Foundations of Internet
COURSE SYLLABUS
Services and topologies of telecommunications networks. Layered architecture and OSI model. Transfer modes: multiplexing, switching and protocol architectures. Circuit switching and packet switching. Main functionality of physical layer, MAC layer, link layer, network layer and transport layer protocols. Main characteristics of wide area networks, including the telephone and the cellular network. Local area networks, Ethernet, Token Ring and Token Bus. Internet: architecture and main protocols: ARP, PPP, IP, ICMP, IGMP, UDP, TCP, DNS. Router architectures. Mobile IP. Virtual Private Networks. IPv6. Quality of service issues.
Queueing systems; simulation techniques.
The course includes lectures having the objective of realizing labs dedicated to the setup of IP addressing and routing on Linux routers and servers. Students will learn how to create virtual environments by using a network emulator and to configure servers and routers based on the Linux operating system and using the iproute2 e iptables tools.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The course aims at introducing students to telecommunications networks, providing also basic concepts required to follow subsequent specialist and advanced courses. In more details, the aims of the course include: knowing the main telecommunication services and applications and how a telecommunication network operates; knowing how to describe and design a network by means of a layered architecture; knowing the main characteristics of the most significant networks (LAN, cellular, Internet); learning tools for the performance evaluation of network elements and being able to design and dimension the main components of a network and to configure a simple IP network.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Becoming familiar with the basic concepts behind a telecommunication network and with the most significant networks operating nowadays, local area networks and cellular networks. Learning how an inter-network works and the main characteristics and protocols of the Internet. Knowing the current status and main trends and future evolutions of telecommunication networks. Being able to use tools for the performance evaluation of network components.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Being able to understand the technical and scientific literature and the standards on network issues and to quantitatively compare different solutions. Being able to dimension and configure network components and protocols. Acquiring the skills for designing simple network architecture as a function of high level requirements.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
After the course students will be able to evaluate the main characteristics and expected performance of a network, assessing if a given solution meets requirements. Students will also know and be able to apply the principle of trade-off and understand the relationships between solutions and requirements, which is a key ability.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The final exam envisages four exercises plus the design and configuration of an IP network using a network emulator tool. The exam also requires a description and a documentation of the identified solutions. Thus, the course and its final exam improve communication skills, especially those needed to describe technical concepts and systems. In addition, students are encouraged to discuss the essay with the teacher, further progressing their speaking capabilities.
PRELIMINARY REQUIREMENTS
None. Knowledge of basic concepts of probability theory is welcome.
REFERENCES
N. Blefari Melazzi, M. Listanti, A. Roveri: ”Reti per Applicazioni Telematiche”, dispense in distribuzione a cura degli autori, http://www.uniroma2.it/didattica/Reti1/.
N. Blefari Melazzi: ”Internet: Architettura, Principali Protocolli e Linee Evolutive”, McGraw-Hill, 2005 (http://www.ateneonline.it/blefari_melazzi/).
M. Decina, A. Roveri: ”Code e Traffico nelle Reti di Comunicazione”, La Goliardica Editrice.
A. Roveri: ”Reti di Telecomunicazioni”, Principi Generali, Scuola Superiore G. Reiss Romoli, L’Aquila, 1995.
D. Comer: ”Internetworking with TCP/IP”, Volume I – Principles, Protocols and Architecture. Prentice Hall.
D. Comer, D. Stevens: ”Internetworking with TCP/IP”., Volume II – Design, Implementation and Internals. Prentice Hall.
R. Gallager, D. Bertsekas: ”Data Networks”, Prentice-Hall L. Kleinrock: ”Queueing Systems”, Volume I e II, John Wiley & Sons.
J. F. Kurose, K. W. Ross: ”Computer Networking: a Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet”, Addison-Wesley.
W. R. Stevens: ”TCP/IP illustrated”, Vol. 1-3, Addison Wesley.
A. Tanenbaum, ”Computer Networks”, Prentice Hall