Introductory Lecture

Computer Networks
Computer Networks is the study of interconnected computing devices that
communicate and share resources through wired or wireless links. This subject
covers network architecture, protocols, data transmission, and security, providing
the foundation for understanding how data flows across local and global
networks. It also includes topics like network layers, IP addressing, and internet
services, crucial for building and managing networked systems.
 This course provides fundamental concepts of Computer Networks. It covers from
basic concepts of wired and wireless networks to network devices, protocol architecture,
topologies and latest trends in computer networks. The course covers each layer of network
model in detail starting from Physical layer to Application layer and the protocols, processes
involved at every layer. Also, it covers the configuration of different network devices used at
different layers.
Course Objectives:
At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

 Describe the general principles of data communication.

 Describe how computer networks are organized with the concept of layered approach.
 Describe how signals are used to transfer data between nodes.
 Implement a simple LAN with hubs, bridges and switches.
 Describe how packets in the Internet are delivered.
 Analyze the contents in a given Data Link layer packet, based on the layer concept.
 Design logical sub-address blocks with a given address block.
 Decide routing entries given a simple example of network topology
 Describe what classless addressing scheme is.
 Describe how routing protocols work.
 Use C programming language to implement network programs.
 Design and implement a network protocol.

Week # Topics
 Introduction and protocols architecture:
 Introduction to Computer Networks
 Data Communication
Basic concepts of networking:
 Components of network
o Source, Destination, Data, Medium, Protocol
 Networks
 Types of Networks
o Peer to Peer
o Centralized
 Client/Server Architecture
Network topologies:
Week 1  Bus, Star, Mesh, Ring
Networking Devices:
 Devices and their working
o Hub, Bridge, Repeater, Switch , Router (Just Introduction)
Classification of Computer Networks:
 Geographical area
o LAN
o MAN
o WAN
 Administrative Control
o Intranet
o Extranet
o Internet
Protocols architecture:
 Network Models
Layered architecture:
 OSI Reference Model
Week 2 o Layers in the OSI Model
o Each layer Responsibility
 TCP/IP Protocol Suit
 Addressing (Physical, Logical, Port and Specific)
Physical layer functionality:
 Transmission Media
o Wired ( Topic 7.2 Frozouzan)
 Twisted pair cable
 Coaxial Cable
 Fiber Optic
Week 3 Physical layer functionality:
o Wireless ( Topic 7.3 Frozouzan)
 Radio wave Transmission
 Microwave Transmission
 Terrestrial
 Satellite
 Infrared Transmission Assignment-1
  Transmission Impairments (Ch3.4, Frozouzan)
 Attenuation, Distortion, Noise, Jitter, SNR, SNRdB
 Performance
o Bandwidth
o Throughput
o Delay
Week 4  Propagation time
 Transmission time
 Bandwidth-Delay Product
 Data Rate Limits (Topic 3.5 Frozouzan),
o Nyquist Bit Rate
o Shannon Capacity Quiz-
1
Data link layer functionality:
 Introduction
 Data Link Control (Chapter 11, Frozouzan)
Week 5  Framing Techniques
 Bit vs Byte Stuffing
 Flow and Error Control
Multiple access techniques:
 Random Access Protocols
o ALOHA/ Slotted ALOHA
Week 6 o CSMA
o 1-Persistent, Non Persistent, P-Persistent
o CSMA/CD
o CSMA/CA Assignment-2
Circuit switching and packet switching:
 Introduction
LAN technologies:
Week 7  Introduction
Wireless networks:
 Introduction

MAC addressing:
 MAC Header
Week 8 Performance parameters (Topic 3.6, Frozouzan)
 CRC Quiz-2

Midterm Exam
Network Layer:
 Datagram Format,
 Fragmentation,
Week 9  Intro. to Layer3 Switch
Network layer protocols:
 Routing Protocol, RIP, OSPF, BGP
 Routing Algorithms, Link state, Distance Vector
 IPv4 and IPv6:
 IPv4, IPv6 addressing
IP addressing:
Week 10  IP addresses and Classes
 IP Assignment / DHCP
 Public and Private IP addresses Assignment-3

Sub netting:
 Introduction
 Subnetting Procedure
CIDR:
Routing:
 Routed Protocols
Week 11  Non-routable Protocols
 Network Address Translation
 Domain Name System
 Autonomous Systems
 VLAN Quiz-3

Routing protocols:
 Routing Protocols
o Interior gateway routing
Week 12  Exterior gateway routing
 Switching
o Circuit Switched Networks
o Packet Switched Networks
Transport layer protocols:
 Transport Layer, Connectionless, Connection Oriented
Ports and sockets:
Week 13  Introduction
Connection establishment:
 RTT Estimate, TCP Flow Control Assignment-
4
TCP Connection Management
Flow and Congestion control:
 TCP Operations,
 Flow Control,
Week 14  Fast Retransmission Algorithm
 Congestion Control Mechanisms
 TCP Slow Start,
 Transport Layer Presentations Quiz-4
Week 15 Application layer protocols:
 Introduction to Application Layer,
 Application Architectures (Client-Server, P2P),
Protocols Addressing Schemes (IP, Port, MAC Addresses),
Network Performance Metrics:
 Loss,
 Delay in different networks, Nodal Delay, Queuing Delay,
 Network Throughput
 Latest trends in computer networks:
 Network Security, Malware, Packet Sniffing, Intruders
IoT, BAN, PAN etc.
Week 16 Course Revision and Paper discussion
Final Term Exam

