Electrical and Computer Engineering

Computer Networks

Contact Hours/Week (Theory) 3 Contact Hours/Week (Practical) 2
Self-study Hours/Week 5 Language of Instruction English
Semester Delivered 7 Credits (ECTS) 6
Course Type Core Version Number 1.0
Version Date 03-12-2024
Prerequisite 1 Communication Systems Code ELEC B314H
Dept. /College Electrical and Computer Engineering/Engineering Code ELCE/ENG
Owner Dept. /College Electrical and Computer Engineering/Engineering Code ELCE/ENG
Course Coordinator Ismail Amin Ali Email [email protected]

Course overview

This course is designed to help students understand the basics of data communications and networking and the protocols used. The course teaches the principles of networking using the TCP/IP reference model. Teaching these principles using protocol layering is beneficial because these principles are repeated and better understood in relation to each layer.

Learning

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

● [1] Explain the foundational principles of computer networks and common network models such as OSI and TCP/IP and describe the functionalities of each layer in the TCP/IP reference model.

● Identify and describe various types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN) and their purposes.

● Explain the operation of controlled access MAC protocols (such as reservation, polling and token passing) and random access MAC protocols such as ALOHA, CMA/CD.

● Describe the basics of wireless networking, including Wi-Fi standards (802.11x) and wireless media access methods such as CSMA/CA and PCF.

● Explain spanning tree algorithm and basic switching concepts and show VLANs work.

● Explain the role and operation of core network protocols such as ARP, IP, ICMP, TCP, UDP, DHCP.

● Apply IP addressing schemes, including IPv4 and IPv6, and use subnet addressing techniques to design efficient IP subnets that meet specific network requirements.

● Explain unicast routing algorithms, including distance vector and link state routing algorithms.

● Use network monitoring tools (such as Wireshark) to analyze network traffic and diagnose network performance issues.

● Use Cisco Packet Tracer simulation tool to design and configure different network scenarios, creating fully functional simulated network environments.

In addition to being measurable, learning outcomes must be defined in terms of the scope of knowledge, skills, and competence.

Topics Covered

  • Physical Topologies
  • TCP/IP Protocol Suite
  • OSI Reference Model

  • Digital Transmission
  • Analog Transmission
  • Bandwidth Utilization: Multiplexing and Spectrum Spreading
  • Transmission Media

  • Data Link Layer Services
  • DLC and MAC Sublayers
  • Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)

  • Multiple Access Protocols
  • ALOHA
  • Pure ALOHA
  • Slotted ALOHA
  • Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA)
  • CSMA Persistence Methods
  • Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)
  • Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)
  • Controlled Access Methods (Reservation, Polling, Token passing)

  • IEEE 802 project
  • Ethernet Frame Format
  • Standard Ethernet
  • Bridges and Collision Domain
  • Fast Ethernet
  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • 10 Gigabit Ethernet

  • IEEE 802.11
  • Distributed Coordination Function (DFC)
  • Point Coordination Function (PFC)
  • Hidden Station Problem
  • Connecting Devices and VLANs (Repeaters, Hubs, Bridges, Switches, Learning Switches)
  • Loop Problem in Learning Switches
  • Spanning Tree Algorithm
  • VLANs

  • Internet Protocol IPv4
  • IP Classful Addressing
  • Subnetting and Supernetting
  • Classless Address
  • Designing Subnets (Classful and Classless)
  • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
  • Network Address Translation (NAT)

  • IP Datagram Format
  • IP Options
  • ICMPv4
  • - ICMPv4 Error Reporting Messages
  • - ICMPv4 Query Messages
  • Debugging tools (Ping, Traceroute, Tracert)

  • Least Cost Routing and Least Cost Trees
  • Distance-Vector Routing Algorithm
  • - Bellman-Ford Equation
  • - Distance Vectors
  • Link-State Routing
  • - Link-State Database (LSDB)
  • - Dijkstra’s Algorithm

  • Transport Layer Services
  • Transport-Layer Protocols
  • - User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
  • - Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
  • Port Numbers

  • IPv6 notations
  • IPv6 Address Types
  • Global Unicast Addresses

Mode of Delivery

This course is delivered in person and includes classes and lab sessions that the student should attend. Maximum of 10% absence is permitted.

Assessment Methods and Grading

The grading and assessment of this course is done as below:

● 5% Homework

● 10% Quizzes

● 10% Lab. Reports and quizzes

● 10% Lab. final exam‌

● 25% One mid semester exam

● 40% Theory final exam

Passing Requirements

To pass this course successfully, the student should:

● complete all course requirements

● do the final lab exam

● do the final theory exam

● get a total score of 50 or greater

Course Reading List and References

● Key references

  • Forouzan, A. Behrouz. Data communications & networking. 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill Education, 2012.
  • Tanenbaum, Andrew S., and David Wetherall. Computer networks. 5th Edition, Harlow, Essex: Pearson, 2014.
  • McMillan, Troy. Cisco networking essentials. 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2015.

● Useful references:

  • Peterson, Larry L., and Bruce S. Davie. Computer networks: a systems approach. 5th Edition, Elsevier, 2014.