Course Objectives

This course aims to:

• Introduce the fundamental concepts of computer networks and their layered architecture.
• Provide an understanding of various protocols and technologies used in different network layers.
• Enable students to analyze and design network topologies and protocols.
• Familiarize students with network security and management aspects.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the principles of network communication and the OSI and TCP/IP models.
2. Explain the functions of various protocols at different layers of the network stack.
3. Design and analyze network topologies and protocols for efficient communication.
4. Implement basic network programming concepts using socket programming.
5. Identify and address network security issues.

Detailed Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Computer Networks

• Uses of Computer Networks, Network Hardware, Network Software, Reference models - OSI and TCP/IP, Example Networks - Internet, Wireless LANs.

Module 2: The Physical Layer

• Guided Transmission Media, Wireless Transmission
• The public switched telephone network, Mobile telephone system, Communication satellites

Module 3: The Data Link Layer

• Data link layer design issues, Error detection and correction, Elementary data link protocols, Sliding Window protocols.
• The medium access control sublayer: Channel allocation problem, Multiple access protocols: ALOHA, CSMA protocols, Collision-free protocols, Ethernet, Wireless LANs, Broadband wireless, Bluetooth, Data link layer switching.

Module 4: The Network Layer

• Network layer design issues, Routing algorithms: Optimality principle, Shortest path routing, Flooding, Distance vector routing, Link state routing, Hierarchical routing, Broadcast routing, Multicast routing, Routing for mobile hosts, Congestion control algorithms, Quality of service, Internetworking, The Network layer in the internet.

Module 5: The Transport Layer

• The transport service, Elements of transport protocols, Addressing, Connection establishment, Connection release, Flow control and buffering, Multiplexing, Crash recovery.
• The internet transport protocols: UDP, TCP – segment header, connection establishment, connection release, sliding window, timer management, congestion control.

Module 6: The Application Layer

• Domain Name System (DNS), Electronic Mail, The World Wide Web.
• Network Security: Cryptography, Symmetric-key algorithms, Public-key algorithms, Digital signatures, Firewalls.

Textbooks

• Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum & David J. Wetherall (5th Edition)

Reference Books

• Data Communications and Networking by Behrouz A. Forouzan
• Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach by James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross

List of Experiments

1. Simulate various OSI layer protocols using C/C++/Java.
2. Implement data link layer framing methods such as bit stuffing and character stuffing.
3. Implement error detection and correction techniques such as parity check, checksum, and CRC.
4. Implement sliding window protocol.
5. Simulate various routing algorithms like distance vector routing and link state routing.
6. Implement socket programming for client-server communication using TCP and UDP.
7. Implement a simple file transfer application using TCP/UDP.
8. Simulate a subnet with address allocation, routing tables, etc.
9. Implement a simple chat application using TCP/UDP.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this lab, students will be able to:

1. Implement and analyze various networking protocols.
2. Understand the working of different layers in the network stack.
3. Develop simple network applications using socket programming.
4. Gain hands-on experience with network simulation tools.