Computer networks

Summary

This course provides an introduction to computer networks. It describes the principles that underly modern network operation and illustrates them using the Internet as an example.

Content

Keywords

• Computer networks
• Internet
• HTTP
• Peer-to-peer networks
• Sockets, TCP/IP, congestion control, routing, switching, network security

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

• CS 107 - Introduction to programming
• COM 101 - Advanced Information Computation Communication I

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Design simple network applications.
• Choose which functions to implement at each network layer.
• Compare different network protocols.
• Perform simple network troubleshooting.
• Use simple network monitoring tools.
• Implement simple client-server applications.
• Investigate simple network attacks.
• Explain how basic Internet applications work.

Transversal skills

• Use both general and domain specific IT resources and tools
• Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
• Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
• Demonstrate a capacity for creativity.

Teaching methods

• Lectures
• Homework problems
• Hands-on exercises

Expected student activities

• Attend the lectures
• Complete homework problems
• Complete hands-on exercises
• Study their notes and -- when needed -- complement by reading relevant book chapters

Assessment methods

• Final exam
• Midterm exam
• Quizzes (online)

Supervision

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

Yes

Bibliography

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach by James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross.

Ressources en bibliothèque

• Computer Networking / Kurose

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/COM-208