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Computer Networks II

Course developers

Prior knowledge

DatZ2016, Operating Systems I

DatZ2017, Operating Systems II

DatZ2055, Computer Hardware I

DatZ2056, Computer Hardware II

DatZ2024, Computer Networks I

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to continue to provide knowledge about the structure and processes of computer networks, as well as to develop practical skills and competencies that would allow students to design and build computer network cabling systems and work with computer network hardware.
In the study course students are introduced to the structure of computer network structured cabling systems, acquire knowledge, skills and competencies about different types of computer network cabling and their application in the development of computer network cabling systems.
In the second part of the study course, in lectures and laboratory work, students continue to master the network, transport and application level protocols of the TCP/IP protocol suite and acquire skills in configuring computer network switches and routers. The study course is a continuation of the study course “Computer Networks I” (DatZ2024).
The course is intended to be implemented as classes that include lectures and laboratory work.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge:
•Students are introduced to the standards of structured cabling systems and the types of cables used in structured cabling systems - test and exam theory test.
•Students deepen their knowledge of TCP/IP protocol network, transport and application level protocols, understand routing processes and get acquainted with the basic principles of computer network security - test and exam theory test task.
Skills:
•Students are able to independently design the structured cabling system of a small building, are able to install and test the twisted pair cabling system - developed laboratory work and passed the practical test of the exam.
•Students are able to configure computer network routers and client computers, create virtual local area networks, are able to check the operation of the computer network created in the laboratory work, are able to identify and eliminate configuration errors - developed laboratory works and passed the practical task of the exam.
Competence:
•Students, working in a group or working independently, show an understanding of computer networks for structured cabling systems, are able to justify the choice of cabling and additional equipment for the institution's small computer network - laboratory work has been developed.
•Students understand computer network problems, are able to check the connections of network nodes, know and are able to choose the most suitable diagnostic tools for network problems and are able to justify the chosen methods - developed laboratory works and passed an exam.

Course Content(Calendar)

1.Introduction to Structured Cabling Systems. Research of computer class structured cabling system in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
2.Twisted pair cables characteristics, classification and application. Research of the structured cabling system of the building in the laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
3.Design, installation and testing. Research of computer network switching room cabinets in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
4.Optical cables, their classification, assembly and testing. Assembly of twisted pair cable sockets in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
5.Review of the Cabling Systems project example. Testing of twisted pair cables in laboratory work and analysis of test results. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
6.History and structure of Internet network development, IPv4 addressing in computer networks. Test No.4. in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
Test No.4. Structured cabling system standards, twisted pair and optical cables.
7.Data transmission in IPv4 networks. Laboratory router control configuration in command line mode. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
8.TCP/IP protocol sets ARP, ICMP, IGMP and DHCP protocols. Laboratory work router control configuration in graphical communication. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
9.Routing in IPv4 networks. Configuration of IPv4 subnets in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
10.IPv6 protocol, addressing and data transmission in IPv6 networks. Laboratory routing configuration. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
11.Data transmission in the transport layer of TCP/IP protocols, overview of TCP and UDP protocols. Test No.5. in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour).
Test No.5. IPv4 and IPv6 protocols.
12.Domain name system structure and operating principles. Configuration of virtual local area networks in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
13.Review of application layer protocols of TCP/IP protocol set. Configuration of virtual local area networks in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
14.Introduction to computer network security and firewalls. Laboratory configuration of the firewall built into the router. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
15.Remote computer network access and virtual private networks. Configuration of virtual private networks in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
16.Introduction to computer network monitoring, SNMP protocol overview. Test No.6. in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour).
Test No.6. TCP/IP transport and application protocols, basic principles of computer network security.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Laboratory works must be developed and credited, a laboratory task and a description of the evaluation criteria for the results to be achieved are placed in the e-learning environment of the laboratory work.
All three tests have been passed. A student can obtain a successful mark in a test or exam test if at least 50% of the test questions have been answered correctly.
You must pass the exam.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Must prepare for theory tests, study literature and Internet resources.
The faculty's structured cabling system must be researched and technical documentation prepared in accordance with the laboratory's terms of reference.
Prepare for the development and defense of laboratory work.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The evaluation of the exam depends on the evaluation of the tests of the study course and the evaluation of the exam tasks.
The exam task consists of three parts:
1. test on the topics acquired in the lectures of the study course;
2. test on the active hardware of computer networks and components of the structured cabling system acquired in the study course;
3. practical task on the topics acquired in the laboratory work of the study course.
For students who have at least 7 points in the study course, the theoretical test of the exam may be omitted and the arithmetic mean of the marks in the study course may be equated to the evaluation of the theoretical test.
The examination mark is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the three examination tasks and the average marks of the semester tests.

Compulsory reading

1. Tanenbaum A., Wetherall D., Feamster N. Computer Networks. 6th edition. Pearson Education Limited, 2021. 944 p.
2. Woodward B. Cabling: The Complete Guide to Copper and Fiber-Optic Networking. 5th Edition. U.S.: Sybex Inc., 2014. 1328 p.

Further reading

1. Lowe D. Networking All-in-One For Dummies. 8th Edition. John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2021. 1056 p.
2. Nilkevs J. B. Networking Essentials. 6th edition. Pearson IT Certification, 2022. 848 p.
3. Kurose J. Ross K. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. 7th edition. Pearson Education Limited, 2021. 856 p.

Periodicals and other sources

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

Notes

General study course for Bachelor’s Study Programme “Computer Control and Computer Science”