Computer Networks

Course Description:

This course introduces concept of computer networking and discuss the different layers of networking model.

Course Objectives:

The main objective of this course is to introduce the understanding of the concept of computer networking with its layers, topologies, protocols & standards, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, Routing and Latest Networking Standards

Course Contents:

Unit 1: Introduction to Computer Network (6 Hrs.)

Definitions, Uses, Benefits; Overview of Network Topologies (Star, Tree, Bus,…); Overview of Network Types (PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN,…); Networking Types (Client/Server, P2P); Overview of Protocols and Standards; OSI Reference Model; TCP/IP Models and its comparison with OSI; Connection and Connection-Oriented Network Services; Internet, ISPs, Backbone Network Overview

Unit 2: Physical Layer and Network Media (4 Hrs.)

Network Devices: Repeater, Hub, Switch, Bridge, Router; Different types of transmission medias (wired: twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic, Wireless: Radio waves, micro waves, infrared); Ethernet Cable Standards (UTP & Fiber cable standards); Circuit, Message & Packet Switching; ISDN: Interface and Standards

Unit 3: Data Link Layer (8 Hrs.)

Function of Data Link Layer (DLL); Overview of Logical Link Control (LLC) and Media Access Control (MAC); Framing and Flow Control Mechanisms; Error Detection and Correction techniques; Channel Allocation Techniques (ALOHA, Slotted ALOHA); Ethernet Standards (802.3 CSMA/CD, 802.4 Token Bus, 802.5 Token Ring); Wireless LAN: Spread Spectrum, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi; Overview Virtual Circuit Switching, Frame Relay& ATM; DLL Protocol: HDLC, PPP

Unit 4: Network Layer (10 Hrs.)

Introduction and Functions; IPv4 Addressing & Sub-netting; Class-full and Classless Addressing; IPv6 Addressing and its Features; IPv4 and IPv6 Datagram Formats; Comparison of IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing; Example Addresses: Unicast, Multicast and Broadcast; Routing: Introduction and Definition, Types of Routing (Static vs Dynamic, Unicast vs Multicast, Link State vs Distance Vector, Interior vs Exterior), Path Computation Algorithms: Bellman Ford, Dijkstra’s, Routing Protocols: RIP, OSPF & BGP; Overview of IPv4 to IPv6 Transition Mechanisms; Overview of ICMP/ICMPv6&NATing; Overview of Network Traffic Analysis; Security Concepts: Firewall & Router Access Control

Unit 5: Transport Layer (6 Hrs.)

Introduction, Functions and Services; Transport Protocols: TCP, UDP and Their Comparisons; Connection Oriented and Connectionless Services; Congestion Control: Open Loop & Closed Loop, TCP Congestion Control; Traffic Shaping Algorithms: Leaky Bucket & Token Bucket; Queuing Techniques for Scheduling; Introduction to Ports and Sockets, Socket Programming

Unit 6: Application Layer (7 Hrs.)

Introduction and Functions; Web &HTTP; DNS and the Query Types; File Transfer and Email Protocols: FTP, SFTP, SMTP, IMAP, POP3; Overview of Application Server Concepts: Proxy, Web, Mail; Network Management: SNMP

Unit 7: Multimedia &Future Networking (4 Hrs.)

Overview Multimedia Streaming Protocols: SCTP; Overview of SDN and its Features, Data and Control Plane; Overview of NFV; Overview of NGN

Laboratory Works:

The lab activities under this subject should accommodate at least the following; Understanding of Network equipment, wiring in details; OS (Ubuntu/CentOS/Windows) installation, practice on basic Networking commands (ifconfig/ipconfig, tcpdump, netstat, dnsip, hostname, route…); Overview of IP Addressing and sub-netting, static ip setting on Linux/windows machine, testing; Introduction to Packet Tracer, creating of a LAN and connectivity test in the LAN, creation of VLAN and VLAN trunking; Basic Router Configuration, Static Routing Implementation; Implementation of Dynamic/interior/exterior routing (RIP, OSPF, BGP); Firewall Implementation, Router Access Control List (ACL); Packet capture and header analysis by wire-shark (TCP,UDP,IP); DNS, Web, FTP server configuration (shall use packet tracer, GNS3); Case Study: Network Operation Center Visit (ISP, Telecom, University Network); LAB Exam, Report and VIVA

Text Books:

1. Data Communications and Networking, 4^th Edition, Behrouz A Forouzan, McGraw-Hill
2. Computer Networking; A Top Down Approach Featuring The Internet, 2^nd Edition, Kurose James F., Ross W. Keith, PEARSON EDUCATION ASIA