Computer networks: information transfer [ LINGI2141 ]

> https://icampus.uclouvain.be/claroline/course/index.php?cid=ingi2141

• high-level programming language (e.g. FSAB1402)
• Unix environment  (e.g. SINF1252)

• Role, model and requirements of distributed applications
• Reference model used in computer networks
• Reliable transport of information in data networks : mechanisms and protocols
• Interconnection of networks, addressing, routing : mechanisms and protocols
• Local Area, Metropolitan and Wide Area Networks

Students completing successfully this course will be able to

• explain the main requirements of distributed and multimedia applications
• explain the functions used to fulfill those requirements in the different layers of the networking reference model
• explain how those functions are implemented in the Internet protocols
• select the appropriate solution based on the application's requirement
• estimate the charactericstic quantities related to networks

Students will have developed skills and operational methodology. In particular, they have developed their ability to

• argue in a group to bring out a common solution based on solid foundations;
  
• write a summary report containing the items you want to highlight.

The evaluation is composed of three parts :

• a group project on a protocol implementation worth 3 out of 20 points
• an individual report that explains the operation of one protocol/application, worth 4 out of 20 points
• the final exam, worth 13 points out of 20

In addition, students can obtain a bonus if they actively contribute to the course syllabus.

The group project can only be passed once.

The individual project can be updated by submitting a new version before the start of the second session.

Lecture

Exercises

• A set of questions or a small implementation in groups of 7/8 students every week (answers provided to the teaching assistant followed by a discussion)

Programming project

• Implementation of a small protocol by groups of 2

Packet trace project

• Explanation of some specific behaviour of networking

The course uses the top-down approach.

• Introduction
• Application layer
• Transport layer
• Network layer
• Datalink layer and Local Area Network

• Computer Networking : Principles, Protocols and Practice open-source textbook.
• Slides online