CC02, IC07, MC02

Compulsory, Compulsory, Compulsory

1, 1, 1

On completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the basic principles and concepts of computer networking.
• Explain the operation of different computer networks protocols.
• Perform basic configurations in networking devices (switches and routers).
• Perform basic troubleshooting in small and medium network topologies.

• Search for, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of the necessary technology
• Decision Making
• Working independently
• Production of free, creative, and inductive thinking

This course will examine computer networks within the context of the Internet. We will follow the Internet layered structure, starting from the lower layers and working our way towards the top of the architecture. In each layer, we will study the fundamental principles, elements, and protocols that operate in each of them. We will investigate how the different protocols work, why they work that way, and their performance trade-offs. Using this knowledge, we will try to examine the way applications are deployed on the Internet. Emphasis will be given in hands-on activities using free and open source tools.

• Introduction to Computer Networks
• Protocol Stacks and Layering
• Physical Layer Basics,
• Link Layer Concepts
• Switching & Flow Control
• Ethernet and Bridging
• Network Layer Concepts
• ICMP, ping & traceroute commands
• IP forwarding & addressing
• IP Datagrams & Routers
• Routing: RIP & OSPF, Routing: BGP, Multicast, DNS, IPv6, tunnelling, NAT, VPN, Virtual circuits
• Transport Layer Concepts
• TCP & Congestion Control.
• TCP Performance
• Security – firewalls, ACLs, DoS
• Packet capturing and analysis: Wireshark
• Create, configure and troubleshoot internetworks using specific simulators:, Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3