Introduction to Computer Networking and Distributed Systems

- Computer networking
++ Overview: Computer networking and the Internet
+++ components (router, switches, clients, server)
+++ design (topology, routing, packets vs. virtual circuits)
+++ layered system structure (OSI and Internet)
+++ historical background
++ concepts used by multiple layers (covered within the appropriate layers):
+++ Addressing
+++ Error detection
+++ Coding and modulation
+++ Media access protocols
+++ Flow control
+++ Connection management
+++ Packet vs. virtual circuit switching
++ Layers:
+++ Application layer: application protocols and applications
++++ Tasks and interface
++++ Examples: HTTP, DNS, SMTP (Mail), Peer-to-Peer protocols
+++ Transport layer
++++ Tasks and interface
++++ Examples: TCP and UDP
+++ Network layer
++++ Tasks and interface
++++ Routing: link state vs. distance vector protocols
++++ Addressing: IP Addresses
++++ Examples: IP, Routing in the Internet
+++ Link layer
++++ Tasks and interface
++++ Examples: Ethernet, Wireless LAN
+++ Physical layer
++++ Tasks and interface
++++ Examples
- Distributed systems:
++ Middleware, e.g. RPC
++ Web Services
- General tasks:
++ Network management
++ IT security
+++ Basics of cryptography
+++ Authentication, privacy, integrity
+++ Protocols with security mechanisms, e.g.: IPsec, PGP, Kerberos, SSL, SSH, ...
+++ Firewalls, intrusion detection

Content of the Exercises:
The exercises cover comprehension questions and calculation tasks and target determination of performance of protocols and mechanisms of specific layers (Physical Layer, Data Link Layer, Network Layer, Transport Layer). Programming exercises address implementation of specific protocol mechanisms.

After successful completion of the module, participants understand the key concepts of technologies and methods of computer networks and distributed systems and are able to use key layered network architecture protocols to explain what protocol mechanisms are used in each layer and how they work. They understand the architecture of distributed applications like the World Wide Web based on Internet protocols, and the architecture of computer networks. Participants can determine the performance of selected networks and distributed applications, and can implement specific protocol mechanisms.

IN0001 Introduction to Informatics 1, IN0003 Introduction to Informatics 2 - since WiSe 2018/19 Functional Programming and Verification, IN0002 Fundamentals of Programming (Exercises & Laboratory)

The interactive lecture with slide presentations, animations, demonstrations and life programming presents the basic knowledge of computer networks and distributed systems and explains them using examples. Quizzes help students to recognize whether they have understood the basic concepts and essential contexts. Homework enables students to deepen their knowledge in self-study. Accompanying exercises deepen the understanding of the contents of the lecture by means of suitable tasks and show the application of the various methods on the basis of manageable problems. The presentation of the own solution in the accompanying exercise improves the communication skills and allows to compare the own learning progress with that of other students. Programming tasks allow computer-aided deepening and application of conceptual knowledge to practical problems.

Lecture slides, exercise sheets, demonstrations

Literature is specified at the web presence of the course and in the lecture slides.

Standard publications are among others:
1. James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross
Computernetzwerke
Pearson Studium; 5. aktualisierte Auflage, 2012
2. Andrew S. Tanenbaum / Prof. David J. Wetherall
Computernetzwerke
Pearson Studium, 5. aktualisierte Auflage, 2012

The exam takes the form of a 90 minutes written test. Comprehension questions and calculation tasks allow to assess acquaintance with the technologies and methods of computer networks and distributed systems, and the understanding obtained by implementation of protocol mechanisms. Calculation tasks also allow to assess the ability to determine the performance of selected computer networks and distributed applications.