LV EN RU DE FR

Computer Networks I

Course developers

Prior knowledge

DatZ2016, Operating Systems I

DatZ2017, Operating Systems II

DatZ2055, Computer Hardware I

DatZ2056, Computer Hardware II

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide knowledge about the structure and processes of computer networks, as well as to develop skills and competencies that would allow students to work with computer network equipment, create local and wireless computer networks.
In the lectures of the study course students are introduced to the structure of computer networks, the basic principles of computer networks and gain an understanding of different types of computer networks - local, wireless, territorial, their differences and data transmission technologies used in them. Skills in creating small local and wireless computer networks and configuring computer network hardware are acquired in the laboratory work. The continuation of this study course is the course Computer Networks II (DatZ2025).
The course is intended to be implemented as classes, which include lectures, laboratory work and independent work.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge:
•students acquire knowledge about the conceptual process of computer network packet transmission in accordance with the hierarchy of the ISO OSI seven-layer protocol set – tests;
•students gain knowledge of the principles of operation of physical and channel-level computer network technologies and data coding methods of the ISO OSI reference model - tests and laboratory works;
•students gain knowledge of the principles and hardware of local area network Ethernet, wireless WiFi network, Internet broadband access and IoT technologies - tests and laboratory works.
Skills:
•students are able to independently plan computer network addressing according to the chosen computer network topology, is able to connect and configure Ethernet technology and WiFi wireless computer network hardware used in laboratory work, is able to check network node connections, knows and is able to apply network problem diagnostic methods and tools;
•students are able to develop a computer network topology scheme for a small office-type building or residential house and are able to choose the most suitable computer network hardware - developed homework.
Competence:
•students are able to show an understanding of data transmission processes in computer networks, are able to choose the most appropriate computer network technology and are able to justify the choice of computer network technology and hardware, know and are able to choose the most appropriate network problem diagnostic tools and methods - defended laboratory work and homework;
•students who work in a group or work independently, use information acquisition, preparation and processing tools, prepare presentations and informative materials about computer networks, as well as persuade others and argue their views - the developed laboratory work and homework are defended.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to the study course, history and classification of computer network development. Graphic representation of computer network schemes in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
2. Host computer addressing, address types and their use. Configuration of host computer IP addressing in the laboratory. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
3. Computer network data transmission environments, computer network cables. Assembly of twisted pair cable connectors in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
4. Physical and logical structuring of computer networks, computer network hardware. Internet Connection Sharing Configuration in the Laboratory. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
5. Standardization of computer network technologies and hardware. Laboratory configuration of a small office computer network router. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
6. Physical level of OSI reference model, binary data coding methods. Test No. 1 in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
Test No.1. Computer network classification, ISO OSI model, computer network addressing, computer network hardware, computer network standards.
7. OSI reference model channel level, channel level functions and technologies. Wireless router configuration in the laboratory. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
8. Wide Area Networks and broadband access technologies for Internet. Connection of shared equipment in a peer-to-peer computer network for laboratory work, part I (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour)
9. Data transmission over cable telephony networks, mobile telephony networks and cable television networks. Connection of shared equipment in a peer-to-peer computer network for laboratory work, part II (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour)
10. Data transmission in FTTx optical cable networks. Create and manage lab sharing resources in a Microsoft operating system environment. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
11. Classical Ethernet technology of local area networks. Test No. 2 in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
Test No.2. Physical and channel level of OSI reference model, wide area network broadband access technologies.
12. Advanced Ethernet Technologies, FastEthetnet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 40/100 Gigabit Ethernet. Switch control configuration in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
13. Technology Ethernet adapters, repeaters, hubs, switches and environmental converters. Switch work port configuration in the laboratory. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
14. Technologies Additional functions of Ethernet switches, Virtual Local Area Networks, Connected Tree Algorithm, Port Merge, IEEE802.1X standard, switch control protocols. Configuration of virtual local area networks in the switch manufactured by the company Cisco. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
15. Wireless Computer Networks, IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth Wireless Computer Networking Standards and Technologies. Laboratory configuration of virtual local area networks in an HP-manufactured switch. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
16. Internet of Things, IoT protocols and hardware. Test No. 3 in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
Test No.3. Local Area Ethernet, Wireless IEEE 802.11 and IoT Computer Network Technologies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

All tests are passed, a student can obtain a successful mark on the test if at least 50% of the test questions have been answered correctly.
Homework must be credited, homework is assessed with a mark in accordance with the assessment procedure specified in the homework assignment.
Laboratory work must be designed and credited.
A task and a description of the evaluation criteria for the results to be achieved are placed in the e-learning environment for laboratory work and homework.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the course, students should complete and defend to the teacher an individual work, which includes the development of the concept of a small office computer network, the selection of network building components and the cost calculation.
The student should read the literature independently and study the online tutorials to strengthen the knowledge.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Test with grade. The test grade of this course is an accumulated grade that is an average arithmetic of three tests grades and the individual work grade.

Compulsory reading

1.Andrew Tanenbaum, David Wetherall, Nick Feamster, Computer Networks, Global Edition 6th edition. Izdevniecība: Pearson Education Limited, 2021., 944 lpp.
2.Doug Lowe, Networking All-in-One For Dummies 8th Edition, Izdevniecība: John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2021., 1056 lpp.

Further reading

1. Nilkevs J. B. Networking Essentials.6th edition. Pearson IT Certification, 2022. 848 p.
2. Kurose J., Ross K. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. Edition 7th edition. Pearson Education Limited, 2021. 856 p.
3. Herrero R. Fundamentals of IoT Communication Technologies. 1st ed. Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2022. 249 p.
4. Lea P. IoT and Edge Computing for Architects: Implementing edge and IoT systems from sensors to clouds with communication systems, analytics, and security. 2nd Edition. Packt Publishing Limited, 2020. 632 p.

Periodicals and other sources

Kursa lekciju slaidi un citi materiāli LLU e-vidē (Moodle)

Notes

Compulsory course in the academic bachelor’s study programme “Computer Control and Computer Science”