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| INFO0010-4 | Introduction to computer networking
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| Duration : | 35h Th, 15h Pr, 40h Proj. |
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| Number of credits : |
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| Lecturer : | Guy Leduc |
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Language(s) of instruction :
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| English language |
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Organisation and examination :
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| Teaching in the second semester |
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Course contents :
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| Computer networking is studied using a top-down approach, from applications down to the physical layer. It is composed of the following chapters:
- Internet architecture : network edge/core/access, protocol layers, history.
- Application layer: web and HTTP, DNS, socket programming.
- Transport layer: (de)multiplexing, connectionless transport (UDP), reliable data transfer, connection-oriented transport (TCP), flow and congestion control.
- Network layer: virtual circuit and datagram networks, router architecture, Internet Protocol (IP), addressing and forwarding, routing algorithms (RIP, OSPF, BGP).
- Link layer and Local Area Networks: Error detection, multiple access protocols (Aloha, CSMA/CD, Ethernet), addressing, hubs/switches, transparent bridges
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Learning outcomes of the course :
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| At the end of the course students will understand well the principles of computer networks, their layered architectures (OSI and TCP/IP models), the fundamental mechanisms governing the protocols in various layers, and some examples of existing protocols. He will also be able to implement a distributed application in Java using the socket API.
The project brings out self-learning and team work capabilities, and helps improve the writing skills of the students.
Teaching, and all support material, in English allow students to improve their knowledge and skills in this langage. |
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Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :
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| Two years of bachelor in computer science or equivalent. This prerequisite is mainly justified because there is a substantial network programming assignment. |
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Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
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- Lectures (30 hours) describing in detail the theoretical and practical concepts of the course.
- Problem solving lessons (15 hours) to go deeper into some concepts and thereby improve their understanding. They allow students to learn how to solve simple problems.
- Programming assignment: design and development in Java of a distributed application, per groups of 2 students. An intermediate "questions & answers" session is organized to correct the most frequent mistakes.
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Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
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| The face-to-face lectures are complemented by problem solving lessons and some feedback at mid project. Projects are mainly carried out remotely. |
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Recommended or required readings :
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| Reference book: James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross. Computer Networking - A Top-Down Approach (Sixth Edition). Addison-Wesley, 2012. Also published by Pearson (ISBN 978-0-273-76896-8).
Slides : http://www.montefiore.ulg.ac.be/~leduc/cours/reseaux-informatiques.html |
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Assessment methods and criteria :
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| The evaluation is threefold: the project (weight of 25%), a written exam on exercises (25%), and an oral exam on the theory (50%).
At the oral exam the student has to expose clearly and in a synthetical way one part of the course, and prove his/her in-depth understanding by answering questions. A student who has not completed his/her project is not allowed at this exam.
At the written exam the student will have to solve exercices similar to those seen during the term. Note that students are not allowed to bring these solved exercices at the exam. On the other hand, the reference book and the slides explaining the theoretical content are allowed. The students can also use a personal handwritten summary of maximum 2 sheets (on both sides). A pocket calculator is also allowed.
The assessment of the project will be based on (1) the completeness of the software that will have to pass a series of functionality tests, (2) the quality of the programming, and (3) the quality of the report.
The second exam session (in September) is identical to the first one, with the same weighting. And students may improve their project. |
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Work placement(s) :
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Organizational remarks :
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| The course is organized during the second term (from February to May), on Fridays from 9am to 1pm.
The research assistants are:
- Simon Liénardy, for the problem solving lessons and the written exam,
- Sylvain Martin, for the project. |
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Contacts :
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| Teacher: Guy Leduc, Guy.Leduc@ulg.ac.be
Teaching assistants:
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