This course provides a broad overview of communication networks and to ensure that the student becomes familiar with concepts and applications related to the field of telematics and computer networks, especially focused on local area networks.
The course introduces general concepts of data networks and goes deeper into both the OSI architecture and the TCP/IP architecture. Different practical sessions are also carried out to help acquire the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice.
Titular Professors
It is recommended to have taken basic subjects in computer science and communication networks. It is advisable to be familiar with introductory concepts of data networks, such as basic IP addressing, the OSI and TCP/IP model at an introductory level, as well as the regular use of a computer and online working tools.
The subject aims to provide the student with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of local area networks, developing the ability to understand their architecture, services and basic design and interconnection criteria. Likewise, it seeks to promote the application of this knowledge in complex technological environments, contributing to the development of competences necessary to integrate and manage communication infrastructures in systems specific to the field of health engineering.
The subject is structured into the following thematic blocks:
- Introduction to telecommunications
- Data link layer
- OSI and TCP/IP reference models
- Introduction to local area networks
- Ethernet
- Bridges and switches
- Redundancy in LAN networks
- Network layer
- Routing
- Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)
- Transport layer
- Application layer
- Network Address Translation (NAT)
- Cybersecurity and Firewalls
The methodology used in this subject is based, in part, on lectures, where the professor teaches the theoretical concepts of the subject throughout the semester. Exercises related to the theoretical content explained in each topic are also solved, and new exercises are proposed so that the student can solve them in class or outside teaching hours. The objective of these exercises is to reinforce the theoretical concepts so that they can be applied to a more practical environment. These problems are solved partially or totally in subsequent classes, so that the student can check their progress in learning. Likewise, certain classes are devoted to proposing exercises that students solve during class time itself so that the student actively participates in the proposed activity.
During the course, practical sessions are carried out so that students can apply the knowledge taught in the theory classes. In these practical sessions, the teaching staff promotes group work, critical thinking and the ability to solve problems in a methodical way, and clarifies any doubts that may arise during the sessions.
The student has the possibility of making personalised queries about the subject during class hours themselves, during tutorial hours, by email or through forums within a dedicated space for each topic on the School intranet.
The subject is assessed through continuous assessment (practical activities) and a final exam.
The final grade is obtained from:
- Practical activities: 30%
- Final written exam: 70%
In order to average with the continuous assessment, it is necessary to obtain a minimum of 5 out of 10 in the final written exam. To pass the course, it is necessary to achieve a final grade equal to or higher than 5 out of 10.
The retake of the final exam takes place in the extraordinary examination period in July, with the continuous assessment grade from the course being kept.
The following will be assessed:
- The understanding of the concept of a network, its architecture, deployment, services and infrastructures in different environments.
- The knowledge and appropriate use of protocols, interfaces, switching and network routing.
- The ability to design, plan and size local area networks, including intranets and VLANs.
- The ability to interconnect networks and manage their operation in a coherent and efficient way.
- The ability to analyse, diagnose and solve problems in data networks and services.
- Comunicaciones y Redes de Computadores, 10ª edición. William Stallings. Pearson, 2014
- Computer Networks, 5ª edición. Andrew S. Tanenbaum. Prentice Hall, 2013
- www.netacad.com (Curriculum de CCNA Routing & Switching – Introduction to networks)
- Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide, Cisco Press
- Internetworking with TCP/IP, vol. 1, 6ª edición. Douglas Comer. Pearson, 2014
- Routing in the Internet, 2ª edición. Christian Huitema. Prentice Hall, 2000