Computer Networks
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course of Computer Networks is the first course on networking and has the main objective of providing the founding concepts of the Internet protocols by analyzing protocols and services at the different layers of the hierarchical architecture
Expected learning outcomes
Students know the founding concepts of a packet switched network, can design and dimension the main network equipments and are able to configure a small local area network
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
THEORY PROGRAM
Basics of Communications and Networks
- Fundamentals of digital communication
- Packet-switched networks
- Concepts of fragmentation and reliability
- Transmission and propagation delays
- Protocols and protocol stack
Physical Layer
- Twisted pair, coaxial cable, and optical fiber
Data Link Layer
- Point-to-point networks and broadcast topologies
- Local Area Network (LAN)
- Ethernet 802.3
- Hub, Bridge, Switch
- VLAN
Network Layer
- IP Protocol
- NAT, ARP, DHCP, ICMP
- Routing protocols: Distance Vector, OSPF, BGP
- QoS and Tunneling
- MPLS
Transport Layer
- Ports and Sockets
- TCP Protocol
- UDP Protocol
Application Layer
- Domain Name System (DNS)
- Email
- HTTP/1.x and HTTP/2 Protocols
- Content Delivery Networks (CDN)
LABORATORY PROGRAM
Physical and Data Link Layers
-Network emulation using Cisco Packet Tracer
Network Layer
- IP addressing, subnetting, netmasking, and VLANs
Transport and Application Layers
- Configuration, management and QoS evaluation of End-to-End applications
Basics of Communications and Networks
- Fundamentals of digital communication
- Packet-switched networks
- Concepts of fragmentation and reliability
- Transmission and propagation delays
- Protocols and protocol stack
Physical Layer
- Twisted pair, coaxial cable, and optical fiber
Data Link Layer
- Point-to-point networks and broadcast topologies
- Local Area Network (LAN)
- Ethernet 802.3
- Hub, Bridge, Switch
- VLAN
Network Layer
- IP Protocol
- NAT, ARP, DHCP, ICMP
- Routing protocols: Distance Vector, OSPF, BGP
- QoS and Tunneling
- MPLS
Transport Layer
- Ports and Sockets
- TCP Protocol
- UDP Protocol
Application Layer
- Domain Name System (DNS)
- HTTP/1.x and HTTP/2 Protocols
- Content Delivery Networks (CDN)
LABORATORY PROGRAM
Physical and Data Link Layers
-Network emulation using Cisco Packet Tracer
Network Layer
- IP addressing, subnetting, netmasking, and VLANs
Transport and Application Layers
- Configuration, management and QoS evaluation of End-to-End applications
Prerequisites for admission
- Computer architecture
- Operating Systems
- Operating Systems
Teaching methods
Class and laboratory teaching
Teaching Resources
Fred Halsall, "Networking e Internet", Pearson Ed., 2006
Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Nickolas Feamster, David J. Wetherall, "Computer networks" sixth edition, Pearson Ed., 2023 (for some specific topics)
Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Nickolas Feamster, David J. Wetherall, "Computer networks" sixth edition, Pearson Ed., 2023 (for some specific topics)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Theory: Written exam with open questions
Laboratory: Laboratory exercises
Laboratory: Laboratory exercises
INF/01 - INFORMATICS - University credits: 12
Laboratories: 48 hours
Lessons: 72 hours
Lessons: 72 hours
Professors:
Quadri Christian, Rossi Gian Paolo
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment via email
Office (via Celoria 18, 7th floor, room 7019)
Reception:
Friday 11,30 am - 12,30 am