Course syllabus for Computer communication

Course syllabus adopted 2024-01-29 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameDatakommunikation
  • CodeEDA344
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTKDAT
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyComputer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering
  • DepartmentCOMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 49117
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0114 Laboratory 2 c
Grading: UG
0 c0 c2 c0 c0 c0 c
0214 Examination 5.5 c
Grading: TH
0 c0 c5.5 c0 c0 c0 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course.
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

The student should have good understanding of computer organization (course EDA452 "Introduction to computer engineering" or equivalent). A course in programming (e.g. Java or C) is a prerequisite. Knowledge of basic probability theory (random variables) and elementary graph theory (shortest paths) can be an advantage, but can also be acquired during the course via complementary reading.

Aim

Computer networks are becoming an inherent and increasingly important part of many technical areas today. This course focuses on the parts of data communication that practicing engineers normally will encounter in their daily work. It is a basic course which offers an introductory presentation of data communication and computer networks.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

1. show basic knowledge and skills in the field of data communications and computer networks,
2. show knowledge of reference models for computer communication in terms of function, services and protocols.
3. show knowledge of the principles, protocols and standards that the TCP / IP model and the Internet's structure and architecture, as well as applications that build on them, are based on. 
4. show understanding of the Internet's possibilities and  limitations with respect to service warranties in connection with evolving needs for various services.
5. explain how different types of computer networks are constructed relative to the transmission medium's characteristics, bandwidth requirements, coding methods and functions for error and flow control.
6. show practical skills in the monitoring of network traffic and in the configuration of networks.
7. seek deeper knowledge of the individual standards and protocols in the data communication field.

Content

In the study of protocols, we start with application level protocols enabling students to start with more familiar paradigms in the context of commonly-used applications. Moving to lower layers later on, we have the possibility to gradually study deeper network services, their functionality and the challenges for achieving them. Topics covered include: networking applications, reliable data transfer, content distribution, HTTP, SMTP, TCP, UDP, performance and congestion analysis, IP, switching, routing, local area networks, multiple access protocols (IEEE 802.X and others), wireless networks, physical media and an introduction to network security.

Organisation

Lectures (with elements of interaction) are given, where basic theory and important concepts are presented in order to complement and support the course textbook. As a complement to the lectures, regular exercise sessions are offered, where support in smaller groups is possible. A selection of optional homework problems (several web-supported options, for self-assessment)  are given in order to provide additional insight into the course material as well as to exercise the level of understanding required for solving problems.  Practical laborations are included to help students understand and show practical skills on protocols, as well as on monitoring of network traffic and configuration of networks. .

Literature

James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross, "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach", 8th Edition, Pearson Education.

Examination including compulsory elements

The course is examined by an individual written exam for 5,5 ECTS points and laboratory project assignments 2 ECTS points.

The Laboratory work is carried out in groups and graded with pass (P) or fail (F), 

The grading scale of the written exam comprises fail (F), 3, 4, 5.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.