Computer Networks

Lecturer: Zaven Navoyan
Classes: 2 lectures per week

Short Description

This course will cover the principles of computer networks, mainly internet works. We will discuss the internet starting from the lowest physical layer till application layer. We will introduce the principles of the network and network protocol works as well as ways of diagnosing web problems. We will introduce the principles of networking equipment and will monitor network configuration examples of commonly encountered problem. We will do lab work where based on working network theoretical studies of the previous material will be displayed.

Requirements

Basic Knowledge: Basic knowledge of computer systems and probability theory. Basic knowledge of programming language (C++, C#, JAVA) is desirable.
Homework: Every 1-2 class. The answers must be sent within a week or two. Deadlines will be announced during classes.

Assessment

50% of grading is based on homework, the other 50% is based on two on-going tests.

Textbook

  1. Stevens W. R. - TCP/IP Illustrated, Vol. 1: The Protocols
  2. Tanenbaum A. S., Wetherall D. J. - Computer Networks (5th Edition)

    Content
    1. Computer network, definition, types (DialUp, DSL, WiFi, WiMAX, FiberOptics, Ethernet),Packet switching vs. Circuit switching)
    2. Internet 4 layer model, network level
    3. IP protocol, internet, IPv4, IPv6
    4. Switch/VLAN, ARP addresses resolution protocol
    5. ICMP Internet control message protocol
    6. The Ping program
    7. The Traceroute program
    8. IP routing, Routers
    9. Border gateway protocols (OSPF, BGP)
    10. UDP - User Datagram Protocol
    11. Unicast, multicast and broadcast addresses
    12. IGMP - Internet group management protocol
    13. DNS – domain name system. Am domains, nslookup command
    14. TCP - Transmission Control Protocol
    15. TCP confirmation and release
    16. TCP segments double swapping
    17. Packet loss and Latency on TCP speed
    18. RDP, SSH and Telnet protocols
    19. FTP – file transfer protocol
    20. SMTP, POP, IMAP – Simple mail transfer protocols
    21. HTTP protocols, web sites, GET, POST query, caching, cookies:
    22. P2P networks
    23. DDOS attacks