Computer and Control Engineering

MARCO POLVERINI
TIZIANA CATTAI

GENERAL

The course provides an overview of the organization and main functions of a telecommunications system, dealing with both aspects of digital representation of information, signals (in continuous and discrete time) and operations on signals, as well as aspects of networks and related protocols. At the end of the course the student will have fundamental knowledge on the functioning of a telecommunications system, networks and the Internet.

SPECIFIC
• Knowledge and understanding: Know the concepts underlying digital signal processing, their transmission in current telecommunications networks, access and error control protocols and network and transport protocols based on the TPC/IP suite.

• Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: being able to understand how operations on continuous and discrete time signals work, how a protocol works, which are its characterizing functions and how performance can be evaluated. Know how to carry out simple dimensioning of protocols at the various levels of a telecommunication architecture.

• Making judgements: knowing how to analyze the benefits and limitations of signal processing and operations and dimensioning of protocols or TPC/IP network configurations.

• Communication skills: knowing how to present the functionality of signal processing (correlation, sampling, analysis in the time or frequency domain) and how a network protocol works and discuss its performance.

• Learning skills: In addition to the classic learning skills provided by the theoretical study of the teaching material, the way of teaching the course, in particular the exercises (also carried out on simulators and with processing software), stimulate the student towards procedural analysis and quantitative understanding of the functioning of a network and its protocols, facilitating the concrete application of the notions and techniques learned during the course.

MODULE OBJECTIVES AND SKILLS ACQUIRED BY THE STUDENT

General Objectives:
The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the organization and main functions of a telecommunications system. It covers aspects related to the digital representation of information, signals (both continuous-time and discrete-time), and signal operations, as well as aspects related to networks and their protocols, including TCP/IP. During the course, students will acquire fundamental knowledge about the functioning of telecommunications systems, networks, and the Internet, with a focus on communication protocols and signal transmission technologies.
By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the main architectures of telecommunications networks, the principles governing signal transmission, and the management of network and transport protocols, acquiring the knowledge necessary to apply these technologies in real-world contexts.

Specific Objectives:

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING – Students will acquire a solid understanding of the concepts underlying digital signal processing and signal transmission in modern telecommunications networks. Access protocols, error control mechanisms, and TCP/IP protocols will be explored, focusing on their architecture and main functionalities. Students will learn to identify network performance parameters, communication protocols, and the operational principles of telecommunications networks and the Internet.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING – Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired regarding signal operations in both the time and frequency domains. They will learn to understand the functioning of various network protocols, their main characteristics, and how to correctly dimension protocols across the different layers of a telecommunications architecture. In addition, they will be able to apply analytical techniques to evaluate the performance of networks and protocols, with particular attention to performance parameters.

MAKING JUDGEMENTS – Students will develop the ability to critically analyze the benefits and limitations of signal operations and the impact of protocols on the performance of TCP/IP networks. They will be able to evaluate the efficiency of network protocols and the trade-offs related to network performance, considering factors such as reliability, speed, and error management capability.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS – Students will be able to present and discuss signal processing functions (such as correlation, sampling, and time- and frequency-domain analysis) in a clear and understandable manner. They will also be able to describe the operation of a network protocol, explaining its architecture and performance with reference to practical requirements.

LEARNING SKILLS – The course will encourage students to develop their learning skills through procedural and quantitative analysis of the operation of a network and its protocols. Practical exercises, including the use of simulators and signal processing software, will allow students to concretely apply the theoretical concepts learned. These practical activities will facilitate the direct application of the techniques studied and will help build a solid foundation of skills applicable in professional and research contexts.

Expected Learning Outcomes (according to the Dublin Descriptors)

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING – Students will acquire the fundamental knowledge related to the organization and operation of telecommunications systems. In particular, they will learn the principles of digital representation of information, the characteristics of continuous-time and discrete-time signals, and the main signal operations. They will also acquire basic knowledge of network architectures, communication protocols, and mechanisms for error control and medium access, with particular reference to the network and transport protocols of the TCP/IP suite.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING – Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to analyze and understand the functioning of the main signal operations, both in the time domain and in the frequency domain. They will be able to interpret the operation of communication protocols, identify their main functionalities, and evaluate their performance. They will also be able to address simple problems related to the dimensioning and configuration of protocols and components at different layers of a telecommunications architecture.

MAKING JUDGEMENTS – Students will develop the ability to critically analyze the solutions adopted in telecommunications systems, evaluating the benefits and limitations of different signal operations and of design choices related to protocols and network configurations based on TCP/IP architectures.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS – Students will be able to clearly describe and present the principles of signal processing, such as correlation, sampling, and time- and frequency-domain analysis, as well as the functioning of network protocols. They will also be able to discuss the performance of communication protocols and systems using appropriate technical terminology.

LEARNING SKILLS – Students will develop the ability to independently deepen their knowledge of topics related to telecommunications systems and communication networks. Exercises and practical activities, including the use of simulators and software tools for signal processing and network analysis, will encourage a procedural and quantitative approach to studying the functioning of protocols and networks, facilitating the practical application of the knowledge acquired.

