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Comprehensive Computer Networks Overview

Nov 9, 2024

Computer Networks Course Overview

Course Objectives

  • Understand fundamentals of computer networks, TCP/IP & OSI model.
  • Analyze Data link layer Issues, Protocols.
  • Explain Network layer Protocols, IP addressing.
  • Identify end to end communication & various aspects in the Transport layer.
  • Describe various user services in a network.

Course Structure

  • Unit 1: Introduction to Networks
  • Unit 2: Data Link Layer
  • Unit 3: Network Layer
  • Unit 4: Transport Layer
  • Unit 5: Application Layer

Textbooks and References

  1. Computer Networks - Andrew S Tanenbaum
  2. Data Communications and Networking - Behrouz A. Forouzan

UNIT I: Introduction to Computer Networks

Data Communication Components

  • Message: Information (text, numbers, audio, video).
  • Sender: Device that sends data (computer, camera).
  • Receiver: Device that receives data.
  • Transmission Medium: Path for data (twisted-pair wire, radio waves).
  • Protocol: Rules governing data communication.

Network Types and Topologies

  • Types: LAN, MAN, WAN
  • Topologies: Mesh, Star, Bus, Ring

Uses of Computer Networks

  • Business Applications: Resource sharing, E-commerce.
  • Home Applications: Remote access, Interactive entertainment.

Internet Overview

  • Revolutionized communication and information access.
  • History: ARPANET, TCP/IP development.

UNIT II: Data Link Layer

Design Issues

  • Services: Provided to the network layer.
  • Framing: Organizing data into frames.
  • Error Control: Detection and correction.
  • Flow Control: Preventing data overflow.

Error Detection Methods

  • Parity Check: Ensures even/odd number of 1s.
  • Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC): Polynomial-based error detection.

Protocols

  • Simplex Protocol: Unidirectional data transmission.
  • Stop and Wait ARQ: Reliable data transmission with acknowledgments.

Multiple Access Protocols

  • CSMA/CD: Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection.
  • CSMA/CA: Collision Avoidance mechanism.

UNIT III: Network Layer

Routing Algorithms

  • Non-Adaptive: Shortest-path routing, Flooding.
  • Adaptive: Distance-Vector, Link-State Routing.

Congestion Control

  • Open Loop: Prevents congestion before it happens.
  • Closed Loop: Mitigates congestion after it occurs.

Addressing

  • IPv4 Subnetting: Dividing networks into subnets.
  • IPv6 Transition: Dual stack, Tunneling, Header translation.

UNIT IV: Transport Layer

Transport Protocols

  • TCP: Reliable, connection-oriented protocol.
  • UDP: Unreliable, connectionless protocol.

Connection Management

  • Establishment: Three-way handshake.
  • Termination: Four-step process.

Flow and Error Control

  • Flow Control: Sliding Window Protocol.
  • Error Control: Acknowledgment and retransmission.

UNIT V: Application Layer

Application Paradigms

  • Client-Server Model: Centralized service provision.
  • Peer-to-Peer Model: Decentralized, equal node roles.

Protocols and Services

  • HTTP: Foundation of the World Wide Web.
  • DNS: Domain Name System, maps domain names to IP addresses.
  • SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol for email.

Security

  • RSA Algorithm: Public key cryptography for secure communication.