E191-06: Internet Infrastructures

Introduction to Networking (191.030)

Years

About

  • Semester hours: 4.0
  • Credits: 6.0
  • Type: VU Lecture and Exercise
  • Format: Presence

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, students are able to:

  • explain basic concepts of networks, including Layer 2 (Ethernet, ARP), 3 (IPv4, IPv6), and 4 (TCP/UDP)
  • describe how the layers approach of the Internet is supported by layering and encapsulation
  • Solve networking and routing scenarios, i.e., given partial network information, synthesize remaining information for a given case
  • Describe a given protocol or network using the terminology and concepts introduced in the lecture to assess its feasibility
  • Design rudimentary network protocols for a given use-case

Subject of the Course

The course ‚Introduction to Networking‘ provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental concepts used in the modern Internet. By following this course, students attain the necessary background knowledge to carry these concepts towards other application areas and courses that build on them.

  • Foundations: Terms; multi stakeholder principle of Internet governance; Layer 2 (Ethernet, ARP); 3 (IPv4, IPv6); and 4 (TCP/UDP)
  • Protocolls and Technologies: Routing/Forwarding; Link State and Path-Vector Routing Algorithms; DNS, DNSSEC, Telnet; Unicast/Multicast Routing
  • Implementation and Applications: Protocoll Development; Socket programming

Practical Part: During the practical part, students will leverage the theoretical contents from the lecture to solve practical tasks related to the discussed concepts.

Examination Modalities

Assessment of the course is built upon:

  • A Mid-Term Exam (After Lecture 14, 100 points)
  • A final Exam (After Lecture 24, 100 points)
  • Five exercises (After Lectures 7, 9, 16, 19, 22, 20 points each)

To pass the course, a total of 150 points is necessary.

The following grading scale applies:

  • sehr gut: 240+    pts
  • gut: 211-240 pts
  • befriedigend: 181-210 pts
  • genügend: 150-180 pts

If a student fails to attain at least 150 pts after participating in at least two parts of the examination (both exams, one exam and all five exercises), the student may request an oral examination, involving the lecturer and one assistant/associate/full professor from another institute to attain a grade.