Computer networks

linfo1341  2024-2025  Louvain-la-Neuve

Computer networks
5.00 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q2
> Schedule
Teacher(s)
Bonaventure Olivier;
Language
French
Prerequisites
Successful completion of LEPL1503 is a plus
Main themes
  • Role, model and needs of representative distributed applications
  • Reference model of computer networks
  • Reliable Transport of Information: Mechanisms and Protocols
  • Network interconnection, addressing, routing and related problems
  • Local, metropolitan and long distance networks
Learning outcomes

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

1
Given the learning outcomes of the "Bachelor in Engineering" program, this course contributes to the development, acquisition and evaluation of the following learning outcomes:
  • AA.1.1, AA.1.2
  • AA2.5-7
  • AA3.2
  • AA4.1-4
Given the learning outcomes of the "Bachelor in Computer science" program, this course contributes to the development, acquisition and evaluation of the following learning outcomes:
  • S1.I7
  • S2.2-4
  • S4.3
  • S5.2-5
  • S6.2-3
Students who have successfully completed this course will be able to
  • Explain the communication needs of the different classes of distributed applications handling data or multimedia streams
  • Explain the distribution of functions that satisfy these needs in the different layers of the reference model
  • Explain the realization of these functions in Internet protocols 
  • Choose solutions according to the needs of their application
  • Quantify the characteristic quantities involved in the networks
Students will have developed methodological and operational skills. In particular, they have developed their ability to
  • Argue to highlight the positives and negatives of a solution and make suggestions for improvement;
  • Write a summary report containing the elements that we wish to highlight.
 
Content
Basic principles of network operation (reliable transfers, routing, naming/addressing, resource sharing, basic notions of security, etc.)
Analysis of the main protocols used on the Internet (HTTP, DNS, TLS, TCP, UDP, IP, OSPF, BGP, Ethernet, WiFi, ...)
Teaching methods
The course combines lectures, supervised exercise sessions, group work and personal work.
Evaluation methods
The assessment consists of four parts:
  • a packet trace analysis project worth 4 out of 20 points
  • a network configuration project, worth 3 out of 20 points 
  • the written exam, worth 13 out of 20 points.
Students who actively contribute to the teaching materials may be awarded one or more bonus points.
The configuration project can only be presented in the first session. An individual trace analysis may be repeated in the second session, in which case it counts for 4 out of 20 points. 
The use of generative AI software such as chatGPT, GitHub copilot, ... is forbidden for assistance in writing the reports and source code requested in this course. In addition, external sources of information must be systematically cited in compliance with bibliographic referencing standards.

 
Other information
Prerequisites:
  •     high level programming language
  •     Unix environment
Online resources
https://www.computer-networking.info
https://moodle.uclouvain.be/course/view.php?id=1269
Bibliography
Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols and Practice (3rd edition), https://beta.computer-networking.info
Teaching materials
  • Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols and Practice (3rd edition)
Faculty or entity
> INFO


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

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Specialization track in Computer Science
FILINFO
5
Bachelor in Computer Science
SINF1BA
5
Minor in Computer Sciences
MINSINF
5
Mineure Polytechnique
MINPOLY
5