Ateneo - UPO

- Local Area Network architectures, including wireless LANs
- Network based multimedia services

Author: James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross Title: RETI DI CALCOLATORI E INTERNET - Un approccio top-down 8/ed, Casa editrice: Addison Wesley (2022), ISBN 9788891916013.

To learn the main techniques and protocols on which wired and wireless Local Area Networks are based.
To learn the main properties and the specific protocols of the net-based multimedia applications.

Student should have already acquired the basic concepts regarding computer networks (covered in the Networks 1 course)

The course includes face-to-face lectures (24 hours, 3 credits)

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage:

https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The assessment of knowledge and skills is integrated with the assessment for the Reti 1 course and consists of a written exam divided into three parts (one for each section of the course: wired networks, wireless networks, and multimedia protocols). Each part is further subdivided into questions and exercises.

The final grade takes into account the results achieved in the assessments for both courses (Reti 1 and Reti 2).

Grades are awarded on a scale of thirty, according to the following criteria:
• Not suitable
Knowledge and understanding of the subject: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies. Analytical and synthesis skills: negligible; frequent generalizations. Use of references: completely inappropriate.
• 18–20
Knowledge and understanding of the subject: very limited; evident flaws. Analytical and synthesis skills: barely sufficient. Use of references: barely appropriate.
• 21–23
Knowledge and understanding of the subject: knowledge is just above the minimum requirement. Analytical and synthesis skills: fair analytical and synthesis abilities; arguments are logical and coherent. Use of references: uses standard references.
• 24–26
Knowledge and understanding of the subject: good knowledge. Analytical and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities; arguments are presented coherently. Use of references: uses standard references.
• 27–29
Knowledge and understanding of the subject: very good knowledge. Analytical and synthesis skills: strong analytical and synthesis abilities. Use of references: in-depth exploration of the subject matter.
• 30–30 cum laude
Knowledge and understanding of the subject: excellent knowledge. Analytical and synthesis skills: strong analytical and synthesis abilities. Use of references: significant in-depth analysis.

The program is structured around the following learning path:

- Link layer: Data link, ARP, error detection and correction
- Introduction to wired networks: Multiple access techniques, Ethernet protocols (bus and switched)
- Introduction to wireless networks: Radio signal transmission, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocols, 4G and 5G mobile networks
- Multimedia transmission over the Internet: Audio and video streaming, video conferencing protocols

- Knowledge and understanding: the course aims to provide students with the knowledge to understand the theoretical and physical mechanisms underlying a communication system; specifically, students will gain knowledge of the key protocols that form the basis of computer networks.
- Applying knowledge and understanding: by the end of the course, students will have acquired the tools to: perform calculations for transmission error detection and correction using algorithms such as CRC; analyze local area network structures to identify collision domain boundaries and associated performance; trace data and control message flows; understand how to leverage wireless or mobile technology based on the operational context (distance, mobility, interference, bandwidth requirements); and evaluate and adapt multimedia transmission strategies (e.g., buffering, bitrate adaptation) according to the performance and limitations of the transmission channel.
- Making judgments: the course fosters the ability to critically evaluate trade-offs between different network technologies; analyze network performance degradation issues by identifying whether the cause lies at the physical/link layer (interference, collisions) or the application layer (jitter management, packet loss); and select the transmission architecture and protocols best suited to the needs of specific applications.
- Communication skills: the course aims to enable students to use the technical terminology of the computer networking field with precision and rigor, and to clearly and systematically explain—both orally and in writing—the operation of network protocols, control algorithms, and transmission architectures.
- Learning skills: the course aims to develop skills for independently consulting official technical documentation and international/Internet standards, and for keeping pace with technological evolution in the field of digital communications, with a particular focus on new generations of wireless/mobile networks and high-performance streaming technologies.