OVERVIEW

This module introduces the fundamental principles of modern telecommunication networks and Internet technologies. The course covers the architecture and operation of TCP/IP-based communication systems, including wired and wireless networking technologies and Internet protocols. The module provides the foundations required to understand the design, operation, and performance of contemporary communication networks

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module provides the fundamental knowledge required to understand the architecture, operation, and performance of modern telecommunication networks based on the TCP/IP protocol suite. Students acquire the essential concepts and engineering principles needed to analyze communication processes, evaluate network performance, and understand the design and operation of Internet-based communication systems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide students with the fundamental concepts and engineering principles underlying modern telecommunication networks. The course introduces the architecture and operation of Internet-based communication systems and develops the analytical skills required to understand network behavior, evaluate performance, and support the design and management of communication infrastructures.

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the main components and architectural principles of TCP/IP-based communication networks.
• Explain how data is transmitted across interconnected networks through the interaction of protocols operating at different layers.
• Analyze the operation of common networking technologies and protocols used in modern Internet infrastructures.
• Assess the impact of network design choices on performance indicators such as throughput, delay, and packet loss.
• Perform basic network calculations related to capacity, traffic, and performance evaluation.
• Interpret network measurements and protocol traces to diagnose elementary operational problems.
• Design simple network solutions that satisfy specified communication requirements and constraints.
• Discuss technical networking issues using appropriate terminology and engineering reasoning.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is delivered through traditional face-to-face lectures. Lectures combine the presentation of theoretical concepts with the discussion of practical examples and application scenarios related to telecommunication networks and Internet technologies. Students are encouraged to actively participate in class discussions and to independently review the course materials.

Additional information, teaching materials, announcements, and updates will be made available through the course AulaWeb page.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School's contact person for disability at the beginning of teaching to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns. Contacts of the School's disability contact person can be found at the following link Comitato di Ateneo per l’inclusione delle studentesse e degli studenti con disabilità o con DSA | UniGe | Università di Genova

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The topics covered by the lectures are:

1.     Networking Fundamentals

• Basic concepts and terminology in computer and telecommunication networks.
• Circuit switching and packet switching paradigms.
• Network architectures, protocol layering, and reference models.
• Physical layer fundamentals and transmission media.
• Introduction to network performance metrics: bandwidth, throughput, latency, and packet loss.

2.     Wired Networks

• Local Area Networks (LANs).
• Ethernet architecture and IEEE 802.3 standards.
• Ethernet frame structure and medium access mechanisms.
• Switching concepts and basic network operation.

3.     Wireless Networks

• Fundamentals of wireless communications.
• Cellular network concepts and frequency reuse.
• Introduction to mobile communication systems.
• Wi-Fi networks and IEEE 802.11 standards.

4.     Internet Technologies

• Internet architecture and organization.
• IPv4 addressing and subnetting.
• Routing fundamentals.
• Transport layer protocols: UDP and TCP.
• Basic principles of network design and addressing.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Course material available on AulaWeb (https://www.aulaweb.unige.it), including lecture slides and additional teaching resources, is sufficient for preparing for the examination.

Suggested textbooks for further study:

J. F. Kurose, K. W. Ross, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 9th Edition, Pearson, 2025.

A. S. Tanenbaum, D. J. Wetherall, Computer Networks, 6th Edition, Pearson, 2022.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of an individual oral examination covering all topics included in the syllabus. During the examination, students will be asked to discuss theoretical concepts, networking technologies, Internet protocols, and basic cybersecurity principles presented during the course. The oral examination may include questions requiring interpretation of simple networking scenarios and discussion of the design and operational aspects of communication networks.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral examination is intended to assess the student's achievement of the module's learning outcomes. Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of telecommunication networks, Internet technologies, and basic network cybersecurity.

The examination evaluates the student's ability to explain networking principles and protocol operation, analyze communication scenarios, assess basic aspects of network performance, and discuss elementary security issues affecting modern communication systems. Particular attention is given to the use of appropriate technical terminology, clarity of exposition, and the ability to reason critically about the topics covered in the course.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities, or other certified educational needs may be granted appropriate accommodations, to be agreed upon on a case-by-case basis in accordance with University of Genoa regulations and inclusion policies.