Computer communication

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Datavetenskap, kandidatprogram (N1COS)
2. Computer Science, Masters programme (N2COS)
3. Computer science and AI, Bachelors programme (N1CAI)

The course is a also a single-subject course at Gothenburg University.

Students are expected to have a good understanding of computer architecture and must:

• have successfully completed the course DIT792 Introduction to Computer Engineering, or an equivalent course;
• have successfully completed a 7.5-credit course in programming (e.g. Java or C).

Knowledge of basic probability theory, including random variables, and elementary graph theory is advantageous but not required. Any necessary knowledge in these areas may also be acquired during the course through supplementary study.

Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

Computer networks are 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.

After completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding
* Describe fundamental concepts and analyse essential performance metrics in computer networks, including bandwidth, capacity, throughput, and processing, queuing, transmission, and propagation delays.
* Explain the structure and role of layered data communication and networks, as well the distribution of functionality across their layers in general and in the TCP/IP model in particular.
* Identify and explain the role of key network devices and components, including hosts, routers, switches, proxies, caches, and firewalls, and their function in packet-switched networks.
* Explain the structure and functionality of the Internet, including core and edge parts, and analyze how data is delivered end-to-end and how congestion can be controlled.
* Explain application-layer communication models (client–server and peer-to-peer) and describe the operation of core Internet protocols such as HTTP, SMTP, and DNS, including the role of caching.
* Explain and analyze the transport-layer services provided by TCP and UDP, including reliable data transfer, flow control, and congestion control.
* Explain the role of Internet standardization, including the IETF and RFCs, and describe modern networking paradigms such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN).

Skills and Abilities
* Explain the foundational elements, as well as apply and analyse key methods in Internet network layer, including IP addressing, subnetting, packet forwarding in packet-switched networks, routing algorithms (such as Dijkstra and Bellman–Ford) and the operation of routing protocols (such as OSPF and BGP).
* Explain and apply link-layer and wireless networking principles, including framing, error detection, and multiple-access techniques (CSMA/CA, CDMA), as well as Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G networks.
* Apply the acquired skills in the monitoring of network traffic and in the configuration of networks.

Judgement Ability and Approach
* Seek and evaluate deeper knowledge of the individual standards and protocols in the data communication field.

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 classic and modern networks.

Language of instruction: English

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 (U),
The grading scale of the written exam comprises fail (U), (G), (VG).

A set of bonus points can be earned through small assignments or in-class quizzes conducted during lectures and exercise sessions. These bonus points are added to the exam score and may be used both to pass the exam and to achieve a higher grade. The grade of the entire course is the same as the grade obtained on the written examination.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Grading scale:Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)
To pass the course, students must receive a passing grade in both modules. The grade for the entire course will be determined by the written exam.

The course is evaluated through meetings both during and after the course between teachers and student representatives. Further, an anonymous questionnaire is used to ensure written information. The outcome of the evaluations serves to improve the course by indication which parts could be added, improved, changed or removed.

The course is a joint course together with Chalmers.

The course replaces the course DIT423, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains DIT423. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course DIT423 is included.