OVERVIEW

The course provides the basic elements of modern telecommunication networks, especially the ones based upon packet switching. The main functionalities of the Internet are presented and discussed, highlighting the critical issues related to the security of the systems and devices exposed on the network. The course also illustrates the main cryptography techniques for secure communications and electronic signature. Eventually, the principal types of malware are described.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing the basic elements of modern telecommunication networks, presenting the possible available and effective solutions in the context of office automation. The main functionalities of the Internet are presented and discussed, highlighting the critical issues related to the various aspects concerning information security. The risks deriving from the principal types of malware are also described.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance, active participation to lectures, and individual study will allow students

- to appreciate the actual advantages deriving from the modern telecommunication networks;

- to understand the main elements of a computer networks;

- to understand the structure of the Internet and its main services;

- to know the critical issues related to the various aspects concerning information security;

- to know the main risks deriving from the principal types of malware.

PREREQUISITES

None

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures in attendance except for exceptions and/or specific restrictions due to the Covid-19 emergency.

Further information will be available on the AulaWeb page devoted to the course.Lectures in attendance except for exceptions and/or specific restrictions due to the Covid-19 emergency.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Data transmission networks: history of packet switching; from mainframe networks to the Internet. Internet organization, services, and protocols.

On the network edges: access technologies, access rate, wired technologies, wireless networks, problems related to user mobility.

Classification of networks: public and private networks, LAN, MAN, and WAN.

Internet addressing: overview on networks organization, domains, private local networks and internetworking,  corporate networks, virtual private networks (VPN).

From grid computing networks to “Clouds”. Overview on the main services provided by clouds: Software as a Service (SaaS),  Data as a Service (DaaS), Hardware as a Service (DaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

Network security. The concepts of security, as concerns data and communication processes. Principles of cryptography: symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, private and public keys. Information integrity, electronic signatures. Authentication.  Security of wireless networks. Malware. Intrusion detection systems. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

F. Kurose, W. Ross – Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 7th Edition

Handouts (ppt slides) by the teacher.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SANDRO ZAPPATORE (President)

STEFANO VIGNOLA

ALDO GRATTAROLA (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/8734/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral examination will focus on the topics covered during the lectures. The aim is to evalute the degree of learning, autonomy, logical, reasoning skills achived by the student.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

None