Computer networks

linfo1341  2023-2024  Louvain-la-Neuve

Computer networks
5.00 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
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 :

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 3 points out of 20
  •     an individual review of two group works, worth 1 point out of 20 
  •     participation in courses, inginious and configuration exercises, worth 3 points out of 20 
  •     the final exam, worth 13 points out of 20 points
Students who actively contribute to educational materials can earn bonus points.
The reviews associated with the project and  inginious and configuration exercises can only be presented in the first session. The packet trace analysis project can be submitted individually again for the second session.
 
Other information
Prerequisites:
  •     high level programming language
  •     Unix environment
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


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

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Specialization track in Computer Science

Bachelor in Computer Science

Minor in Computer Sciences

Mineure Polytechnique