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Computer Networks

Course developers

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 practical skills and competencies that would allow students to work with computer network hardware, create computer networks and justify selected computer network technologies and protocols.
In lectures, students are introduced to the history of computer network development, computer network classification, standardization and open system interoperability reference models, TCP/IP protocols and the basics of designing structured cabling systems. In laboratory work, students acquire skills in creating, configuring and maintaining small office computer networks, and learn the basics of configuring TCP/IP protocols and routers.
The course is intended to be implemented as classes that include lectures, laboratory work and independent work.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge:
• students gain knowledge about the packet transmission process in computer networks according to the protocol hierarchy offered by the ISO OSI 7-layer reference model and the TCP/IP protocol suite - tests and laboratory work;
• students are introduced to the structure, technologies and protocols of local, wireless and broadband access computer networks - tests and laboratory work;
• students are introduced to the standards and components of structured cabling systems - tests, laboratory work, independent work.
Skills:
• students are able to independently plan network addressing according to the desired computer network topology, are able to connect and configure computer network hardware used in laboratory work, are able to check network node connections, are familiar with and can apply network problem diagnostic methods – laboratory work has been developed;
• students are able to independently develop a structured cabling system for a room, are able to choose the most suitable computer network technology and computer network hardware for a computer network of a small office-type building – laboratory work and independent work have been developed.
Competence:
• students are able to demonstrate an understanding of data transmission processes in computer networks, are able to choose the most suitable hardware for a small institution's computer network and are able to justify the selected computer network technology and hardware – defended laboratory works and independent work;
students understand computer network problems, are able to choose the most suitable diagnostic tools and are able to justify the selected computer network diagnostic methods – developed and defended laboratory works.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to the history of computer networks, their structure, operating principles and computer network cables. In laboratory work, configuring IPv4 addresses and assembling twisted pair cable connectors (lecture 2 hours, laboratory work 2 hours).
2. IP addressing of computer network hosts, computer network hardware, computer network standardization and the ISO OSI reference model. In laboratory work, configuring a router and a shared printer (lecture 2 hours, laboratory work 2 hours).
3. Standards for structured cabling systems, components of a twisted pair structured cabling system connection. In laboratory work, studying a structured cabling system in a computer classroom (lecture 2 hours, laboratory work 2 hours).
4. Optical cables and a review of a sample of a structured cabling system project. In laboratory work, studying the SKS communication space (lecture 2 hours, laboratory work 2 hours).
Test No. 1. Classification of computer networks, addressing of computer networks, hardware of computer networks and structured cabling systems.
5. Broadband Internet access technologies, data transmission in cable and mobile telephony, cable television and optical FTTx cable networks. Laboratory work Mikrotik router configuration (lecture 2 hours, laboratory work 2 hours).
6. Local area network Ethernet and wireless IEEE 802.11 standard computer networks. Laboratory work Mikrotik router configuration (lecture 2 hours, laboratory work 2 hours).
7. IPv4 and IPv6 protocols of the TCP/IP protocol suite, basics of router configuration. Laboratory work IP subnet configuration for a router (lecture 2 hours, laboratory work 2 hours).
8. TCP and UDP protocols of the transport layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite, application layer protocols of the TCP/IP protocol suite. Laboratory work Virtual local area network configuration for a router. (lecture 2 hours, laboratory work 2 hours).
Test No. 2. Broadband Internet access, local and wireless computer networks, network, transport and application protocols of the TCP/IP protocol suite.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Three test papers have been passed, tests are created in the e-study system, tests are taken in the computer lab, test papers are passed if at least 50% of the test questions are answered correctly.
Laboratory work has been completed and passed.
Independent work has been completed and passed.
For each laboratory work and independent work, a work assignment and a description of the criteria for evaluating the results to be achieved are posted in the LBTU e-study environment.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the course, students must complete and submit to the instructor for evaluation an independent project, which includes developing a concept for installing a small office computer network, selecting network components, and calculating costs. The student must independently read literature sources and study information materials available on the Internet.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

To pass the test, you must complete all laboratory work, pass two tests, and complete independent work.

Compulsory reading

1.Andrew Tanenbaum, David Wetherall, Nick Feamster, Computer Networks, Global Edition 6th edition. Izdevniecība: Pearson Education Limited, 2021., 944 lpp.
2.Todd Lammle, CompTIA Networkplus Study Guide: Exam N10-008 5th Edition, Izdevniecība: Sybex Inc.,U.S., 2021., 1040 lpp.
Jeffrey Beasley, Piyasat Nilkaew, Networking Essentials: A CompTIA Networkplus N10-008 Textbook 6th edition, Izdevniecība: Pearson IT Certification, 2022., 848 lpp.

Further reading

1.Doug Lowe, Networking All-in-One For Dummies 8th Edition, Izdevniecība: John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2021., 1056 lpp.
James Kurose, Keith Ross, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, Global Edition 7th edition, Izdevniecība: Pearson Education Limited, 2021.,856 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

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

Notes

Bachelor level professional study programme “Information Technologies for Sustainable Development”