Class Computer Networks

This curricular unit covers the fundamentals of computer networks and the Internet. Students explore the layered network architecture, from the application layer to the link layer, understanding essential protocols such as HTTP, DNS, TCP, IP, and Ethernet. The course is fundamental for any computer engineer, providing the foundations for subsequent curricular units such as Distributed Computing, Computer Security, and Cloud Information Systems. The acquired knowledge enables students to understand, analyze, and develop distributed systems and cloud applications, as well as diagnose connectivity and performance issues.

Not applicable

  1. Introduction What is the Internet Edge vs core Delay, loss, throughput Layered model 2. Application layer Principles of distributed applications Web and HTTP (incl. cookies and conditional GET) Electronic mail DNS 3. Transport layer Transport layer services UDP TCP pipelining, timeouts, retransmissions flow control, connection management, congestion control TLS 4. Network layer Services, what is inside a router IP datagram format, IPv4 addressing DHCP, NAT, IPv6 Routing algorithms Internet routing (RIP, OSPF, BGP) 5. Link layer Medium access protocols Addressing, ARP Ethernet, VLANs Mobile/wireless networks, WiFi

The course adopts an active learning approach combining theoretical-practical classes with hands-on laboratories. Professional tools such as Wireshark are used for capturing and analyzing real traffic, and Cisco Packet Tracer for network simulation. Students analyze real communications through Chrome Dev Tools, observing protocols in action. This methodology enables direct experimentation with theoretical concepts, facilitating understanding through observation and manipulation of simulated and real networks. The use of practical scenarios brings learning closer to the professional context.

Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2025). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (9ª edição). Pearson. ISBN 978-0-13-542933-4