Course syllabus for Introduction to communication networks

Course syllabus adopted 2022-02-15 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameIntroduktionkurs i kommunikationsnätverk
  • CodeEEN115
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPICT
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyElectrical Engineering
  • DepartmentELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 13122
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0121 Examination 7.5 c
Grading: TH		0 c0 c7.5 c0 c0 c0 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second 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

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
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

Basic programming and coding skills (no specific language required) are recommended to be able to carry out the project assignment.

Aim

The course aims at providing an introduction to the fundamental networking and security, concepts, problems, and applications which are typical of modern communication infrastructures. The course will provide a broad horizontal overview of the area, highlighting the main concepts, technologies, and challenges when looking at the design, operation, and trustworthiness of communication networks.

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

  • Model different network topologies and assess the performance of a given network setting
  • Solve routing, resource assignment and flow control problems on a network example
  • Explain the main network control mechanisms
  • Summarize the principles of network service virtualization
  • Distinguish between security threats at different network layers and recommend countermeasures

Content

Network architectures, modeling and performance evaluation

  • Core, access and datacenter networks
  • Network throughput, latency, availability
Network switching and routing
  • Flow and congestion control
  • Routing and resource assignment
Network control and management
  • GMPLS, SDN
Network service virtualization
Network security and privacy
  • Attacks at different network layers (physical, TCP/IP layers)
  • Access control and cryptography
  • Networks and distributed ledger technologies

Organisation

The course is comprised of approximately 20 lectures, 10 exercise sessions, 1 project and 6 assignments.

Literature

John Cowley: Communications and networking. Springer, 2013
Christopher Larsson: Design of modern communication networks. Methods and applications. Elsevier Academic Press, 2014.

Examination including compulsory elements

The final grade is based on scores from projects, quizzes, and a written exam. To pass the course, both the project and written exams need to be passed. 

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.