OVERVIEW

A telecommunications network is a set of devices and connections that allow the transmission and reception of information between a source and one or more destinations. The Internet is a "network of networks" that connects billions of devices worldwide. The knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate the functioning of a telecommunications network and of the Internet in particular is fundamental for an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) engineer both from a work and cultural point of view.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course is intended to provide basic knowledge about telecommunications networks and, in particular, about the Internet, by defining in detail the basic concepts, the structure of the Internet, the main data link layer solutions as well as the network and transport layer protocols. The goal is to introduce the various technological solutions to project, implement and test modern telecommunications networks.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student:
- will acquire the basic skills necessary for the evaluation, design and verification of the main elements that make up a modern telecommunications and Internet network. 
In detail, at the end of the course, the student:
- will understand in-depth the structure and classification of a telecommunications network, the concept of switchboard and the structure of the telephone network, the structure of the Internet and TCP/IP networks, the definition of the main interconnection elements of the Internet: hubs, switches, routers, gateways, terminals; will - will understand in detail: IEEE 802.3/Ethernet, IEEE 802.11, HDLC, Point to Point Protocol (PPP), Internet Protocols: IP, TCP, UDP and the IP addressing scheme.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lectures supplemented by practical tests managed during lectures through which the critical sense and the necessary in-depth analysis will be developed to evaluate, design and verify a modern telecommunications network.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction

Structure of a telecommunications network. Definition of the structure at functional layers, definition of protocol, communication between remote systems.

Classification

Transmission from source to destination with interconnection via router. Definition of circuit and packet switching. Concept of switchboard and description of the structure of the telephone network.

Internet structure

Structure of the Internet and TCP / IP networks, terminals (hosts, end-systems), routers and communication links. ISP (Internet Service Provider) concept: local and regional. Structure of the Internet as a "hierarchical" network. Evaluation criteria of the efficiency of a packet telecommunications network.

The data link layer: information encapsulation

802.3 / Ethernet: encapsulation and frame format, LLC 802.2, LAN - architectures, network topology. IEEE 802.11. HDLC, Point to Point Protocol (PPP).

Internet protocols

IP, IP addressing scheme, ARP, TCP, UDP. Introduction to Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), IGMP, RARP, DHCP.

This course, dealing with topics of scientific-technological interest such as telecommunications networks and the Internet can contribute to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda:

8.2 (Achieving higher standards of economic productivity through diversification, technological progress and innovation, also with particular attention to high added value and labor intensive sectors)

9.5 (Increase scientific research, improve the technological capabilities of the industrial sector in all states - especially in developing countries - as well as encourage innovations and substantially increase, by 2030, the number of employees for every million people, in the research and development sector and expenditure on research – both public and private – and on development)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Behrouz A. Forouzan , TCP / IP protocols , Mc - Graw - Hill , 2006.

- Mario Marchese , QoS Over Heterogeneous Networks , Wiley & Sons , Chichester , UK , 2007.

- Notes on specific topics issued by the lecturer.

- Extracts of international regulatory and scientific documentation provided by the lecturer.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARIO MARCHESE (President)

FRANCO RINO DAVOLI

ALDO GRATTAROLA

SANDRO ZAPPATORE

FABIO PATRONE (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/9273/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test consisting of 4 questions of identical value followed by a brief oral commentary on the written test itself.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

As said in the exam description, the exam consists of a written test consisting of 4 questions of identical value (7.5 points each) in order to check the knowledge and ability to evaluate, design and verify a telecommunications network. The written test is followed by a brief oral comment on the written test.

Students with learning disorders ("disturbi specifici di apprendimento", DSA) will be allowed to use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have a valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework, and exams should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it ), the School's disability liaison.