Computer Networks
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course provides the conceptual bases of computer networks with particular reference to Internet protocols and architecture. The course analyzes in detail the standard architectures for computer networks, describes the operation of both standard Internet protocols, and mechanisms for the management and transmission of multimedia content (audio-video) on the network.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will acquire the ability to understand the mechanisms underlying the functioning of network applications, and the aspects that influence network performance. The student will acquire the necessary competence for the choice of services and network protocols adequate to the needs of specific distributed applications that s/he should develop.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
- Introduction to networks: definitions and fundamental concepts.
- Layered architectures, service definitions. ISO/OSI and TCP/IP architectures.
- Application layer: standard protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, DNS and DDNS). Content Delivery Networks. Multimedia applications: source characterization; Quality-of-Service and parameters.
- Introduction to socket programming.
- Presentation layer: Transport Layer Security.
- Transport layer: connectionless and connection-oriented services; error control. Stop&Wait, Go-Back-N, Selective-Repeat algorithms. UDP and TCP protocols.
- Wired network infrastructures. Basic notions on distributed platforms (grid).
- Wireless network infrastructures; cellular networks; mobility. Notes on the Internet-of-Things.
- Network layer: packet switching; statistical multiplexing; performance indices. IP protocol; address management (CIDR, DHCP, NAPT); routing algorithms and protocols.
- Multi-Protocol Label Switching.
- Data-link and physical layers: basics. Time division Multiplexing.
- Layered architectures, service definitions. ISO/OSI and TCP/IP architectures.
- Application layer: standard protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, DNS and DDNS). Content Delivery Networks. Multimedia applications: source characterization; Quality-of-Service and parameters.
- Introduction to socket programming.
- Presentation layer: Transport Layer Security.
- Transport layer: connectionless and connection-oriented services; error control. Stop&Wait, Go-Back-N, Selective-Repeat algorithms. UDP and TCP protocols.
- Wired network infrastructures. Basic notions on distributed platforms (grid).
- Wireless network infrastructures; cellular networks; mobility. Notes on the Internet-of-Things.
- Network layer: packet switching; statistical multiplexing; performance indices. IP protocol; address management (CIDR, DHCP, NAPT); routing algorithms and protocols.
- Multi-Protocol Label Switching.
- Data-link and physical layers: basics. Time division Multiplexing.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is based on previous knowledge of the following 1st year courses: Computer Architecture, Programming, Digital Product Law. There will also be connections with some notions from the Operating Systems course and the Algorithms and Data Structures course, which are delivered in the same semester.
Teaching methods
in-presence (in Italian)
Teaching Resources
The textbook adopted for the course exists in Italian only. If you cannot read Italian, ask the professor what alternative textbook might be used and what program must be considered in it.
Additional on-line documentation indicated for specific topics.
Additional on-line documentation indicated for specific topics.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test with questions that concern the entire program of the course. The questions may be partly multiple choice and partly open answer, and will concern both theoretical topics and exercises such as those done in the course.
The exam grade is expressed in thirtieths. The student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all the theoretical aspects of the subject; to have acquired critical reasoning skills on the subject; to be able to discuss the subject with mastery of the topics, clarity of exposition, and ownership of technical language.
The exam grade is expressed in thirtieths. The student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all the theoretical aspects of the subject; to have acquired critical reasoning skills on the subject; to be able to discuss the subject with mastery of the topics, clarity of exposition, and ownership of technical language.
Professor(s)