Computer Networks

The classes for this curricular unit are of a theoretical-practical nature.

The syllabus is taught through the presentation of theory, followed by demonstrations of its application through practical examples, and finally, by students solving exercises on the topics lectured.

For this purpose, slides, demonstration videos, network traffic capture tools, network diagnostic applications, and practical equipment configuration demonstrations are used.

Throughout the semester, students may complete two projects as part of their evaluation. The exercises completed during the classes form a solid foundation for the projects, and students are encouraged to apply this knowledge to solve the proposed projects.

Group work, both in class and in the assigned projects, is strongly encouraged to promote coordination and cooperation skills.

When introducing any syllabus topic, an expository teaching approach is used initially, which is then complemented with an interrogative teaching approach, where students are invited to ask and answer questions about the topics covered.

Later, and specifically from the content in section 2 onward, students will need to solve practical exercises where they perform calculations related to addressing, solve small exercises in a network simulator, and configure network services. In these cases, an active learning methodology is preferred, encouraging autonomous problem-solving, complemented by peer knowledge-sharing.

This curricular unit aims to provide students with a set of knowledge about data network technologies that enable them to install, configure, and maintain networks based on the TCP/IP architecture.

Students should acquire fundamental skills that allow them to:

O1 – Discuss the basic concepts underlying the operation of a data network.

O2 – Describe the TCP/IP architecture and the role of each layer.

O3 – Detail the functioning of the main protocols involved in communication within the TCP/IP architecture.

O4 – Identify the main network devices and their functions.

O5 – Identify the primary application servers commonly used.

O6 – Design and implement a data network using network simulation tools.

O7 – Implement a small to medium-sized network with support for application-level services.

O8 – Use network configuration and traffic analysis applications for troubleshooting.

O9 – Use tools for network management, auditing, and inventory.

1. Internet – Origin and Organization

2. Physical Medium and Transmission Technologies

2.1. Functionality and Fundamental Concepts

2.2. Physical Medias

2.3. Most Common Technologies (Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth)

2.4. Switching and VLANs

3. Network Layer

3.1. Network Layer Functionality

3.2. Characteristics of the IPv4 Protocol

3.3. ICMP Protocol

3.4. IPv4 Addressing

3.5. Efficient IPv4 Address Management

3.6. IP Routing

4. Transport Layer

4.1. Transport Layer Functionality

4.2. Concepts of Port and Socket

4.3. Functioning of TCP and UDP Protocols

5. Application Layer

5.1. TCP/IP Application Services

5.2. Concept of Application Protocol

5.3. Functioning of Services and Protocols: DHCP, DNS, Telnet, SSH, HTTP, SMTP, POP, and IMAP

6. Advanced Topics

6.1. IPv6: Motivation, Functionality, and Addressing

6.2. IoT: Applications and Key Technologies

7. Network Design

7.1. Use of Simulators

7.2. Deployment of Application Servers

7.3. Troubleshooting

7.4. Auditing and Inventory

NAO