Course detail
Communication Technology
FEKT-MPA-KOMAcad. year: 2020/2021
The course is focused on these topics: networks and protocols – communication models, methods of information transmission, reasons for the use of networks, basic structure of networks, types of networks, architecture of communication systems, ISO/OSI reference model, TCP/IP network model. Principles of communication techniques – multiple utilization of transmission channels, duplex communication. Analysis of tasks of every layer of communication models with respect to ISO/OSI and TCP/IP – physical layer, data-link layer, network layer, transport layer, session layer, presentation layer, and application layer.
Supervisor
Department
Learning outcomes of the course unit
Students who will complete this course will be able to:
- describe and explain the basic communication models and methods of information transmission,
- list the basic network structures and express their performance parameters,
- describe and explain the general architecture of communication systems,
- identify the differences between ISO/OSI and TCP/IP network models, define these models,
- describe the basic principles of multiple utilization of transmission channels and methods for providing two-way communication,
- explain the operation of the physical layer of transmission systems,
- explain the task of the data-link layer of transmission systems,
- express the fundamentals of operation and services of the network layer of transmission systems, including the role of main protocols,
- interpret the function of the transport layer of transmission systems,
- explain the role of the session and presentation layers of transmission systems,
- describe selected tasks and protocols of the application layer of transmission systems.
Prerequisites
Students who are going to attend this course should be able to: - use several numerical systems and conversions among them, - explain and use elementary units common in the area of information and communication technologies (ICT), e.g. data size, - use elementary terms from the ICT area, e.g. operating system.
Co-requisites
Not applicable.
Recommended optional programme components
Not applicable.
Recommended or required reading
PETERSON, L.L., BRUCE, S.D. Computer networks: a systems approach. 5th edition. Burlington: Morgan Kaufmann, 2011. (EN)
FOROUZAN, B.A. TCP/IP protocol suite. 4th edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2010. (EN)
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Teaching methods include lectures and practical laboratories. Course is taking advantage of e-learning (Moodle) system. Students have to write a single project/assignment during the course.
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes
Up to 30 points can be awarded for work in laboratory exercises (points are obtained for individual tasks, test and individual project).
Up to 70 points can be earned for the written examination.
Language of instruction
English
Work placements
Not applicable.
Course curriculum
Lectures:
1. Communication models, transmission of information.
2. Structure of networks, architecture of communication.
3. Basic description of ISO/OSI and TCP/IP network models.
4. Multiple utilization of transmission channels.
5. Physical layer of communication systems.
6. Data-link layer of communication systems.
7. Network layer of communication systems (services, task of the layer, addresses).
8. Network layer of communication systems routing, datagrams, tunneling).
9. Network layer of communication systems (translation, flow control, IPv6).
10. Transport layer of communication systems.
11. Session layer of communication systems. Presentation layer of communication systems.
12. Application layer of communication systems (basics, DHCP, DNS system).
13. Application layer of communication systems (Telnet, FTP, WWW and HTTP, Email and SMTP).
Laboratory exercises:
1. Introduction to Riverbed Modeler environment, simulation of elementary network applications.
2. Modeling of backbone and access networks with Ethernet.
3. Comparison of wireless and wired technology (WLAN and Ethernet).
4. Test, presentation of mini project assignment.
5. Comparison of TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) transport protocols.
6. Work on assignment and its defense.
Aims
The goal of the course is to provide students with some orientation within the fundamental types and structures of communication networks designated for transmission of voice, data and pictures and within the technologies of information transmission that are used in them.
Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences
Attendance at laboratory exercises is compulsory, properly justified absence can be made up after after prior arrangement with the instructor.