shared media.
In order to achieve this objective, students must acquire a set of knowledge and abilities.
Regarding the set of knowledge, at the end of the course the student must:
+ Knowledge of network computer architectures.
+ Understand functionalities developed by different actors in a network.
+ Knowledge of basic access networks architectures commonly used: PSTN, ISDN, ADSL, etc.
+ Knowledge of the structure of a physical layer standard.
+ Knowledge of design a structured cabling system.
+ Study in depth of the link layer techniques, analyzing their performance and usability criteria.
+ Understanding of shared media techniques for access networks analyzing the performance for different
techniques and identifying the best technique for a given scenario.
+ Understanding of common link layer protocols: HDLC, PPP and SLIP.
+ Study several techniques used in LAN (Ethernet/IEEE 802.3, WLAN/IEEE 802.11) as well as VLAN concepts.
Regarding abilities, it is possible to classify them in two different groups: specific abilities and generic abilities or
skills.
Regarding specific abilities, at the end of the course, the student will be able to:
+ Design, connect and interconnect an Ethernet local area network, forming physical and logic networks.
+ Analyze the performance of several shared media techniques.
+ Analyze the performance of several communication systems.
Regarding generic abilities or skills, during the course we will work on:
+ The abstract model of layers used in network protocols architecture, which provides a wide view in order to tackle
the complex problem of the communications networks. (PO a)
+ Ability to work as a member of a team in order to develop proposed designs and configurations, balancing the
load of work in order to face complex problems. (PO d)
+ Knowledge about the different network standardization process. (OP j)
+ Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering as it applies to the fields
of computer hardware and software. (PO a)
+ Ability to identify, to formulate, and to solve hardware and software problems using engineering principles. (PO e)
+ Recognition of the need for an ability to engage in lifelong learning, and an ability to independently acquire and
apply required information. (PO i)
+ Knowledge of contemporary issues. (PO j)

DESCRIPTION OF CONTENTS:

This is an introductory course on network protocol and architectures, starting on physical and data link layer within
network protocol architecture, focusing on the access to the media techniques and examples of access network
technologies. Both shared and point-to-point network protocols are included.
The program is divided in four modules:
(1) FIRST MODULE: This module has the goal of defining basic concepts and to specify the general context as the
foundation for following modules and for additional courses related with network protocols. Particularly, this module
focuses on communication protocol architectures, using as examples most commons, like the OSI and TCP/IP
models. This module includes an overview of some well-known and very used communication networks like the
Switched Telephony Network, ISDN and Internet.
(2) SECOND MODULE: This module is focused on the physical layer, and all topics related with it, like
functionalities of the physical level, types of cabling used nowadays and their functionality characteristics. Some
standards will be studied in order to comprehend all these characteristics. Furthermore, the Structured Cabling
System will be studied based on several examples of use.
(3) THIRD MODULE: The main objective of this module is to study all topics related with the data link layer, going
deeper on all necessary mechanisms to provide flow control, error control (FEC and ARQ techniques) and the
definition and evaluation of all techniques used to share media on access networks, mainly.
(4) FOURTH MODULE: The last module has the goal of study common technologies for local area networks.
Particularly, we will focus on ETHERNET (IEEE 802.3) and Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11) analyzing their
architectures, addressing, basic characteristics, deployment scenarios and dimensioning. Furthermore, we will
study other topics like the internetworking between local area networks, their design and criteria.

LEARNING ACTIVITES AND METHODOLOGY:

The methodology includes:
1.    Aggregated Classes, where basic concepts are introduced and where the professor explains the mechanism to develop each topic. These classes are aimed to focus the students on the comprehension, differentiation, classification and relationship of different concepts that will be described during the course. (PO i, j)
2.    Small Classes, which are mainly practical classes related with each of the modules, including the approach and resolution of exercises, works in labs, examples description, use cases, etc. In these classes the students have to generate, gather and combine all the concepts necessary to solve problems and to apply different criteria to select, design and develop technologies for a given proposed scenario. (PO a, e, d)
3.    Homework, where the students have to search, read and acquire basic information for each topic of the course, which will help them to better understand more advanced topics that will be explained during the aggregated classes. Furthermore, the students have to solve basic problems both individually and within work groups. This activities will be drive by the teachers following the chronogram of the course and providing different material to the student to help them with these activities. (PO d)
4.      Group Review Classes, for specific preparation of  evaluation I and II.

ASSESSMENT SYSTEM:

The assessment system follows the guidelines included in the University rules approved during the meeting celebrated on May 31st, 2011.
The assessment can be followed in two possible ways:
+ Continuous assessment (PO a, e, i, j). This mechanism will be performed during the whole semester and will be based on two partial evaluations in order to check the students' learning progress. The students must assist regularly to classes and get at least 40% of the maximum grade in each of the two partial evaluations to follow this assessment. With this assessment, the students can obtain the 100% of the final grade.

+ Global Exam. This mechanism will be perform at the extra exam in June  for those students who didn´t pass the continuous assessment along the semestre.  (PO a, e, i, j)

Optional Work. These activities will be defined and proposed during the course and will provide a potential way to increase the final mark in a 10% of the maximum final grade. (PO i, d)

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Behrouz A. Forouzan. Data Communications and Networking. Mc Graw-Hill. 4/Ed. ISBN: 0072967757. 2007