Communication Protocols

Recommended Prerequisites

Introduction to Computer Networks; Operating Systems.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodology relies on two types of complementary activities that are strongly correlated both in terms of timing and content: lecture-based teaching, stimulating the discussion, interactivity, analysis and critical reasoning; execution of lab assignments, based on off-the-shelf, real equipment, largely used in Internet environment.

Learning Outcomes

The central objectives of the course are the study and understanding of the protocol-related aspects of modern communication systems, with special emphasis on the TCP/IP protocol suite, having in mind the knowledge of the various issues and trends that characterize and influence services and applications. This course covers the main aspects/mechanisms of addressing, routing and transport of protocol data units in TCP/IP networks. Throughout the course, students acquire key competences in terms of comprehension, analysis and synthesis of the covered topics, critical reasoning, planning and organization, problem solving, team work, autonomous study, and practical knowledge application.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Communication protocols: issues and trends. IP addressing: IPv4 and IPv6. Internet routing protocols: RIP, OSPF, BGP, other. Transport protocols: TCP, UDP, RTP, SCTP, other. Conclusion: challenges and perspectives.

Head Lecturer(s)

Fernando Pedro Lopes Boavida Fernandes

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Written exam of practical nature: 30.0%
Written exam of theoretical nature: 30.0%
Lab assignments : 40.0%

Bibliography

- BONEY, James, Cisco IOS in a Nutshell, 2nd edition, O’Reilly, 2005. ISBN: 0-596-00869-4

- DOOLEY, Kevin, BROWN, Ian, Cisco Cookbook, O'Reilly, 2003.

- HALSALL, Fred, Computer Networking and the Internet, Fifth Edition, Addison-Wesley, 2005.

- HUITEMA, Christian, Routing in the Internet, Second edition, Prentice-Hall, 2000.

- KUROSE, James F., ROSS, Keith W., Computer Networking – A Top-Down Approach, 4th edition, Addison-Wesley, 2008.

- MONTEIRO, Edmundo, BOAVIDA, Fernando, Engenharia de Redes Informáticas, 10ª edição, FCA - Editora de Informática, 2011.

- STALLINGS, William, High-Speed Networks and Internets – Performance and Quality of Service, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2002.

- STEVENS, W. Richard, TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1 - The Protocols, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1994.

- THOMAS, Stephen A., IP Switching and Routing Essentials, John Wiley & Sons, 2002.