Tribhuvan University
Institute of Science and Technology
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology
| Course Title: Computer Networks | Full Marks: 60 + 20 + 20 |
| Course no: CSC263 | Pass Marks: 24 + 8 + 8 |
| Semester: IV | Credit Hours: 3 |
| Nature of course: Theory + Lab | |
Course Description: This course introduces concept of computer networking and discuss the different layers of networking model.
Course Objective: The main objective of this course is to introduce the understanding of the concept of computer networking with its layers, topologies, protocols & standards, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, Routing and Latest Networking Standards.
Course Contents
Unit 1. Introduction to Computer Network (6 Hrs.)
- Definitions, Uses, Benefits
- Overview of Network Topologies (Star, Tree, Bus, …)
- Overview of Network Types (PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, …)
- Networking Types (Client/Server, P2P)
- Overview of Protocols and Standards
- OSI Reference Model
- TCP/IP Models and its comparison with OSI
- Connection and Connection-Oriented Network Services
- Internet, ISPs, Backbone Network Overview
Unit 2. Physical Layer and Network Media (4 Hrs.)
- Network Devices: Repeater, Hub, Switch, Bridge, Router
- Different types of transmission medias (wired: twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic; Wireless: Radio waves, micro waves, infrared)
- Ethernet Cable Standards (UTP & Fiber cable standards)
- Circuit, Message & Packet Switching
- ISDN: Interface and Standards
Unit 3. Data Link Layer (8 Hrs.)
- Function of Data Link Layer (DLL)
- Overview of Logical Link Control (LLC) and Media Access Control (MAC)
- Framing and Flow Control Mechanisms
- Error Detection and Correction techniques
- Channel Allocation Techniques (ALOHA, Slotted ALOHA)
- Ethernet Standards (802.3 CSMA/CD, 802.4 Token Bus, 802.5 Token Ring)
- Wireless LAN: Spread Spectrum, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Overview Virtual Circuit Switching, Frame Relay & ATM
- DLL Protocol: HDLC, PPP
Unit 4. Network Layer (10 Hrs.)
- Introduction and Functions
- IPv4 Addressing & Sub-netting; Classful and Classless Addressing
- IPv6 Addressing and its Features; IPv4 and IPv6 Datagram Formats; Comparison of IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing
- Example Addresses: Unicast, Multicast and Broadcast
- Routing: Introduction and Definition; Types of Routing (Static vs Dynamic, Unicast vs Multicast, Link State vs Distance Vector, Interior vs Exterior); Path Computation Algorithms: Bellman Ford, Dijkstra’s; Routing Protocols: RIP, OSPF & BGP
- Overview of IPv4 to IPv6 Transition Mechanisms
- Overview of ICMP/ICMPv6 & NATing
- Overview of Network Traffic Analysis
- Security Concepts: Firewall & Router Access Control
Unit 5. Transport Layer (6 Hrs.)
- Introduction, Functions and Services
- Transport Protocols: TCP, UDP and Their Comparisons
- Connection Oriented and Connectionless Services
- Congestion Control: Open Loop & Closed Loop, TCP Congestion Control
- Traffic Shaping Algorithms: Leaky Bucket & Token Bucket
- Queuing Techniques for Scheduling
- Introduction to Ports and Sockets, Socket Programming
Unit 6. Application Layer (7 Hrs.)
- Introduction and Functions
- Web & HTTP
- DNS and the Query Types
- File Transfer and Email Protocols: FTP, SFTP, SMTP, IMAP, POP3
- Overview of Application Server Concepts: Proxy, Web, Mail
- Network Management: SNMP
Unit 7. Multimedia & Future Networking (4 Hrs.)
- Overview Multimedia Streaming Protocols: SCTP
- Overview of SDN and its Features, Data and Control Plane
- Overview of NFV
- Overview of NGN
Laboratory Works
The lab activities under this subject should accommodate at least the following:
- Understanding of Network equipment, wiring in details
- OS (Ubuntu/CentOS/Windows) installation, practice on basic Networking commands (ifconfig/ipconfig, tcpdump, netstat, dnsip, hostname, route…)
- Overview of IP Addressing and sub-netting, static IP setting on Linux/Windows machine, testing
- Introduction to Packet Tracer, creating of a LAN and connectivity test in the LAN, creation of VLAN and VLAN trunking
- Basic Router Configuration, Static Routing Implementation
- Implementation of Dynamic/interior/exterior routing (RIP, OSPF, BGP)
- Firewall Implementation, Router Access Control List (ACL)
- Packet capture and header analysis by Wireshark (TCP, UDP, IP)
- DNS, Web, FTP server configuration (shall use Packet Tracer, GNS3)
- Case Study: Network Operation Center Visit (ISP, Telecom, University Network)
- LAB Exam, Report and VIVA
Text Books
- Data Communications and Networking, 4th Edition, Behrouz A. Forouzan. McGraw-Hill
- Computer Networking: A Top Down Approach Featuring The Internet, 2nd Edition, Kurose James F., Ross W. Keith, Pearson Education Asia