This course introduces the basic principles of communication networks and services (protocol architecture, routing, congestion control, etc.) showing by means of application to real networks. The main objective of this course is to analyse both architectural principles and the mechanisms that are required in order to exchange data between computers, work stations, servers and other data processing devices. To achieve this objective, the student must acquire specific knowledge and capacities.
Regarding the Program Outcomes (POs) of the degree, the course covers the following ones:
a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, science, telecommunication technologies and engineering
b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
Regarding knowledge (PO j), at the end of the course the student will be able to:
- Understand the network concept and the different types of existing networks
- Understand the Internet network layer, IP: know the datagram format and the addressing model. ARP. ICMP.
- Understand the IPv6 protocol: header format and addressing.
- Understand basic address management tools, NATs and DHCP.
- Understand routing protocols and algorithms.
- Understand Internet routing protocols by means of an example: RIP.
- Understand Internet transport layer: TCP and UDP.
Regarding capacities, they can be classified in two groups, specific capacities and generic capacities (or skills).
Specific capacities:
a) Define the IP addressing for a certain network. Design that network architecture. Properly configure the network layer of the different hosts. Properly configure the routers to support local area networks connected by means of routing protocols. (POs a, b, e, k)
b) Understand Internet routing protocols by means of an example: RIP. (POs a, b, e, k)
c) Understand NATs. (POs a, e, k).
d) Understand and analyse TCP behaviour in diverse situations, scalability, interactive traffic, congestion. (POs a, e, k)
Skills:
- Overview of the complex problem of network communications, using the layer model approach. (POs a, k)
- Skills to work in teams to achieve the considered designs and configurations, properly balancing the work to face complex problems. (POs b, e)
- Skills to access and understand technical bibliography both in English and Spanish.
- Contact with wide spread technologies used in the professional world. (PO j)
- Skills to access the require information so as to know the details of a certain configuration.