The course focuses on communications protocol for Internet, and the emphasis lies on generic mechanisms on the different protocols in the protocol stack TCP/IP. To give a deeper understanding of such mechanisms, designs of different protocols are evaluated and compared at these levels. To further illustrate different principles and to give practical experience contains the course in addition to theoretical items as lectures, a set labs and a project task.

After passing the course, the student shall be able to

• describe functions of different network elements and explain design principles for protocols and functions at different logical levels.
• identify and describe examples of sustainability aspects related to the subject area of communication systems.
• design, configure and handle TCP/IP networks and provide services to end users by primarily use PC hardware and Unix.

For higher grades, the student should also be able to

• compare and explain advantages and disadvantages of different protocol designs based on general principles and studies of different standards for protocols.
• critically evaluate existing and new designs for communications protocol by using technical bases of assessment as scalability, robustness and usability as a basis for comparisons.

We use a mix of learning activities in the course. The learning activities are based on 12 lectures, 6 networking labs with 3 teacher-lead recitations, one programming assignment, and one project assignment. The project assignment spans over several weeks and brings several different topics together in practice. The theoretical examination is carried out as continuous digital examination in a computer room, and is graded A-F.

Schema HT-2022-TCOMM-TIVNM

Experience of working in Unix environments.

Computer Networking, 7th  Edition, Kurose & Ross
ISBN-13: 978-1-292-15359-9
ISBN-10: 1-292-15359-8

Students are expected to use their laptops for lab and project activities.

VirtualBox: www.virtualbox.org

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, Grading scale: P, F
• PRO1 - Project work, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

TEN1 is carried out as continuous digital examination in a computer room.

Laboratory Work ( LAB1 )

Project work ( PRO1 )

Examination ( TEN1 )

There are three partial exams during the course and the scores will be summed up. The first two will give an opportunity to pass with up to grade D and, if the first to are passed, the final partial exam will give opportunities to recieve higher grades (A-C).

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Two lecture slots have been added in response to last year's course evaluation and analysis.

Labs and project assignment have been restructured into online-based activities combined with teacher-lead supervision sessions.