Computer Networks

Course Title: Computer Networks

Course No: CSC263

Nature of the Course: Theory + Lab

Semester: 4

Full Marks: 60 + 20 + 20

Pass Marks: 24 + 8 + 8

Credit Hours: 3

Course Description

This course introduces concept of computer networking and discuss the different layers of networking model.

Course Objectives

The main objective of this course is to introduce the understanding of the concept of computer networking with its layers, topologies, protocols & standards, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, Routing and Latest Networking Standards

Course Contents

1. Introduction to Computer Network

6 hrs

1.1. Network Fundamentals

Definitions, Uses, Benefits

Overview of Network Topologies (Star, Tree, Bus,...)

Overview of Network Types (PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN,...)

Networking Types (Client/Server, P2P)

Overview of Protocols and Standards

1.2. Network Models

OSI Reference Model

TCP/IP Models and its comparison with OSI

Connection and Connection-Oriented Network Services

1.3. Internet Overview

Internet, ISPs, Backbone Network Overview

2. Physical Layer and Network Media

4 hrs

2.1. Network Devices and Media

Network Devices: Repeater, Hub, Switch, Bridge, Router

Different types of transmission medias (wired: twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic, Wireless: Radio waves, micro waves, infrared)

Ethernet Cable Standards (UTP & Fiber cable standards)

2.2. Switching and Standards

Circuit, Message & Packet Switching

ISDN: Interface and Standards

3. Data Link Layer

8 hrs

3.1. DLL Fundamentals

Function of Data Link Layer (DLL)

Overview of Logical Link Control (LLC) and Media Access Control (MAC)

Framing and Flow Control Mechanisms

Error Detection and Correction techniques

3.2. Channel Allocation and Ethernet

Channel Allocation Techniques (ALOHA, Slotted ALOHA)

Ethernet Standards (802.3 CSMA/CD, 802.4 Token Bus, 802.5 Token Ring)

3.3. Wireless and Protocols

Wireless LAN: Spread Spectrum, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Overview Virtual Circuit Switching, Frame Relay & ATM

DLL Protocol: HDLC, PPP

4. Network Layer

10 hrs

4.1. Introduction and IP Addressing

Introduction and Functions

IPv4 Addressing & Sub-netting

Class-full and Classless Addressing

IPv6 Addressing and its Features

IPv4 and IPv6 Datagram Formats

Comparison of IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing

Example Addresses: Unicast, Multicast and Broadcast

4.2. Routing

Introduction and Definition

Types of Routing (Static vs Dynamic, Unicast vs Multicast, Link State vs Distance Vector, Interior vs Exterior)

Path Computation Algorithms: Bellman Ford, Dijkstra's

Routing Protocols: RIP, OSPF & BGP

4.3. Additional Network Layer Concepts

Overview of IPv4 to IPv6 Transition Mechanisms

Overview of ICMP/ICMPv6 & NATing

Overview of Network Traffic Analysis

Security Concepts: Firewall & Router Access Control

5. Transport Layer

6 hrs

5.1. Transport Layer Fundamentals

Introduction, Functions and Services

Transport Protocols: TCP, UDP and Their Comparisons

Connection Oriented and Connectionless Services

5.2. Congestion Control and Traffic Management

Congestion Control: Open Loop & Closed Loop, TCP Congestion Control

Traffic Shaping Algorithms: Leaky Bucket & Token Bucket

Queuing Techniques for Scheduling

5.3. Socket Programming

Introduction to Ports and Sockets, Socket Programming

6. Application Layer

7 hrs

6.1. Application Layer Protocols

Introduction and Functions

Web & HTTP

DNS and the Query Types

File Transfer and Email Protocols: FTP, SFTP, SMTP, IMAP, POP3

6.2. Application Servers and Management

Overview of Application Server Concepts: Proxy, Web, Mail

Network Management: SNMP

7. Multimedia & Future Networking

4 hrs

7.1. Future Networking Technologies

Overview Multimedia Streaming Protocols: SCTP

Overview of SDN and its Features, Data and Control Plane

Overview of NFV

Overview of NGN

Laboratory Works

The lab activities should accommodate understanding of network equipment, wiring, OS installation, networking commands, IP addressing, packet tracer, router configuration, routing implementation, firewall, packet analysis, and server configuration.

1.Understanding of Network equipment, wiring in details
2.OS (Ubuntu/CentOS/Windows) installation, practice on basic Networking commands 41 (ifconfig/ipconfig, tcpdump, netstat, dnsip, hostname, route...)
3.Overview of IP Addressing and sub-netting, static ip setting on Linux/windows machine, testing
4.Introduction to Packet Tracer, creating of a LAN and connectivity test in the LAN, creation of VLAN and VLAN trunking.
5.Basic Router Configuration and Static Routing Implementation
6.Implementation of Dynamic/interior/exterior routing (RIP, OSPF, BGP)
7.Firewall Implementation, Router Access Control List (ACL)
8.Packet capture and header analysis by wire-shark (TCP,UDP,IP)
9.DNS, Web, FTP server configuration (shall use packet tracer, GNS3)
10.Case Study: Network Operation Center Visit (ISP, Telecom, University Network)
11.LAB Exam, Report and VIVA

Text Books

1.Data Communications and Networking, 4th Edition, Behrouz A Forouzan, McGraw-Hill
2.Computer Networking; A Top Down Approach Featuring The Internet, 2nd Edition, Kurose James F., Ross W. Keith, Pearson Education Asia

Notes:

This syllabus follows the official B.Sc. CSIT curriculum of Tribhuvan University. In case of any doubt or revision, the university's published syllabus shall be considered authoritative.

Computer Networking