1st degree and Bachelor-level of the Bologna process in Electronic And Communications Engineering (Ingegneria Elettronica E Delle Comunicazioni) - Torino
This course introduces the mathematical foundations of modern communication networks, with particular emphasis on the architecture of Internet.
Inside the general framework of the Bachelor degree in “Electronics and Communication Engineering” this is the fundamental course in the area of telecommunications, giving the basic foundations of both the physical and network layer of modern telecommunication systems.
The course is fully given in English.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of communication networks, explored from both a historical and technological perspective. It begins with early methods of communication and the first networked systems, gradually advancing toward the modern Internet, which is built upon the principles of digital communications.
Designed for students without any specific prior background, the course establishes the foundations of spectral analysis and electrical communications. It introduces the two primary physical channels that underpin today’s communication systems—wireless and fiber optics—highlighting their characteristics, strengths, and limitations.
A central focus is the transition from the analog world to the digital domain. Students will learn the key processes of analog-to-digital conversion, which allow real-world signals to be represented, stored, and transmitted in digital form. Building upon this, the fundamentals of information theory will be presented, providing the tools to quantify and evaluate the amount of information that can be reliably communicated.
The course will then examine the development and evolution of the Internet, covering its layered architecture, key protocols, and core mechanisms of operation. To reinforce understanding, students will engage with practical, hands-on laboratory sessions that illustrate how networks operate and how applications interact with underlying communication infrastructures.
Finally, the course will provide a concise overview of the evolution of mobile and wireless networks, from the first generations of cellular technology up to 5G and beyond, with attention to emerging paradigms such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks.
Overall, the course aims to present complex concepts in a simplified and accessible manner, ensuring alignment with the formal curriculum of the Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. The course is delivered entirely in English, fostering both technical understanding and international communication skills.
The most important learning outcomes are:
- knowledge of the general concepts of communication networks: network topologies, switching techniques (circuit and packet), multiplexing and multiple access techniques, service models (client-server, peer-to-peer), layered protocol architectures, traffic characterization, QoS, error recovery
- knowledge of Ethernet and Wi-Fi protocols
- knowledge of network and transport protocols in the Internet: IP, TCP/UDP
- knowledge of the routing in IP networks
- ability to design and plan an IP network
- ability to configure an IP network and its routing
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the structure and functions of modern telecommunications systems and networks within their historical and technological context.
- Apply the basics of spectral analysis to understand how signals are represented and manipulated in the frequency domain.
- Explain the principles of modulation and their role in enabling reliable signal transmission.
- Compare the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of the main physical communication channels, including wireless and fiber optics.
- Demonstrate how analog signals are transformed into digital representations through analog-to-digital conversion.
- Use the fundamentals of information theory to evaluate the amount of information that can be transmitted over a communication system.
- Analyze the evolution of the Internet, describing its architecture, core protocols, and major applications.
Identify the building blocks and operational principles of optical communication systems and optical networking.
Outline the evolution of cellular networks, from early generations to 5G and emerging paradigms such as LEO satellite networks.
This course has tas prerequisites a good understanding of the mathematical topics presented in the first year courses.
This course has no specific prerequisites besides basic understanding of math-oriended courses offered in the first semester of the first year of the Bachelor degree program in “Electronics and Communication Engineering”.
• 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 (10h)
• Error recovery and flow control techniques: ARQ window protocols, data-link layer protocols (4h)
• Ethernet and Wi-Fi networks (10h)
• Network protocols in the Internet: IPv4 and ICMP, IP addressing, ARP (14h)
• Routing in the Internet: IP addressing, routing tables, NAT (12h)
• Internet transport layer protocols (TCP, UDP) (6h)
• Internet application layer protocols (SMTP, POP and IMAP, HTTP, DNS) (4h)
- The evolution of telecommunications systems and networks
From early communication methods and telegraphy to circuit-switched telephony, packet-switching, and the foundations of today’s Internet.
- Fundamentals of spectral analysis
Signal representation in the time and frequency domains, Fourier analysis, bandwidth, and implications for communication systems.
- The concept of modulation
Principles and motivations for modulation, basic schemes (AM, FM, PM), digital modulation basics, and their role in efficient signal transmission.
- Fundamentals of physical channels: wireless and fiber optics
Channel impairments and limitations (attenuation, noise, dispersion, interference), propagation characteristics, and performance trade-offs.
- The concept of analog-to-digital conversion
Sampling theorem, quantization, coding, and their implications on accuracy, efficiency, and system design.
- Fundamentals of information theory
Entropy, mutual information, channel capacity, and the impact of noise and coding on reliable communications.
- Internet evolution, architecture, protocols, and applications
Layered architecture, TCP/IP stack, routing and addressing, transport and application protocols, cloud-based services, and modern applications.
