Computer networks

linfo1341  2026-2027  Louvain-la-Neuve

Computer networks
5.00 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q2
> Schedule
Teacher(s)
Bonaventure Olivier (coordinator); Pelsser Cristel;
Language
French
Main themes
  • Role, model and needs of representative distributed applications
  • Reference model of computer networks
  • Reliable Transport of Information: Mechanisms and Protocols
  • Network interconnection, addressing, routing and related problems
  • Local, metropolitan and long distance networks
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Given the learning outcomes of the "Bachelor in Engineering" program, this course contributes to the development, acquisition and evaluation of the following learning outcomes:
  • AA.1.1, AA.1.2
  • AA2.5-7
  • AA3.2
  • AA4.1-4
Given the learning outcomes of the "Bachelor in Computer science" program, this course contributes to the development, acquisition and evaluation of the following learning outcomes:
  • S1.I7
  • S2.2-4
  • S4.3-4
  • S5.1, S5.4
Students who have successfully completed this course will be able to:
  • explain the communication needs of the different classes of distributed applications handling data or multimedia streams;
  • explain the distribution of functions that satisfy these needs in the different layers of the reference model;
  • explain the realization of these functions in Internet protocols ;
  • choose solutions according to the needs of their application;
  • quantify the characteristic quantities involved in the networks;
Students will have developed methodological and operational skills. In particular, they have developed their ability to:
  • argue to highlight the positives and negatives of a solution and make suggestions for improvement;
  • write a summary report containing the elements that we wish to highlight.
 
Content
Basic principles of network operation (reliable transfers, routing, naming/addressing, resource sharing, basic notions of security, etc.)
Analysis of the main protocols used on the Internet (HTTP, DNS, TLS, TCP, UDP, IP, OSPF, BGP, Ethernet, WiFi, ...)
Teaching methods
The course combines lectures, supervised exercise sessions, group work and personal work.
Evaluation methods
The assessment consists of two parts:
  • an optional exemption test covering the first part of the course during the four-month term 
  • a written exam covering the first and second parts of the course
Students who earn a score of 12/20 or higher on the exemption test may carry that score over to the first part of the written exam. In this case, the test will count for 7 out of 20 points toward the final grade. 
Students who actively contribute to the course materials may earn one or two bonus points, though their final grade cannot exceed 20.
In the second exam session, the exam covers the entire course material, and the exemption test no longer applies.
The use of generative AI for practical exercises is strongly discouraged; experience shows that this does not allow students to properly master the material.
Other information
Prerequisites:
  •     high level programming language
  •     Unix environment
Online resources
https://www.computer-networking.info
https://moodle.uclouvain.be/course/view.php?id=1269
Bibliography
Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols and Practice (last edition), https://www.computer-networking.info
Teaching materials
  • Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols and Practice (last edition)
Faculty or entity
> INFO


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Specialization track in Computer Science
FILINFO
5
Bachelor in Computer Science
SINF1BA
5
Minor in Computer Sciences
MINSINF
5
Mineure Polytechnique
MINPOLY
5