Computer Networks

Justification
Access to data and to the computers that generate them highly depends on the communication of data across all borders, infrastructure, and protocols. Citizens are increasingly demanding new communication lines for faster transmission with wider bandwidth and greater security not only in the so-called smart cities but also in isolated areas such as the rural sector. Any computer engineer or computer scientist needs then to know current protocols, network devices, and components that make up the current computer networks. Furthermore, cutting-edge theories and networking practices must be learned to design effective technical solutions that will work in any situation.
In essence, the main contribution of the Computer Networks subject to the Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering is the ability to conceive and develop centralised or distributed computer systems or architectures integrating hardware, software, and networks. Specifically, the Computer Networks course focuses primarily on the knowledge of the main protocols of LAN and WAN networks, to later design, simulate and analyse solutions that meet the structural and quality of service requirements. To this aim, in this course, we will use the Networking Simulation Tool Packet Tracer from CISCO.

This course contributes to the development of the following specific competences of the degree:

- CE-TI-02 - Ability to select, design, deploy, integrate, evaluate, build, manage, operate and maintain hardware, software, and network technologies, within the appropriate cost and quality parameters.

- CE-TI-04 - Ability to select, design, deploy, integrate and manage networks and communication infrastructures in an organization.

CE-TI-06 - Ability to conceive systems, applications, and services based on network technologies, including Internet, web, e-commerce, multimedia, interactive services, and mobile computing.

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Subject competencies
SPECIFIC COMPETENCES

SC1- Interpret, differentiate and apply the different routing techniques in order to propose a routing scheme adequate to the needs of the client or the company we are a¡working with.

SC2- Differentiate and select the different technologies and components of a communications network in order to design networks, applications, and services adequate to the customer's needs taking into account cost and quality of service parameters.

CE3- Configure the different network devices and their services properly as well as manage the proper functioning of a network, network services, and applications using different tools.

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Course content
THEORY

TOPIC 1: Local Area Networks.

IP addressing and networking. Subnetting. VLSM. Basic concepts. Types of LAN networks. LAN protocol architecture. Media access control techniques.

TOPIC 2: Routing.

Interconnection of devices. Hubs. Routing and hosts. Routing and routers. NAT.

TOPIC 3: Switching.

Switch, Spanning Tree Protocol. VLAN.

TOPIC 4: Wireless LAN networks.

Characteristics of wireless networks and links. 802.11, 802.16. Personal Area Networks: 802.15, Bluetooth, UWB.

TOPIC 5: Wide Area Networks.

X.25, Frame Relay, ATM.

PRACTICES & HANDS-ON  WITH PACKET TRACER

MODULE 1: Basic configuration. 

Cisco Routers, Use of Cisco IOS Software, basic router commands. 

MODULE 2: Routing 

Static routing and dynamic routing. NAT.

MODULE 3: Switching.

LAN switch administration, virtual LANs.

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EVALUATION SYSTEM

The general and specific competencies worked on in this course will be evaluated through the progressive learning process proposed as a methodology. This evaluation will be reflected in the following four blocks:

1. Final exam (540% of the grade)

2. Team project (20% of the grade).

3. Laboratory practices exam (30% of the grade).

4. Continuous evaluation activities (10% of the grade). 

Note: To pass the course it is necessary to obtain at least 30% with the final exam and the continuous evaluation activities and 20% with the team project and the Laboratory practices exam.

The evaluation and grading system is presented in detail below, referring to a structure by competences and levels and to the type of evaluation (CE-Continuous Evaluation or FE-Final Evaluation):

- SPECIFIC COMPETENCES 1 (10%)

+ Written test (10%) (FE)

- SPECIFIC COMPETENCES 2 (40%)

+ Written test (30%) (FE)

+ Continuous evaluation activities (10% of the grade). (CE)

- SPECIFIC COMPETENCES 3 (50%)

+ Machine test (30%) (CE)

+ Team project (20%) (CE)

In the final exam of the ordinary call, students will have the opportunity to recover in writing the machine test of CE3.

In the extraordinary exam, the evaluation and grading system will be as follows:

- SPECIFIC COMPETENCES 1 (10%)

+ Written test (10%)

- SPECIFIC COMPETENCES 2 (40%)

+ Written test (30%)

+ Written work on a technology assigned by the teacher (10% of the grade). 

- SPECIFIC COMPETENCES 3 (50%)

+ Written test based on the laboratory practices (30%) 

+ Team project (20%)