Computer Networks

An introduction to computer networks based on the five layers of the TCP/IP model, with examples from military and safety-critical systems.

Author

Hans-Dieter A. Hiep

Abstract

The course covers, with the help of logical and mathematical principles, the main mechanisms, protocols, and functions of computer networks. Computer networks are explained on the basis of the five layers of the TCP/IP model. The attack vectors and security risks of computer networks and the associated countermeasures are also addressed. We use examples from military and safety-critical systems, such as C2 systems; the interconnection of sea, air, land, and space systems; robots and drone swarms; distributed radar and sensor systems; and computer networks in logistical and business infrastructure.

Learning outcomes. Upon successful completion of this course, the student is able to:

  • Describe, using logical and mathematical principles, computer networks and the layered network architecture, and thereby understand the operational continuity of vital, military, and safety-critical computer networks.
  • Describe the functions and interrelations of the five layers of the TCP/IP model and analyse the relevant standards.
  • Identify the components at the physical layer (transmission media and network hardware), the data link layer (wired and wireless access protocols), the network layer (IP addressing and routing protocols), the transport layer (transmission protocols and connection quality), and the application layer (essential applications and network security), and explain their operation and disruption.
  • Analyse the performance and security risks of ad-hoc mesh networks, cellular and satellite networks, and the Internet, and survey attack strategies and the corresponding countermeasures.

Launch the Computer Networks course →

Topics

  1. The fundamental principles of computer networks: information systems, layered architecture (physical, data link, network, transport, application), components, interfaces (protocols, envelopes), and functionality.

  2. The principles and techniques at the physical layer: electrical (coax, vampire tap, twisted pair, hub, backplanes, on-chip), optical (fibers, amplifiers, photonics, free-space optics, PICs), wireless (microwave, radio transmission, repeaters), multiplexing (TDM, FDM/WDM, crosstalk).

  3. The principles and protocols at the data link layer (medium access control, MAC addressing, MTU, bridge, store-and-forward, cut-through, STP), contention-based and collision-free protocols (e.g. ALOHA, CSMA, CDMA), deployments (e.g. switch, overprovisioning, Carrier Ethernet, MPLS, software-defined networking), development of standards (e.g. packet radio, Ethernet, MACA/MACAW, Wi-Fi, GSM/UMTS/GPRS/LTE/5G, CDMA2000, WiMax).

  4. The principles and protocols used at the network layer (circuit/message/packet switching, IP addressing, ICMP), packet forwarding (ARP, NAT, OSPF), coordination (Autonomous Systems, BGP, Internet), organization (e.g. IANA, ICANN, RIRs).

  5. The principles and protocols used at the transport layer (TCP, UDP, SCTP, sockets, congestion control) and quality of service (ordering, throughput, latency, jitter).

  6. The principles and services at the application layer (DHCP, DNS, r-commands, NTP/PTP, WHOIS, email/FTP/HTTP).

  7. Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability (CIA) and other security aspects at the various layers (PKI/ACME, SSL/TLS, DNSsec, IPsec, MACsec, fixed/leased lines, ad-hoc mesh networks, cellular networks, the Internet) and the corresponding countermeasures (frame sniffing, packet capture, DPI, firewalls, VPNs, network diodes, isolation domains).

  8. The function and local/global properties of the five layers of the TCP/IP model in the context of offensive and defensive cyber operations.

Schedule (2026)

Week 35:

  • August 26, 12:40 – 13:25
  • August 26, 13:30 – 14:15
  • August 28, 8:10 – 8:55
  • August 28, 9:00 – 9:45

Week 37:

  • September 8, 8:10 – 8:55
  • September 8, 9:00 – 9:45
  • September 10, 12:40 – 13:25
  • September 10, 13:30 – 14:15

Week 38:

  • September 15, 12:40 – 13:25
  • September 15, 13:30 – 14:15
  • September 17, 12:40 – 13:25
  • September 17, 13:30 – 14:15

Week 39:

  • September 23, 10:10 – 10:55
  • September 23, 11:00 – 11:45

Week 40:

  • September 28, 14:30 – 15:15
  • September 28, 15:20 – 16:05
  • September 30, 8:10 – 8:55
  • September 30, 9:00 – 9:45
  • October 1, 12:40 – 13:25
  • October 1, 13:30 – 14:15

Materials

  • Computernetwerken
    5th edition (Dutch translation)
    Andrew Tanenbaum, David Wetherall
    ISBN: 9789043021203

  • Computer Networks, Global Edition
    6th edition
    Andrew Tanenbaum, Nick Feamster, David Wetherall
    ISBN: 9781292374062

References

Assessment

Placeholder text for the assessment scheme.

Miscellaneous

Cover image: Fabienne Serriere

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