After successful completion of the course, students are able to identify, analyze, assess and simulate various network architectures, network protocols and network data with emphasis on IP-based realtime multimedia communications. Knowledge of students will include a broad range that spans from theory on standardization organization, versioning and numbering of standards in the area of data communications, over modern transport-layer (SCTP, DCCP, MPTCP, QUIC) and application-layer protocols (DNS, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, POP3, SIP, RTP, RTCP, WebRTC, etc.) to advanced architectures like the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and theoretical and practical basics on modeling and simulation. Central aspects that are common to all architectures and protocols are their inherent security threats and corresponding countermeasures. On successfully passing the CN2 lab part, students can record and filter network data, analyze the data and have first experience in simulating simple communication networks and the challenges of building appropriate (good) simulation models.
Higher layer communication protocols (above and including transport layer), protocols for multimedia communication, additional transport protocols, network simulation, practical exercises on communication protocols and network analysis.
The CN2 VU plans for SS 2023 on-premise teaching, both for the lecture and for the lab parts (reasons include, among others, the need for energy savings at TU Wien). Although not planned for now, the CN2 concept and infrastructure allows to switch both, the CN2 lecture and lab, in parts or entirely, to distance learning in the case of emergency measures.
Theory part: On-site lecture part based on slides, a questionnaire is offered as support for learning. Minimum score at final written exam is prerequisite for attending the lab part. Details to be provided during preliminary discussion.
Lab part: Solving of assignments in the CN2 lab in teams of two supported by automated verification of result correctness. Writing of scientifically sound reports, oral examination of lab part (focus: knowledge and comprehension).
First class and preliminary discussion: Tue, 7.3.2023 at 9:00 a.m. (sharp).
The CN2 preliminary discussion is scheduled for the first lecture unit on March 7th 2023.
For SS 2023 the following rules and terms apply to CN2 lecture content, lab assignments and examination method (Status 13.02.2023):
The lecture part is read between beginning of March and end of April, lecture slides will be made available. Questions concerning the lecture content can be asked during lecture, in the forum or by email.
The lecture closes with a written lecture examination (planned: Wed, April 26th 2023), registration via TISS starting mid of April, details in TISS and during the lecture.
Knowledge of the theory part, confirmed by a positive grade on the lecture examination (at least 50% of score) is prerequisite for attending the lab part of the VU. Not passing the lecture part results in a negative grade for the VU CN2 for this semester.
The laboratory part is done in groups of 2 students in the CN2 lab and includes three to four assignments that must be solved and submitted together with a report that must comply to formal requirements. Registration for the lab groups and grading uses TUWEL and will start after the lecture exam has been graded. The score of the lab part is composed of the score on the reports and the score of the oral final lab examination.
Lecture and lab score contribute equal share to the final grade. Positive score on each, lecture and lab part, is a condition for passing the CN2 VU.
Detailed discussion during first CN2 lecture (preliminary discussion).
Registration required for administrative purposes, planned capacity 42 participants (limit for lab participants because of available Lab PCs).
Laboratory group registration is mandatory and handled separately (by TUWEL) few days after passing the lecture examination.
Theoretical knowledge of Communication Networks 1 lecture content required, in particular Internet basics, protocols (IP, UDP, TCP) and network architectures. Basic programming knowledge required (C++ for NS3 simulation), practical experience with Linux and Wireshark is helpful for the laboratory part.
