OVERVIEW

This module introduces the principles and technologies underlying modern Internet services and location-based applications. The course covers the operation of major Internet application-layer services, including web, e-mail, and DNS, and examines the localization technologies and positioning techniques that enable advanced location-aware applications. The module provides the foundations required to understand the performance, capabilities, and limitations of Internet services and localization systems in contemporary digital environments.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The objective of the course is to enable the student to understand how some Internet-based services work and how they perform, with particular emphasis on those involving localisation techniques. This objective is pursued by acquiring a certain amount of knowledge and skills, including 1) Understanding the functioning of the Internet Application Layer, both in general and concerning several reference applications/services (email, web, DNS). 2) Critically analyse the role of localisation techniques in Internet applications, recognising how user location enables advanced functionalities in different application domains (e.g. navigation and mobility (Google Maps, Uber), outdoor activities and gamification (Strava, Pokémon GO), ...) 3) Understand the fundamentals of localisation and positioning techniques used in the Internet and mobile environment, distinguishing between infrastructure-based approaches (e.g., GNSS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB) and positioning algorithms (e.g., trilateration, fingerprinting, dead reckoning). 4) Analysing localization technologies' technical and operational characteristics (accuracy, coverage, latency, power consumption, robustness) and assessing their compatibility with different types of Internet applications. 5) Evaluate the performance of localisation solutions in real-life scenarios through metrics such as data accuracy, precision, reliability, and availability.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Internet services and localization techniques, with particular emphasis on their integration within modern digital ecosystems. The course introduces the architecture and operation of major Internet application-layer services and develops the analytical skills required to evaluate localization technologies and their impact on the functionality and performance of Internet applications.

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

• Explain the architecture and operation of the Internet Application Layer and the interaction among application protocols and network services.
• Describe the operation and performance characteristics of major Internet services, including web, e-mail, and DNS.
• Analyze the requirements and performance of Internet-based services in different application scenarios.
• Distinguish among the main localization and positioning technologies used in Internet and mobile environments, including GNSS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and UWB systems.
• Describe the principles of common positioning algorithms, including trilateration, fingerprinting, and dead reckoning.
• Assess the performance of localization systems using appropriate metrics, including accuracy, precision, reliability, and availability.
• Discuss Internet services and localization technologies using appropriate technical terminology and engineering reasoning.

PREREQUISITES

The student, to understand the course, needs to have followed and studied the module Internet Technologies: Architectures and Protocols (90147) or to know about the following arguments

• Basic concepts of data networking,
• Circuit and packet switching
• Functional architectures
• ISO OSI architecture
• TCP/IP architecture,
• Physical layer main characteristics (cables, optical fiber)
• Data layer essential characteristics
• Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 protocol
• Layer 2 bridging/switching
• WiFi
• IPv4 basic concepts, including routing algorithms and protocols.
• TCP/UDP basic knowledge

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 Internet services, application-layer protocols, and localization technologies. Particular attention is devoted to analyzing real-world Internet applications and location-based services, highlighting the interactions among communication infrastructures, application requirements, and positioning systems.

Students are encouraged to actively participate in class discussions and to independently review the course materials. Examples, case studies, and performance evaluation scenarios are used throughout the course to support the understanding of the technologies and methodologies presented during the lectures.

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 in the lectures are:

1. Internet Application Layer Fundamentals
   • Overview of the Internet application layer.
   • Client-server and peer-to-peer architectures.
   • Network applications and service architectures.
   • Application protocols and service models.
2. Internet Services
   • Domain Name System (DNS): architecture and operation.
   • Electronic mail systems: architecture and protocols (SMTP, POP, IMAP).
   • Web technologies and services: HTTP, HTTPS, web architecture, and content delivery.
   • Performance aspects of Internet services: latency, scalability, reliability, and service quality.
3. Location-Based Internet Applications
   • Role of localization in modern Internet services.
   • Location-aware applications and services.
   • Case studies: navigation systems, mobility services, fitness tracking, and location-based applications.
4. Localization Technologies and Algorithms
   • Localization Technologies and Algorithms
   • Basic concepts and terminology
   • Localization requirements, performance metrics and evaluation
   • Trilateration techniques
   • Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
   • Wi-Fi and fingerprinting methods, Bluetooth, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) positioning systems
   • Dead reckoning approaches
   • Hybrid localization solutions

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 textbook for further study:

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

• S. A. Zekavat, R. M. Buehrer, “Handbook of Position Location: Theory, Practice, and Advances,” Wiley – IEEE Press, 2019.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of a mandatory written test covering the topics included in the syllabus. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions designed to assess the student's knowledge and understanding of the theoretical concepts, Internet services, application-layer protocols, localization technologies, positioning algorithms, and performance evaluation methods presented in the course. The maximum score achievable through the written test is 24/30.

Students who pass the written test may optionally take an oral examination. During the oral examination, students will be asked to discuss theoretical concepts related to Internet services and localization techniques, including the operation of application-layer protocols, the role of localization in modern Internet applications, the characteristics of positioning technologies, and the evaluation of localization performance. The oral examination may also include questions that require analysis of application scenarios and discussion of the suitability of different localization solutions for specific use cases.

The final grade is determined based on the written test and, when taken, the oral examination. The oral examination allows students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the course topics and may lead to either an increase or a decrease of the final grade, depending on the level of knowledge, understanding, and reasoning skills demonstrated during the discussion. In cases of clearly insufficient performance, the oral examination may also result in the failure of the overall examination.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written examination assesses the student's knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts, technologies, and methodologies covered in the course. Through multiple-choice questions, students are required to demonstrate familiarity with Internet application-layer services, communication protocols, localization technologies, positioning algorithms, and performance evaluation metrics.

The optional oral examination is intended to assess the student's achievement of the module's learning outcomes in greater depth. During the oral examination, students are expected to explain the operation of Internet services and application-layer protocols, analyze the role of localization in modern Internet applications, compare different positioning technologies and algorithms, and evaluate their suitability for specific application scenarios.

Particular attention is given to the use of appropriate technical terminology, clarity of exposition, the ability to establish connections among Internet services, localization technologies, and application requirements, as well as the capacity for critical reasoning on the performance, strengths, limitations, and applicability of the solutions 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.