Computer Networks
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course provides the conceptual bases of computer networks with particular reference to Internet protocols and architecture. The course analyzes in detail the standard architectures for computer networks, describes the operation of both standard Internet protocols, and mechanisms for the management and transmission of multimedia content (audio-video) on the network.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will acquire the ability to understand the mechanisms underlying the functioning of network applications, and the aspects that influence network performance. The student will acquire the necessary competence for the choice of services and network protocols adequate to the needs of specific distributed applications that s/he should develop.
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
- Introduction to networks: definitions and fundamental concepts.
- Network taxonomy, topologies, infrastructures, data transmission (modulation techniques, Nyquist's Law, Shannon's Law). History.
- Layered architectures, service definitions (multiplexing, addressing). ISO/OSI and TCP/IP architectures.
- Packet switching. Data source characterization, CBR vs VBR traffic, quality of service and parameters.
- Multimedia data compression: mpeg, layered coding.
- Applications development: sockets (with Java code examples), addressing: port numbers.
- Application layer: standard protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, DNS).
- Internet protocols for real-time multimedia communication (RTP, RTCP, RTSP).
- Transport layer: connectionless and connection-oriented services; error control. Stop&Wait, Go-Back-N, Selective-Repeat algorithms. UDP and TCP protocols.
- Network layer: statistical multiplexing. IP protocol; address management (CIDR, DHCP, NAPT); routing algorithms and protocols.
- Multi-Protocol Label Switching.
- Data-link and physical layers: real-time queuing techniques (priority, WFQ).
- Network taxonomy, topologies, infrastructures, data transmission (modulation techniques, Nyquist's Law, Shannon's Law). History.
- Layered architectures, service definitions (multiplexing, addressing). ISO/OSI and TCP/IP architectures.
- Packet switching. Data source characterization, CBR vs VBR traffic, quality of service and parameters.
- Multimedia data compression: mpeg, layered coding.
- Applications development: sockets (with Java code examples), addressing: port numbers.
- Application layer: standard protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, DNS).
- Internet protocols for real-time multimedia communication (RTP, RTCP, RTSP).
- Transport layer: connectionless and connection-oriented services; error control. Stop&Wait, Go-Back-N, Selective-Repeat algorithms. UDP and TCP protocols.
- Network layer: statistical multiplexing. IP protocol; address management (CIDR, DHCP, NAPT); routing algorithms and protocols.
- Multi-Protocol Label Switching.
- Data-link and physical layers: real-time queuing techniques (priority, WFQ).
Prerequisites for admission
Pre-requisites: contents from the courses Architettura degli elaboratori (computer architecture), Programmazione (computer programming), Acustica (acoustics). There will also be connections with some notions from the Signal Processing course and the Algorithms and Data Structures course, which are delivered in the same semester, and forward pointers to the Operating System course and the Statistics course delivered in the second semester of the same year.
Teaching methods
in-presence (in Italian)
Teaching Resources
The textbook adopted for the course exists in Italian only. If you cannot read Italian, ask the professor what alternative textbook might be used and what program must be considered in it.
Additional on-line documentation indicated for specific topics.
Additional on-line documentation indicated for specific topics.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written assignment concerning all the topics covered in the course. The written assignment aims at verifying the student's knowledge of all theoretical aspects of the subject, both through numerical exercises and through open-ended and/or multiple-choice questions.
The exam mark, expressed in thirtieths, takes into account the level of mastery of the topics, the clarity of explanation, and the appropriateness of the technical language.
The exam mark, expressed in thirtieths, takes into account the level of mastery of the topics, the clarity of explanation, and the appropriateness of the technical language.
Professor(s)