This course focuses on communication protocols for the Internet, and the emphasis is on the generic mechanisms at the layers of the TCP/IP stack. To get a deeper understanding of these mechanisms we evaluate and compare the design of different protocols. To further illustrate these principles and get hands-on experience the course contains a set of lab assignments and a project.
Course memo Autumn 2021
Course presentation
Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Spring 2019
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
This course focuses on communication protocols for the Internet, and the emphasis is on the generic mechanisms at the layers of the TCP/IP stack. To get a deeper understanding of these mechanisms we evaluate and compare the design of different protocols. To further illustrate these principles and get hands-on experience the course contains a set of lab assignments and a project.
Intended learning outcomes
Students will get a deep understanding of protocols and hands-on experience in setting up and operating TCP/IP networks. This means that, after the course, students will be able to:
- describe the functionality of devices and design principles of protocols at the network and transport layers (e.g., routers, routing protocols, multicast, address structures)
- based on general principles and study of different protocol standards be able to understand advantages and disadvantages of different protocol designs.
- critically evaluate current as well as new protocols designs in general and network layer protocols in particular, using technical considerations such as scalability, robustness, and manageability as a basis of comparison.
- design, set up and operate a TCP/IP network, and to provide TCP/IP services to end-users, using primarily PC hardware and Unix. You will also be able to describe how interior routing protocols, dynamic address assignment, and the domain name system work, and set up intradomain routing, DNS and DHCP services, and TCP/IP application servers such as mail and web.
- identify and describe examples of sustainability aspects related to the area of communication systems.
Learning activities
We use a mix of learning activities in the course. The learning activities are based on 12 lectures, 7 networking labs with 4 teacher-lead recitations, and one project assignment during the later parts of the course where all different topics are brought together in practice. The course ends with a final, graded A-F.
Detailed plan
Learning activities | Content | Preparations |
---|---|---|
Lecture 1 | Intro and recap of prior knowledge | |
Lecture 2 | Network layer | |
Lecture 3-4 | Dynamic routing | |
Lecture 5 | IP Multicast and multicast routing | |
Recitation 1 | Lab 1 Basic networking + project introduction | |
Lecture 6-7 | Transport protocols (TCP, UDP, SCTP, DCCP) | |
Lecture 8 | Peer-to-peer networking | |
Recitation 2 | Lab 2 RIP + Lab 3 OSPF | |
Lecture 9 | Multimedia networking | |
Lecture 10 | Internet-of-Things | |
Recitation 3 | Lab 4 BGP basic + Lab 5 PIM | |
Lecture 11 | Energy-efficient networking | |
Lecture 12 | IPv6 and IP QoS | |
Recitation 4 | Lab 6 Content load-balanceing + Lab 7 IoT | |
Project assignment | Presentation and demonstration |
Preparations before course start
Recommended prerequisites
Experience of working in Unix environments.
Literature
No information insertedEquipment
Students are expected to use their laptops for lab and project activities.
Software
VirtualBox: www.virtualbox.org
Support for students with disabilities
Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:
Examination and completion
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- 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.
The section below is not retrieved from the course syllabus:
Laboratory Work ( LAB1 )
Project work ( PRO1 )
Examination ( TEN1 )
Other requirements for final grade
The final degree is based on the result of the written exam. To receive grade "pass", the student should be able to describe and explain design principles for communication protocols dealt with during the course, as well as be able to apply these protocols in real TCP/IP networks. To receive a higher grade, the student should also be able to critically evaluate and assess different communication procols as well as be able to compare and explain advantages and disadvantages with various protocol designs.
The course is divided into three parts, and to receive a final grade "pass" all three parts must be approved:
- Written exam (A-F)
- Laborations (Pass/Fail)
- Project assignment (Pass/Fail)
The final grade is based on the written exam.
Ethical approach
- 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.
Further information
Changes of the course before this course offering
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.
Contacts
Course Coordinator
Teachers
Examiner
Round Facts
Start date
Missing mandatory information
Course offering
- TCOMM TIVNM Autumn 2021-51326
- TCOMM TIVNM Autumn 2021-50639
- Doktorand Autumn 2021-50049
Language Of Instruction
English