Basic Info

The main goal of the course is to provide students introductory information on the topic of computer networks. Students obtain knowledge on basic principles and concepts of network operation and applications. The course is focused on data-link and network layer, especially on Ethernet technology family and TCP/IP protocol suite. Hands-on labs providing experience with configuring networking equipment and protocol analysis are integral part of the course.

• Lectures & labs: Dr. Tomas Palenik - tomas.palenik@stuba.sk

• Lecture room: B704, schedule:

• Lab room: B614, schedule: TODO

Lecture Sylabus

1. Introduction to computer networks. Basic terms and principles. Address modes. Topologies.

2. Layered model of network communication. Encapsulation principle. ISO/OSI and TCP/IP model.

3. Physical layer: media standardization. Structured cabling. Cisco IOS operating system.

4. Link layer: introduction to Ethernet. CSMA/CD. Overview of IEEE 802.3 standards. VLAN.

5. Link layer: LLC mechanisms: IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.1X.

6. Network layer: protocol IPv4 – addressing, IP datagram. Protocols ARP and ICMP. CIDR.

7. Network layer: protocol IPv4 – routing. Routing protocols. RIP & OSPF. Introduction to NAT.

8. Transport layer: ports, UDP and TCP. Introduction to DHCP.

9. Transport layer: TCP mechanisms.

10. The DNS system.

11. Application layer protocols: HTTP and web technologies overview.

12. Application layer protocols: FTP, SSH, email infrastructure: SMTP and MIME, POP & IMAP.

Lab Sylabus

1. Introduction, converting between radixes

2. IPv4: address & netmask

3. Fixed-Lenght Subnet Mask - intro to subnetting

4. Variable-Length Subnet Mask- subnetting & supernetting

5. Visiting Cisco-certified netlab.

6. Introduction to computer network simulation

7. Configuring simulated topology - switches & VLANs introduction

8. Configuring simulated topology - switches & VLANs conclusion

9. Working with networking hardware - lost password recovery

10. OS built-in networking tools

11. Network Security Toolkit - installing & introduction

12. Network Security Toolkit - packet capture with WireShark

Resources

• IETF RFC database www.rfc-editor.org

• IEEE Standards standards.ieee.org

• Computer Networks Turorial www.tutorialspoint.com

• W. Richard Stevens: TCP/IP Illustrated

• Cisco Academy: www.ccna.sk