Course Code COMPUTER NETWORKS
CB3304
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The main objectives of this course are to:
• Understand Fundamental Networking Concepts
• Explore Advanced Data Link and Network Layer Technologies.
• Enhance Knowledge of Transport and Application Layer Protocols.
• Develop Proficiency in Network Security and Emerging Technologies.
• Hands-On Experience through Simulations and Experiments.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Explore the intricacies of advanced data link and network layer technologies, delve into optimization
strategies for transport and application layers, and master cutting-edge concepts in network security.
The hands-on experience in this course prepares students for the challenges of modern networking,
including emerging technologies like blockchain and zero trust networking.
PREREQUISITES:
• Basics of networks, OSI model, and common networking protocols required.
• Proficiency in one language (Python), basic socket programming understanding preferred.
UNIT I - INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING 9
Overview of Computer Networks: Definition and importance of computer networks - Historical
development of networking, Layering in Network Architectures: OSI model overview - TCP/IP
protocol stack - Functions and responsibilities of each layer, Switching Techniques: Packet switching
basics - Circuit-switching and virtual circuit-switching concepts, Data Link Layer: Framing techniques
- Error detection methods - Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols - Ethernet bridging
UNIT II - ROUTING AND IP ADDRESSING 9
Routing Protocols: Shortest path routing - Flooding algorithm - Distance vector routing - Link state
routing, Fragmentation and IP Addressing: Basics of IP addressing - IPv4 addressing - CIDR notation
- Fragmentation in network communication, IP Support Protocols: Address Resolution Protocol
(ARP) - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) - Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) -
Network Address Translation (NAT)
UNIT III - TRANSPORT LAYER 9
Flow Control and Congestion Control: Basics of flow control - Congestion control mechanisms,
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): TCP features and functionalities, TCP connection
establishment, maintenance, and termination, User Datagram Protocol (UDP): Characteristics and
usage scenarios - Comparison with TCP, Sockets: Overview of sockets in network programming
UNIT IV - APPLICATION LAYER PROTOCOLS 9
Domain Name System (DNS): DNS fundamentals - DNS resolution process, Simple Mail Transfer
Protocol (SMTP): Email communication basics - SMTP operation, Hypertext Transfer Protocol
(HTTP): Basics of web communication, HTTP request-response model, File Transfer Protocol
(FTP): FTP modes and operation, Security considerations in FTP
UNIT V NETWORK SECURITY AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES 9
Network Security Technologies: Intrusion detection systems, firewalls, VPNs. Blockchain Technology
in Networking: Basics of blockchain, applications in networking. Zero Trust Networking: Concepts
and implementation strategies.
PRACTICAL EXERCISE
1 Learn to use commands like tcp dump, netstat,ifconfig, nslookup and trace route. Capture
ping and trace route PDUs using a network protocol analyzer and examine.
2 Write a HTTP web client program to download a web page using TCPsockets.
3 Applications using TCP sockets like: a) Echo client and echo server b) Chat
4 Simulation of DNS using UDP sockets.
5 Use a tool like Wireshark to capture packets and examine the packets
6 Write a code simulating ARP/RARP protocols.
7 Study of Network simulator (NS) and Simulation of Congestion Control Algorithms using NS.
8 Study of TCP/UDP performance using Simulation tool.
9 Simulation of Distance Vector/Link State Routing algorithm.
10 Simulation of an error correction code (like CRC)
Practicals: 30 Periods
TOTAL75 PERIODS
COURSE OUTCOMES:
After the completion of the course the student will be able to
CO1: Explain the significance of computer networks in modern computing.
CO2: Analyse the efficiency and performance of different data link layer protocols.
CO3: Implement advanced concepts in the network layer by configuring and troubleshooting
IP routing, routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP), and multicast routing.
CO4: Analyse the performance of transport and application layer protocols, utilizing advanced
congestion control algorithms and optimization techniques.
CO5: Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of network security technologies.
TEXTBOOKS:
1."Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach" by James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross, Latest
edition published in 2017
2."Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols and Practice" by Olivier Bonaventure, First
edition published in 2012 (open-access)
3."Computer Networks" by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall, Latest edition
published in 2020.
4."Data Communications and Networking" by Behrouz A. Forouzan, Latest edition published
in 2020
REFERENCES:
1."Computer Networking Problems and Solutions: An innovative approach to building
resilient, modern networks" by Russ White and Ethan Banks, Published in 2020
2."Network Security Essentials" by William Stallings, Latest edition published in 2021.
3."SDN: Software Defined Networks" by Thomas D. Nadeau and Ken Gray, Published in 2013.
4."TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1: The Protocols" by W. Richard Stevens, Latest edition
published in 2011.
5."High-Performance Browser Networking" by Ilya Grigorik, Published in 2013.
