The student will gain knowledge on: • General concepts of computer networks: network classification based on the covered area, network topologies, switching techniques (circuit and packet), multiplexing and multiple access techniques, service models (client-server, peer-to-peer), layered protocol architectures, traffic characterization and QoS requirements. • Transmission channels, bit encoding techniques, access and transport networks. • Error recovery and flow control techniques: ARQ window protocols. • Data-link layer protocols. • Local Area Networks: architecture, protocols, interconnection. • Routing algorithms and protocols. Network protocols in the Internet, IP addressing and translation, Multicast IP. • Internet transport layer protocols. • Internet application layer protocols. The ability to apply the gained knowledge will be verified through lab experience and class exercise on course subjects.

Basic skills in computer engineering (fist year course level). In particular, the student should be able to perform decima-to-binary and binary-to-decimal conversions, and he/she should have a basic understanding of how a computer works. Understanding of concepts such as frequency spectrum, its energetic interpretation and signal sampling is also requested. The student should also be familiar with basic physics concepts related to optics and electromagnetic fields.

Classroom lessons will cover the following topics: - General concepts related to computer networks: classification based on the extension of the physical area covered, circuit and packet switching, connectionless and connection-oriented protocols, layered protocol architecture, requirements for the transmission of audio/video and non real-time data (1,6 CFU) - Major physical media for data transmission, and related data encoding techniques (0,8 CFU) - Data-link layer: principles of error recovery and flow control, point-to-point protocols, local area networks. (1,6 CFU) - Network layer: IPv4, ICMP, ARP, and DHCP protocols, addressing schemes, NAT, Multicast IP. (1,2 CFU) - Network Analysis tools (0,2 CFU) - Transport layer: UDP and TCP protocols. (0,7 CFU) - Application layer: HTTP, SMTP, POP and IMAP protocols, P2P applications, Multimedia communication, VoIP, SIP. (1 CFU) - Laboratory (0,9 CFU)

Exercises in the classroom will cover the following topics: - Switching techniques - Sliding window protocols - Sequence of messages expected to implement a given operation initiated by the user, given a particular network configuration. Sessions in laboratory will cover packet analysis on real traffic, captured either in passive way or after specific commands entered by students.

The teacher will distribute the course material, and it will be available on the web pages of the course. Additional reading: - A. Pattavina: Reti di telecomunicazioni, Mc.Graw-Hill (in italian) - J.F. Kurose, K.W. Ross: Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet - A. Bianco, C. Casetti, P. Giaccone, Esercitazioni di reti telematiche, Capitoli 1-2-3, CLUT (in italian) - F. Risso, Exercise collections (in english, available on the portal)

Lecture slides; Video lectures (current year);

You can take this exam before attending the course

Exam: Computer lab-based test; Optional oral exam;

Written exam lasting 60 minutes consisting of 33 multiple-choice quizzes (1 point for each correct answer, -1/3 point for each wrong answer, 0 points for each unanswered question). The quizzes may include both theoretical questions and short exercises. The final score will be rounded to the nearest whole number. To obtain “30 cum laude”, a minimum score of 31 points must be achieved. The written exam aims to assess the student's knowledge in the following areas: classification of network types and topologies, packet and circuit switching techniques, multiplexing and multiple access techniques, client-server and peer-to-peer service models, layered protocol architectures, network traffic characterization and quality of service requirements, major types of transmission channels, data encoding techniques, error recovery and flow control techniques, ARQ window protocols, major link-level protocols and local area network architectures and protocols, IP protocol, routing algorithms and protocols, addressing and address translation in Internet, IP multicast, TCP and UDP protocols, SMTP, POP, and IMAP protocols, HTTP, DNS, P2P applications, multimedia communications, VoIP, SIP. This written exam is a "closed book" exam. The use of additional teaching materials (books, handouts, old exercises, etc.) is not allowed. During the written exam, the student can only use a pocket calculator. The final grade must be validated by a positive evaluation of the final project.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.