Communication networks

lelec2920  2020-2021  Louvain-la-Neuve

Communication networks
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information below is subject to change, in particular that concerning the teaching mode (presential, distance or in a comodal or hybrid format).
5 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q1
Teacher(s)
Lugan Sébastien (compensates Macq Benoît); Macq Benoît;
Language
English
Main themes
  • Introduction, media access control, layered models,
  • Internet Protocol, IP routing, introduction to IPv6,
  • DNS, e-mail, common protocols,
  • Multimedia networking (streaming, VoIP, DVB),
  • Network security and advanced topics.
Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 With respect to the AA referrng system defined for the Master in Electrical Engineering, the course contributes to the development mastery and assessment of the following skills :
  • AA1.1, AA1.2, AA1.3
  • AA2.1, AA2.3, AA2.4
  • AA5.1, AA5.2, AA5.3, AA5.5.
At the end of this course, the students will be able to
  • understand the architecture of communication networks,
  • identify the routing strategies which are best suited to a particular network topology,
  • understand resource management strategies allowing to guarantee a quality of service, particularly for multimedia communications,
  • design architectures allowing secure communications.
Transverse learning outcomes :
  • use a network simulation tool (Netkit),
  • configure network parameters of a Linux based system using low-level commands,
  • configure a router using a (Cisco) IOS-like syntax
 
Content
Part 1 (networking):
  • Introduction to communication networks,
  • Media Access Control, Layered models,
  • Internet Protocol, IP fragmentation,
  • UDP, TCP, ICMP, traceroute & PMTU discovery,
  • Static IP routing, dynamic routing (algorithms and protocols),
  •  DNS, e-mail (SMTP, POP3, IMAP4),
  •  common protocols (HTTP, FTP, etc.),
  •  NAT, introduction to IPv6,
  • wireless network protocols (3G/4G/5G, Wifi, BlueTooth, BLE),
  • wearable devices, IoT & smart sensors (Zigbee, NFC, Lora, Sigfox).
Part 2 (multimedia/security):
  • Introduction to multimedia networking,
  • Multimedia streaming (stored multimedia, live, real-time interactive),
  • Introduction to audio and video compression,
  • Streaming protocols,
  • VoIP (ToIP, video conferencing, SIP),
  • Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB),
  • Introduction to network security, principles of cryptography,
  • Message integrity, digital signature, certification authorities, PKI,
  • Secure e-mail and network connections (X.509, SSL).
Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

- Traditional lectures,
- Labs in computer room allowing the student to use the theoretical concepts seen during the lecture on a simulated network (using Netkit simulation software).
Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

- Lab report (20% of the final points),
- Written exam (80% of the final points)
Other information
Labs in computer room
Bibliography
- Notes de cours,
- James Kurose and Keith Ross, «Computer Networking, A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet».
Faculty or entity
ELEC


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Master [120] in Electrical Engineering

Master [120] in Electro-mechanical Engineering

Master [120] in Agricultural Bioengineering

Master [120] in Environmental Bioengineering

Master [120] in Chemistry and Bioindustries