Computer Networks

Code:

L.EEC031

Acronym:

RC

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Telecommunications

Instance: 2021/2022 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L.EEC	93	Syllabus	3	-	6	52
M.EEC	12	Syllabus	1	-	6	52	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The objective of this course unit is to allow the students to develop, in an articulate way, a set of technical, professional, and inter-personal skills centered in the topic of data communication networks. This development is based on fundamental training in the domain of packet switching networks, which is assisted by laboratorial training focusing 1) the design and implementation of layered network software, and 2) the configuration and validation of communication scenarios in local computer networks.

Learning outcomes and competences

After completing this course unit, students will be able to:

        -  apply fundamental concepts of packet switching, statistical multiplexing, queuing, framing, error detection, automatic retransmission, shared medium access control, addressing, routing, and congestion control to any network packet switching scenario

        -  plan, implement, and configure 1) communication software using the concepts of protocol, service, and protocol stack; 2) distributed applications using the network socket abstraction; 3) a local packet switching network

Working method

Presencial

Program

Introduction to computer networks. Transmission and data communication techniques. Data link control. Models for performance evaluation. Medium access control. LANs. Internet. Routing. Congestion control. Applications.

Mandatory literature

Tanenbaum, Andrew S.; Computer Networks. ISBN: 0-13-038488-7

Complementary Bibliography

Dimitri Bertsekas, Robert Gallager; Data networks. ISBN: 0-13-196981-1
James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross; Computer networking. ISBN: 978-0-136548-3
Stevens, W. Richard; TCP/IP illustrated. ISBN: 0-201-63346-9
Lary L. Peterson & Bruce S. Davie; Computer Networks. ISBN: 978-0-12-374013-7
William Stallings; Data and Computer Communications. ISBN: 0-13-243310-9

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical classes are dedicated to the formal exposition of contents, including problems’ solving to illustrate and discuss cases. In laboratory classes the students will do two assignments to get acquainted with the development of communications protocols – a data link protocol and the client side of a TCP/IP based application protocol.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	50,00
Teste	5,00
Trabalho laboratorial	45,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	52,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Trabalho laboratorial	54,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

The grading scale is from 0 to 20. L1 - grade of 1st lab work L2 - grade of 2nd lab work H ("Teste") - grade of homeworks FQ -GRADE OF FREQUÊNCIA FQ = 0,45*L1 + 0,45*L2 + 0,1*H if ( FQ < 8,0 ) FQ = "No Admission to Exams"

Calculation formula of final grade

The grading scale is from 0 to 20. E - grade of the final exam, FQ - GRADE OF FREQUÊNCIA, CF - FINAL GRADE. CF = 0,5*FQ + 0,5*E; if ( E < 8,0 or CF < 10,0 ) then CF = MIN(CF, 9.0)

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

The special evaluation students can choose to do laboratory assignments, following identical conditions as the ordinary students, or to do an individual assignment done out of the normal period of classes, according to the specific aims proposed for each case.

Classification improvement

The classification of the laboratory component can be improved in the next occurrence of the course and it is used on the final classification calculus in both exams – normal and re-sit one.

Observations

The students must have basic knowledge of Telecommunications and some experience with C programming.