Content source:
Here is a description for each topic within the scope of Computer Networks:
### Protocol Architecture
Protocol architecture refers to the structured framework of network protocols,
which define rules and conventions for data communication across networks. The
architecture specifies how data is transferred and managed across layers, like the
OSI and TCP/IP models.

### Basic Concepts of Networking

Basic networking concepts include foundational ideas such as network types,
protocols, bandwidth, latency, and data transmission. These are essential for
understanding how devices connect and communicate in a networked
environment.

### Network Topologies

Network topologies describe the physical or logical arrangement of devices in a
network. Common topologies include star, ring, bus, and mesh, each with unique
advantages and suitability for different scenarios.

### Layered Architecture

Layered architecture organizes network communication into layers, each
responsible for specific functions. The most common models are the OSI and
TCP/IP models, which promote interoperability and standardization in
networking.
### Physical Layer Functionality
The physical layer is the lowest network layer, handling the actual transmission of
raw data bits over physical media like cables, fiber optics, or radio waves. It
includes aspects like signal modulation, data encoding, and physical interfaces.

### Data Link Layer Functionality

The data link layer ensures reliable data transfer between adjacent network
nodes. It manages framing, error detection and correction, and flow control, and
includes protocols like Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

### Multiple Access Techniques

Multiple access techniques control how multiple devices share the same
communication medium. Common techniques include Time Division Multiple
Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), and Code Division
Multiple Access (CDMA).

### Circuit Switching and Packet Switching

Circuit switching establishes a dedicated communication path between nodes, as
in traditional telephony. Packet switching, used in modern networks like the
internet, splits data into packets that are routed independently to the destination.

### LAN Technologies

LAN (Local Area Network) technologies provide high-speed, short-distance
connectivity within a local area. Examples include Ethernet for wired LANs and
Wi-Fi for wireless LANs.

### Wireless Networks

Wireless networks allow devices to communicate without physical connections,
using radio waves. Types include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks, each
with specific applications and range limitations.

### MAC Addressing

MAC (Media Access Control) addressing assigns unique identifiers to network
interfaces for communication within a local network. MAC addresses are essential
for data link layer operations and LAN communication.

### Networking Devices

Networking devices, like routers, switches, and hubs, facilitate data transmission
within and between networks. Each device serves a different role in managing,
directing, or extending network connections.

### Network Layer Protocols

Network layer protocols handle the routing and forwarding of data packets
between devices across different networks. Protocols like IP (Internet Protocol)
define rules for addressing and routing packets.

### IPv4 and IPv6

IPv4 and IPv6 are versions of the Internet Protocol that assign addresses to
devices on a network. IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, while IPv6 uses 128-bit
addresses, offering a much larger address space.

### IP Addressing
IP addressing assigns unique numerical addresses to devices on a network,
allowing them to communicate with each other. It includes both public and
private IP addresses, as well as dynamic and static addressing.
### Subnetting
Subnetting divides a large network into smaller, manageable sub-networks, or
subnets. This improves network organization, security, and efficiency, and
conserves IP addresses within a network.

### CIDR
CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) is an IP addressing scheme that allows
more flexible allocation of IP addresses by combining or splitting subnets as
needed, replacing the rigid class-based system.

### Routing Protocols

Routing protocols determine the best path for data packets to reach their
destination across networks. Common protocols include OSPF (Open Shortest
Path First), RIP (Routing Information Protocol), and BGP (Border Gateway
Protocol).

### Transport Layer Protocols

Transport layer protocols, like TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User
Datagram Protocol), manage end-to-end data transmission, handling issues like
error correction and session management.

### Ports and Sockets

Ports and sockets enable specific applications on a device to send and receive
data. Ports identify services (e.g., HTTP on port 80), while sockets combine IP
addresses with ports for unique identification of network connections.

### Connection Establishment

Connection establishment is the process of setting up a stable communication
channel between devices, such as through the TCP handshake, which ensures a
reliable connection before data exchange.

### Flow and Congestion Control

Flow and congestion control regulate data transfer rates to prevent network
overload and ensure smooth data transmission. Flow control manages the
sender's data rate, while congestion control addresses network traffic issues.

### Application Layer Protocols

Application layer protocols define the rules for application-level data exchange,
enabling services like email, file transfer, and web browsing. Examples include
HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and DNS.

### Latest Trends in Computer Networks

This includes emerging technologies and advancements in networking, such as
5G, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV),
Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing, which are transforming how
networks are designed and managed.