Master IN NETWORKING ( S-25 )

Course Title : Introduction to Computer Networking

Course Description :

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of computer networking. Students will learn about the architecture, protocols, and technologies that enable communication between devices in a network. The course covers the OSI and TCP/IP models, network design, routing, switching, and basic network security.

Course Objectives :

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of computer networking.
2. Describe the layers of the OSI and TCP/IP models and their functions.
3. Configure and troubleshoot basic network devices (routers, switches).
4. Analyze network traffic using tools like Wireshark.
5. Understand the basics of IP addressing, subnetting, and routing.
6. Implement basic network security measures.

Course Outline :

Week 1: Introduction to Networking

• Overview of computer networks
• Types of networks: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN
• Network topologies: Star, Bus, Ring, Mesh
• Client-server vs. peer-to-peer architectures

Week 2: Network Models

• OSI Model: Layers and Functions
• TCP/IP Model: Layers and Functions
• Comparison between OSI and TCP/IP models
• Encapsulation and Decapsulation

Week 3: Physical Layer & Data Link Layer

• Physical layer: Cables, connectors, and signals
• Ethernet standards (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, Gigabit Ethernet)
• MAC addresses and frame structure
• Error detection and correction techniques (CRC, parity)

Week 4: Network Layer

• IP addressing: IPv4 and IPv6
• Subnetting and CIDR notation
• Routing fundamentals
• ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) and ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)

Week 5: Transport Layer

• TCP vs. UDP: Connection-oriented vs. connectionless protocols
• Ports and sockets
• Flow control and congestion control
• Three-way handshake and connection termination

Week 6: Application Layer

• Common application protocols: HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS
• Web services and APIs
• Email protocols: IMAP, POP3, SMTP
• Domain Name System (DNS) and its role in networking

Week 7: Network Devices

• Routers, switches, and hubs
• VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks)
• NAT (Network Address Translation)
• Firewalls and their role in network security

Week 8: Wireless Networking

• Wireless standards: Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
• Wireless security: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
• Bluetooth and other wireless technologies
• Mobile networks: 4G, 5G

Week 9: Network Security

• Common network attacks: DDoS, Man-in-the-Middle, Phishing
• Encryption and secure communication: SSL/TLS
• Authentication and access control
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

Week 10: Network Management & Troubleshooting

• Network monitoring tools: Wireshark, Ping, Traceroute
• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
• Network performance metrics: Latency, Bandwidth, Throughput
• Troubleshooting common network issues

Week 11: Cloud Networking & Virtualization

• Cloud computing and networking
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
• Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

Week 12: Emerging Trends in Networking

• Internet of Things (IoT) and its impact on networking
• Edge computing and fog computing
• 5G and beyond
• Future trends in network architecture

Assessment & Grading :

• Quizzes : 20%
• Lab Assignments : 30%
• Midterm Exam : 20%
• Final Project : 20%
• Class Participation : 10%

Lab Assignments :

1. Lab 1 : Configuring a basic network using routers and switches.
2. Lab 2 : Subnetting and IP addressing exercises.
3. Lab 3 : Packet capture and analysis using Wireshark.
4. Lab 4 : Setting up a wireless network and securing it with WPA2.
5. Lab 5 : Simulating a DDoS attack and implementing basic mitigation techniques.

Prerequisites :

• Basic understanding of computer systems
• Familiarity with operating systems (Windows/Linux)
• Basic programming skills (optional)