Computer Networks

COURSE OBJECTIVE
The successful student will understand the principles, the structures, and the architecture of computer networks and data communication.

COURSE CONTENT
The emphasis in this course is on fundamental concepts in digital communication. In modern computer networks, data communication takes place by sending data from A to B via a layered architecture where each layer implements a different abstraction. The higher layers are responsible for handling web pages, emails and similar things, that are translated into packets, bits, and eventually digital signals on physical links (e.g., lightpulses, electrical signals in copper wires, radio waves).

This layered architecture with increasing levels of abstraction and separation of concerns, is a fundamental approach that you will encounter in all aspects of computer science (and beyond). Within this architecture, we will concern ourselves with questions like: what route should the data follow through the network, what do we do when errors occur, how do we interconnect two networks that have completely different properties, etc.

Topics to be discussed include: the datalink layer, the network layer, the transport layer, and the application layer. The focus of this course will be on the Internet and the popular protocols that are used in the Internet (TCP, UDP, Ethernet, Wifi, etc. ).

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures and (to a lesser extent) tutorials.

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Exam and practical assignment. The exam carries most of the weight.