Introduction to Data Networks

C programming language.

Theoretical classes based on the presentation of material with discussion and practical demonstrations.
Practical classes based on demonstrations and analysis of examples, followed by exercises.

This curricular unit aims at giving the students the ability to understand and explain the main characteristics and issues of data networks. It covers a wide range of subjects, such as data transmission media, local area network technologies, and the main communication protocols on which the Internet is based (i.e., the TCP/IP protocol stack). This curricular unit also aims at enabling the students to be able to plan and develop distributed applications/application protocols based on the Sockets paradigm.

Theoretical Component

• Introduction to data communication networks
• Standards
  • Introduction
  • OSI reference model
  • TCP / IP protocol stack
• Wired local area networks
  • Topologies
  • Transmission media
  • Structured cabling systems
  • Medium access control (MAC) protocols
• Ethernet technologies
  • MAC addresses
  • Frame structure
  • CSMA / CD Protocol
  • Physical layer
    • Bus, hub, bridge, and switch
    • Collision and broadcast domains
    • 10 Mbps (legacy), 100 Mbit/s, 1 Gbit/s, and 10 Gbit/s
• Wireless local area networks
  • Frame structure
  • CSMA / CA Protocol
  • Physical layer
• TCP / IP protocol stack
  • IPv4 Protocol
  • Static and dynamic IP address configuration
    
  • IP addressing and subnetting
  • Direct and indirect IP routing
  • ARP and RARP protocols
  • UDP Protocol
  • Error control and flow control approaches
  • TCP Protocol
  • Application-level protocols

Laboratory component

• Implementation of distributed applications for TCP/IP networks based on Microsoft Windows Sockets (Winsock)
• Design of network topologies and simulation of data traffic using Cisco Packet Tracer

Theoretical Component

• Written Exams will be held during evaluation periods, according to the exam schedule
• Eligible for the exam ONLY:
  • Students with minimum in laboratory tests
  • Minimum participation in 50% of laboratory classes
• Valuation: 12 points
• Minimum: 40% of 12 points

Laboratory Component

• 2 laboratory tests (roughly in 1/3 and 2/3 of the semester)
• Valuation: 8 points (4 points each)
• Minimum: 35% of 8 points
• It is not possible to improve the evaluation from the laboratory tests

NAO