The course offers a broad overview of communication networks, with a special emphasis on local area networks. It introduces general concepts of data networks, delves into the OSI and TCP/IP architectures, and later addresses advanced concepts of LAN (Local Area Networks) and wireless networks. It includes laboratory practices and the completion of a challenge each semester.
Titular Professors
Professors
Not required.
The student will be able to:
- Master the architecture, deployment, and services of a network.
- Differentiate between circuit-switching and packet-switching strategies.
- Understand routing, planning, and network dimensioning strategies.
- Become familiar with technologies and design of local networks.
- Design and implement intranets.
- Analyze and solve network problems.
- Understand network infrastructure and telematic services.
The course is structured into the following chapters:
1. Introduction to Data Networks
2. Local Area Networks
3. Ethernet Networks
4. Network Layer
5. IP Routing
6. Virtual LANs (VLANs)
7. IPv6
8. Transport Layer
9. Network Address Translation (NAT)
10. Application Layer
The course combines lectures, exercises, and practical activities. Students solve problems both in and outside the classroom, carry out laboratory practices, and participate in two group challenges each semester. The methodology promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real environments.
The course includes the following assessment activities:
A. Continuous assessment (per semester, AC.Sem1 and AC.Sem2):
A.1. Midterm exams (40%)
A.2. Semester challenge (20%)
A.3. Online CCNA-1 tests (20%)
A.4. Classroom exercises and practical work (20%)
B. Final exam for each semester (Ex.Sem1, Ex.Sem2)
C. Final theoretical?practical CCNA exam
The grades for each semester are calculated as follows:
NS1 = the highest grade between the Ex.Sem1 exam score (without continuous assessment) and the score considering continuous assessment (70% Ex.Sem1 + 30% AC.Sem1)
NS2 = the highest grade between the Ex.Sem2 exam score (without continuous assessment) and the score considering continuous assessment (70% Ex.Sem2 + 30% AC.Sem2)
To pass:
- NS1 higher than 5
- NS2 higher than 5
- CCNA-1 theoretical?practical exam passed
The final grade is the average of NS1 and NS2.
Ordinary exam period: Ex.Sem1 (January), Ex.Sem2 (May?June)
Extraordinary exam period (July): retake of Ex.Sem1 and Ex.Sem2.
Continuous assessment and CCNA grades are kept throughout the course and therefore remain valid for the extraordinary exam period.
- www.netacad.com (CCNA Routing & Switching : Introduction to Networks)
- Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide, Cisco Press
- Data and Computer Communications, William Stallings, Pearson
No supplementary material.