This course aims to provide 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. For this reason, the first part of the course introduces general concepts of data networks and explores the OSI architecture, as well as the TCP/IP architecture, in greater depth. In the second part of the course, advanced concepts of local area networks are addressed. Different practical sessions are also carried out in order to help achieve the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. In addition, each semester includes the resolution of a challenge related to data networks and related technologies.
Titular Professors
Professors
Not required.
The course aims to provide the student with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of communication networks, developing the ability to understand their architecture, deployment and services, as well as to analyse the main switching and routing strategies. Likewise, it seeks to promote the application of technical criteria for network sizing, planning and basic management, contributing to the development of essential competences for professional practice in the field of engineering and information and communication technologies.
The course is structured into the following chapters:
1. Introduction to Data Networks
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Types of networks
1.3. State of the Internet
1.4. Switching technologies
1.5. Protocol architectures
2. Local Area Networks
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Network topologies
2.3. Transmission methods
2.4. Transmission media
2.5. Structured cabling
2.6. Media access control techniques
3. Ethernet Networks
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Ethernet standards
3.3. Ethernet capabilities
3.4. Layer 1 interconnection devices
3.5. Layer 2 interconnection devices
3.6. Spanning Tree
4. Network Layer
4.1. Introduction
4.2. IP packet
4.3. IP addressing
4.4. Subnetting
4.5. ARP
4.6. ICMP
5. Routing
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Routers
5.3. Routing tables
5.4. Routing process
5.5. Routing protocols
6. Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)
6.1. Introduction
6.2. VLANs
6.3. IEEE 802.1Q
6.4. VLAN configuration
6.5. Routing between VLANs
6.6. Practical case
7. IPv6
7.1. Introduction
7.2. IPv6 packet
7.3. IPv6 addressing
7.4. Routing in IPv6
7.5. IPv6 functionalities
7.6. IPv4 – IPv6 migration
8. Transport Layer
8.1. Introduction
8.2. TCP
8.3. UDP
9. Address Translation
9.1. Introduction
9.2. Static NAT
9.3. Port forwarding
9.4. Dynamic NAT
9.5. Port Address Translation (PAT)
9.6. Load Sharing NAT (LSNAT)
10. Application Layer
10.1. Introduction
10.2. Communication models
10.3. Application layer protocols
The methodology used in this course is based, in part, on lectures, in which the professor teaches the theoretical concepts of the course 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 in a more practical environment. These problems are solved partially or totally in subsequent classes so that the student can verify 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.
During the course, two different challenges are also proposed, one for each semester. The resolution of the challenge is carried out in groups in order to foster teamwork skills.
The student has the possibility of making personalised queries about the course during class hours themselves, during tutorial hours, by email or through forums within a dedicated space for each course on the School intranet.
The course includes the following assessment activities:
- Continuous assessment (per semester, AC Sem1 and AC Sem2) (30%)
- Final exam for each semester (Sem1 exam and Sem2 exam) (70%)
- Final theoretical-practical CCNA exam
In order to pass the course, NS1 and NS2 must be equal to or higher than 5, and the CCNA-1 theoretical-practical exam must be passed.
- NS1 is calculated from the results obtained in AC Sem1 and the Sem1 exam.
- NS2 is calculated from the results obtained in AC Sem2 and the Sem2 exam.
- The final grade is the average of NS1 and NS2.
Ordinary examination period: Sem1 exam (January), Sem2 exam (May-June). These exams are passed with a grade equal to or higher than 5.
Extraordinary examination period (July): retake of the Sem1 and Sem2 exams. These exams are passed with a grade equal to or higher than 5.
The continuous assessment and CCNA grades are kept during the academic year and are therefore valid for the extraordinary examination period.
The following will be assessed:
- The understanding of the fundamental concepts related to communication networks, their architecture, deployment and associated services.
- The ability to analyse and differentiate the characteristics, advantages, limitations and fields of application of circuit-switching and packet-switching technologies.
- Knowledge of the basic principles of routing, as well as the elementary criteria for network planning and sizing.
- The ability to apply theoretical concepts to the analysis of situations and basic problems in the field of networks.
- Conceptual and terminological rigour in the use of the language specific to networks and communications.
- Clarity, coherence and correctness in the presentation and justification of the proposed answers and solutions.
- www.netacad.com (CCNA Routing & Switching : Introduction to Networks)
- Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide, Cisco Press
- Comunicacions i Xarxes de Computadors, William Stallings, Pearson
No supplementary material.