Computer networks

lsinc1341  2025-2026  Charleroi

Computer networks
5.00 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q2
> Schedule

  This learning unit is not open to incoming exchange students!

Teacher(s)
Bonaventure Olivier (coordinator); Pelsser Cristel;
Language
French
Prerequisites
This course assumes that the student already acquired programming skills, algorithmic skills and mastery of the elementary data structures targeted by the LEPL1402 course.
Successful completion of LEPL1503 is a plus
The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.
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 :

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 evaluation consists of three parts:
  • A protocol implementation project, worth 4 out of 20 points
  • An analysis project, worth 3 out of 20 points
  • A written exam, worth 13 out of 20 points
Students who actively contribute to teaching materials may earn one or more bonus points.
The use of generative AI for projects is strongly discouraged, as experience shows it prevents students from properly mastering the subject matter. If you use such tools, you must strictly comply with UCLouvain’s good practice guidelines, including clearly and transparently citing any AI-generated content. Only the original part of your work will be assessed.
Projects can only be submitted during the first examination session, except in cases of long-term absence recognized by the jury president.
Other information
Prerequisites:
  •     high level programming language
  •     Unix environment
Online resources
Bibliography
Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols and Practice (3rd edition), https://beta.computer-networking.info
Faculty or entity
> SINC


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

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in Computer Science
SINC1BA
5