Basic Algebra Logic operations and basic programming skills

1 - Introduction to Communication Networks and the Internet
- Evolution of network architectures and telecommunications services
- Technology, market, standards, and regulation
- Model and functions of a telecommunications network
- Network services
- Performance parameters
- Multiplexing techniques and resource allocation
- Circuit switching
- Packet switching
- Performance analysis models

2 - Protocol Layers and Their Service Models (OSI Reference Model, TCP/IP Architecture)

3 - Fundamentals of Digital Representations and Communications
- Introduction. Digital representation of information; concept of deterministic signals
- Signal classification; signal properties
- Definition of energy and power
- Signal operations
- Frequency-domain representation of signals: Fourier transform (continuous-time and discrete-time signals) and properties
- Convolution and correlation between signals; energy and power spectral density
- Signal transmission through systems; properties; impulse response
- Sampling: sampling theorem and Nyquist condition; analog-to-digital conversion; quantization and coding
- Baseband transmission; multilevel transmission; noise characterization; Shannon capacity limit
- Digital modulation: amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation; demodulation; Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)

4 - Python Laboratory for Signal Processing
- Signal definition, signal operations, correlations
- Signal transmission through filters
- Signal processing in the frequency domain
- Digital modulations

5 - Link Layer and Local Area Networks
- Error detection and correction techniques
- Parity check
- Checksum
- Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)
- Multiple access protocols (Medium Access Control – MAC)
- Wired and wireless multiaccess media
- Multiple access techniques
- Ideal access model
- Random-access and controlled-access protocols
- Access protocols in wireless environments
- Local Area Networks (LAN)
- IEEE 802.3 standard (Ethernet)

6 - Network Layer: Data Plane
- The IP protocol
- Internet addressing
- Classful and classless addressing
- CIDR
- Address resolution in the Internet
- DHCP
- NAT

6 - Network Layer: Control Plane
- Routing functions
- Routing in the Internet
- Routing algorithms
- IGP and EGP routing protocols
- Routing tables

7 - Network Configuration Laboratories Using Katharà Emulation Software
- Introduction to Linux and virtual machines; installation and configuration of Katharà
- Installation and use of VirtualBox
- Use of basic Linux terminal commands
- Installation of Katharà and testing with a basic configuration
- Laboratory with two hosts
- Configuration and communication between two hosts
- Use of tcpdump and Wireshark
- ARP protocol laboratory and ARP poisoning
- Addressing and subnetting laboratory
- IP protocol
- Static addressing
- Routing laboratory
- Advanced addressing schemes

Slides available on Moodle https://elearning.uniroma1.it/course/view.php?id=12001

J. Kurose, K. Ross: “Reti di Calcolatori e Internet” (4° Edizione o 6° Edizione). Pearson Addison Wesley, Maggio 2008 Capitoli: 1, 3, 4, 5 e 6
A. Leon-Garcia & I. Widjaja “Communication Networks: Fundamental Concepts and Key Architecture”, McGraw-Hill Capitolo: 3
Francesca Cuomo: Esercizi di reti di telecomunicazione; Ed. Ingegneria 2000, 2005

J. Kurose, K. Ross: “Reti di Calcolatori e Internet” (4° Edizione o 6° Edizione). Pearson Addison Wesley, Maggio 2008 Capitoli: 1, 3, 4, 5 e 6
A. Leon-Garcia & I. Widjaja “Communication Networks: Fundamental Concepts and Key Architecture”, McGraw-Hill Capitolo: 3
Francesca Cuomo: Esercizi di reti di telecomunicazione; Ed. Ingegneria 2000, 2005

Theoretical lectures with the support of slides and network emulator softwares

optional

Examination Method (January–February exam sessions)

During the course, two midterm assessments will be held on Moodle in the form of quizzes. Each quiz can award up to 2 points, for a maximum of 4 bonus points, which can be used exclusively in the January or February exam sessions.

1. Ongoing Homework
Two homework assignments will be given to assess learning related to:
- the digital representation of information and communications;
- the configuration of networks and protocols using the Katharà network emulation software.
The homework assignments contribute to the final evaluation with 5 + 5 points.

2. Written Exam (January or February)
The written exam consists of:
- 15 multiple-choice questions on the theoretical part of the entire syllabus (15 points);
- one numerical exercise aimed at verifying the ability to apply knowledge to practical problems related to the course topics (5 points).

Examination Method (from March onwards)
3. Examination composed of:
- 15 multiple-choice questions on the theoretical part of the entire syllabus (15 points);
- one numerical exercise on applied aspects of the topics covered in the course (5 points);
- an oral examination, following the correction of the written test, aimed at evaluating communication skills and the level of understanding of the theoretical aspects of the course.

To pass the exam, a minimum grade of 18/30 is required.
Students must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the topics included in the entire syllabus, assessed through the multiple-choice questions, and must be able to solve a numerical exercise. They must also demonstrate the ability to process real digital signals and configure networks and protocols using emulation software.

To obtain the maximum grade of 30/30 with honors, students must demonstrate an excellent knowledge of all the topics covered in the course, showing the ability to connect and integrate them in a logical, coherent, and in-depth manner.

calculate the transfer time of three packets sent over a three-hop path

• Introduction to Communication Networks and the Internet [9h]
  • Books: J. Kurose, K. Ross: “Reti di Calcolatori e Internet” - chapter 1


• Protocol Layers and Their Service Models (OSI Reference Model, TCP/IP Architecture) [3h]
  • Books: J. Kurose, K. Ross: “Reti di Calcolatori e Internet” - chapter 1


• Fundamentals of Digital Representations and Communications [15h]
  • Books: TEORIA DEI SEGNALI 3/EDMarco Luise, Giorgio Matteo Vitettahttps://www.mheducation.it/teoria-dei-segnali-3-ed-9788838665837-italy


• Python Laboratory for Signal Processing [15h]
  • Books: Provided by the Teacher


• Link Layer and Local Area Networks [12h]
  • Books: J. Kurose, K. Ross: “Reti di Calcolatori e Internet” - chapter 6


• Network Layer: Data Plane [12h]
  • Books: J. Kurose, K. Ross: “Reti di Calcolatori e Internet” - chapter 4


• Network Layer: Control Plane [12h]
  • Books: J. Kurose, K. Ross: “Reti di Calcolatori e Internet” - chapter 5


• Network Configuration Laboratories Using Katharà Emulation Software [12h]
  • Books: Provided by the Teacher