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Computer Networks

Course developers

Prior knowledge

DatZ2016, Operating Systems I

DatZ2017, Operating Systems II

DatZ2048, 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 practical skills and competencies that would allow students to work with computer network equipment, create computer networks and substantiate the chosen computer network technologies.
During the course, students get acquainted with the history of computer network development, classification, standardization, addressing, Open Systems Interoperability Reference Models, TCP/IP protocols and the basics of structured cabling system design. In the laboratory, students learn skills in creating, configuring and maintaining small office computer networks, get acquainted with the methods of designing and installing structured cabling systems, learn the basics of TCP/IP protocol configuration. The course is intended to be implemented as classes that include lectures, laboratory work and independent work in computer network design.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge:
•Students acquire knowledge of the conceptual process of packet transmission in computer networks in accordance with the hierarchy of protocols defined by the ISO OSI 7-layer reference model and the TCP/IP protocol suite - tests and laboratory work.
•Students are introduced to the structure of local, wireless and broadband access computer networks, technologies and protocols - tests and laboratory work.
•Students are introduced to the standards and components of structured cabling systems - testing, 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 equipment used in laboratory work, are able to check network node connections, know and are able to apply network problems developed laboratory works.
•Students are able to develop a structured cabling system, are able to choose the most suitable computer network technology and computer network hardware for a small office-type building computer network - laboratory work and independent work have been developed.
Competence:
•Students are able to show 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 substantiate the chosen computer network technology and equipment - defended laboratory work and independent work.
•Students understand the problems of computer networks, are able to choose the most suitable diagnostic tools and are able to substantiate the chosen methods of computer network diagnostics - laboratory works have been developed and defended.

Course Content(Calendar)

1.Introduction to the history, structure and operating principles of computer networks. IPv4 addressing configuration in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
2.Physical layer of ISO OSI reference model, data transmission media and computer network cables. Assembly of twisted pair cable connector in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
3.ISO OSI reference model channel and network level, host addressing. In the laboratory, the router configuration. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
4.Physical and logical structuring of computer networks, computer network hardware. In the laboratory, a wireless router configuration. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
5.Computer network standardization, computer network hardware and Internet network standards. 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 and computer network hardware.
6.Standards for structured cabling systems, twisted pair and optical cables, interconnection components for structured cabling systems. Research of computer class structured cabling system in the laboratory. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
7.Review of the structured cabling system design example. Research of structured cable communication space in the laboratory. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
8.Data transmission environment and binary data coding methods. Design development of a structured cable communication room in a laboratory. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
9.Broadband Internet access technologies, data transmission in cable and mobile telephony, cable television, power distribution and optical FTTx cable networks. Presentation and discussion of independent work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
10.Ethernet technology of local computer networks. Test No.2. in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
Test No.2. Physical and data link layer of ISO OSI reference model, structured cabling systems, wide area network access technologies.
11.Ethernet technology hardware. Laboratory router configuration in command line interface mode. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
12.Wireless standard IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth computer networks. Laboratory router configuration with graphical user interface program. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
13.IPv4 and IPv6 protocols of TCP/IP protocol sets, basics of router configuration. Laboratory routing configuration. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
14.TCP / IP protocol set transport layer TCP and UDP protocols. Configuration of virtual local area networks for switch in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
15.Application layer protocols of the TCP/IP protocol set. Configuration of virtual local area networks for router in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
16.Review of an example of an institution's computer network design. Test No.3. in laboratory work. (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
Test No.3. TCP/IP protocol set, network, transport and application layers protocols.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Three tests have been passed, tests have been created in the e-study system, the student takes the tests in the computer class during the laboratory work, the tests are assessed with a mark, the student can get a successful test mark if at least 50% of the test questions are answered correctly.
Completed and passed laboratory works, laboratory works are evaluated with a test without a mark.
The independent work is completed and credited, the work is evaluated with a mark in accordance with the evaluation procedure specified in the terms of reference.
For each laboratory work and independent work in the e-learning environment, a task and a description of the evaluation criteria for the results to be achieved are placed.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

During the course, students must complete and submit to the lecturer for evaluation the independent work, which includes the development of a small office computer network installation concept, selection of network construction components and cost calculation.
The student should independently read literature sources and learn online training to strengthen knowledge.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The assessment of the examination depends on the cumulative assessment of the semester:
The mark is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the three test marks and the marks of the independent work.

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. Sybex Inc.,U.S., 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 D. 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

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