- The evolution of cellular networks towards 5G and LEO satellite networks
From 1G to 4G fundamentals, 5G key features (latency, massive connectivity, spectrum use), and the emerging role of LEO satellite constellations.
- Laboratory sessions (12h)
Python labs Hands-on activities
- Exercise sessions (15h)
Guided problem-solving and application of theoretical concepts to reinforce understanding and support exam preparation.
Theoretical lectures will be complemented by practice classes, which will be devoted to the solution of numerical problems on the course main topics.
The course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications to ensure a balanced learning experience. Lectures will introduce and explain the core concepts of communication systems and networks, which will be reinforced through illustrative examples and the guided solution of simple problems related to the main topics.
In addition, the course includes, subdivided in groups:
- Exercise sessions (15h): structured practice opportunities where students apply theoretical knowledge to problem-solving, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts and preparation for assessments.
- Laboratory sessions (12h): three hands-on labs designed to complement the lectures, enabling students to experiment with real or simulated communication systems, analyze data, and connect theory with practice.
This integrated approach allows students not only to acquire knowledge, but also to develop practical skills and confidence in applying fundamental principles of telecommunications and networking.
Books suggested as text reference:
• A.Pattavina: “Reti di telecomunicazioni", Mc.Graw-Hill (in Italian)
• J.F. Kurose, K.W. Ross: 'Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach', Pearson (English)
• J.F. Kurose, K.W. Ross: 'Reti di calcolatori e Internet: un approccio top-down', Pearson Italia (in Italian)
The exercises on network protocols and on the design of IP networks will follow:
• A.Bianco, C.Casetti, P.Giaccone, Esercitazioni di reti telematiche, CLUT (in Italian)
Books suggested as text reference:
• J.F. Kurose, K.W. Ross: 'Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach', Pearson (English)
Slides; Libro di testo; Libro di esercitazione; Esercitazioni di laboratorio; Video lezioni dell’anno corrente; Video lezioni tratte da anni precedenti;
Lecture slides; Text book; Practice book; Lab exercises; Video lectures (current year); Video lectures (previous years);
E' possibile sostenere l’esame in anticipo rispetto all’acquisizione della frequenza
You can take this exam before attending the course
Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;
Exam: Written test; Group project;
...
STANDARD EXAM ADMINISTRATION:
The exam will be written. Oral part is optional, according to the rules described below.
The exam is based on:
- 2-3 numerical exercises, similar to those that will be solved during the course.
- 2-3 theoretical questions, requiring a free-text answer.
The exam will last two hours and it will be scored on a full scale up to 30. The evaluation of the written exam is based on the correct development of the proposed exercises from the description of the symbolic-formula solutions up to the numerical results. The theoretical questions will be judged according to the completeness of the answers, but also on the ability of the students to reply in a concise way.
This written exam is a “closed-book exam”. During the written exam the student can use only a pocket calculator (NO laptop, tablets etc. Any type of cellphone should be switched OFF). No other technical material is allowed (thus no books, handouts, old exercises, etc).
The students who will get a score above 15/30 at the written exam can ask for an optional oral exam, where the questions will mostly regard the theoretical aspects of the course. The optional oral exam is always organized a few days after the written exams. The oral examination score ranges from -3 to +3 points that are added to the result of the written exam.
EXTRAORDINARY EXAM ADMINISTRATION IN THE CASE OF COVID-19 CONTAINMENT MEASURES:
The exam will consist of a written test and of a MANDATORY oral examination. The exam will be administered as follows:
1) a multiple choice test will be erogated through the "Exam" platform, with integration of automatic proctoring mechanisms (Respondus).
The test may include both theoretical questions and short numerical exercises. The test score ranges from 0 to 30 cum laude. Students who receive a score >=18 will be allowed to take the oral examination. Students who receive a score lower than 18 will NOT be allowed to take the oral examination and MUST retry the multiple choice test in a successive exam call.
2) The oral examination will last approximately 30 mins and will include both theoretical questions and numerical exercises. The oral examination score ranges from 0 to 30 cum laude. It will be erogated using either the BBB platform or any other videoconferencing application previously agreed with the candidate. The schedule of the oral examinations will be made available after the publication of the results of the multiple choice test.
3) The final score will be computed according to this formula: round(0.2*(test score)+0.8*(oral examination score)).
Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.
Exam: Written test; Group project;
Exam rules
a) Report showcasing and commenting the results of the 3 laboratory sessions (max 6 points)
b) Written exam: 10 open questions on general concepts and 3 exercises, duration 2h (max 27 points)
To pass the exam at least 2 points from the report AND at least 14 points from the written exam are required.
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.