COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: ADVANCED CONCEPTS IN COMPUTER NETWORKS

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
CEN 563	B	3	3	2	0	4	7.5

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Dimitrios Karras dkarras@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Dimitrios Karras dkarras@epoka.edu.al , Monday-Wednesday , 10.00am-21.00pm
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	NA
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Master of Science in Computer Engineering (2 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:	according to timetable at EIS
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	75%
Course Description:	This is a graduate level course which discusses the recent developments in computer networks. The topics to be covered include current topics of research and development such as Routing, Congestion Control, Multicasting and Resource Reservation in the Internet, Performance Study of Computer Networks, if time permits, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and P2P networks, Network Security. We do not attempt to provide a broad overview of the entire area of computer networking!
Course Objectives:	This course will provide to students the knowledge of concepts and method used in Computer Network communication. How communications protocols work, multimedia networking, security measures, future challenges. But mostly deeper understanding of the OSI protocol layers with analysis of the relevant algorithms, from the physical to application layer, including issues of socket programming

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Protocols in computer neworking in depth, modelling and algorithms
2	Layered networking Architectures
3	communication delay estimations and network performance evaluation
4	TCP algorithms
5	Routing Algorithms
6	ARQ algorithms for packet retransmission
7	packet, circuit and message switching
8	MAC sublayer algorithms and architectures
9	wireless and mobile communication systems, multimedia communication systems, IoT and Sensor Network Fundamentals

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Introduction to Computer Networks and Internet.
2	Internet design principles, packet and circuit switching as well as message switching
3	Physical and Data Link Layer , Principles of Data Link Layer, Retransmission protocols
4	MAC sublayer in depth
5	Data Link layer Multiple Access & Error Control,
6	Application Layer
7	Transport layer (TCP), SCTP & DCCP
8	Socket Programming and TCP algorithms
9	Routing algorithms, Dijkstra, Bellman Ford, OSFP, RIP & BGP
10	ip v4, ip V6 and Subnetting
11	Network support for multimedia, Voice over IP , Multimedia networking applications and streaming stored video, .
12	Basic Security, Wirelss and Mobile Networks as well as Protocols for real time applications.
13	Security protocol, SSL
14	IoT, Smart grid communications and future Internet, sensor networks, current research directions.

Prerequisite(s):	Introduction to Computer Networks, Probabilities and mathematical analysis as well as Java or Python programming.
Textbook(s):	1) Kurose and Ross, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, Pearson, 8th edition 2) Computer Networks Tanenbaum • Feamster • Wetherall SIXTH EDITION, Pearson Education Limited, 2021
Additional Literature:	Data Communications and Networking with TCP/IP Protocol Suite Sixth Edition Behrouz A. Forouzan, Mc Graw-Hill ISBN 978-1-26-436335-3 MHID 1-260-59782-2
Laboratory Work:	PROJECTS
Computer Usage:	PROGRAMMING PROJECTS
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	Ability to identify, formulate, and solve advanced network related problems. The ability to identify, formulate, and solve advanced network-related problems is a critical skill for ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of network infrastructures. This involves diagnosing complex issues such as network congestion, security vulnerabilities, configuration errors, and performance bottlenecks. Professionals apply a deep understanding of networking principles, protocols, and tools to systematically analyze problems, develop solutions, and implement corrective measures. By leveraging techniques like network modeling, simulation, and real-time diagnostics, they ensure optimal network performance and security. Mastering this ability is essential for maintaining resilient, scalable, and secure networks in increasingly complex digital environments.
2	Knowledge of contemporary issues in computer networks. Knowledge of contemporary issues in computer networks is crucial for addressing the evolving challenges in today's digital world. These issues include emerging cyber threats, such as ransomware and phishing attacks, the growing complexity of securing cloud environments, and the rise of technologies like 5G, IoT, and edge computing, which introduce new vulnerabilities and demands. Professionals must stay informed about regulatory changes, privacy concerns, and trends like software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV). Understanding these contemporary issues is essential for developing strategies to safeguard networks, enhance performance, and ensure compliance with modern security standards.
3	Ability to use techniques, skills, and modern networking tools. The ability to use techniques, skills, and modern networking tools requires comprehensive knowledge of network architectures, protocols, and security measures. Professionals must be proficient in techniques such as network design, troubleshooting, and optimization. They should also understand how to apply critical networking skills, including configuring routers, switches, firewalls, and managing network traffic. Familiarity with modern tools like Wireshark for packet analysis, Cisco Packet Tracer for network simulation, and various cloud-based networking platforms is essential. This knowledge enables efficient network management, real-time monitoring, and secure data transmission, making it a key competency in maintaining and enhancing network performance.
4	Deeper understanding of models, protocols and algorithms as well as programming in computer networks. A deeper understanding of models, protocols, and algorithms, as well as programming in computer networks, is essential for designing and managing efficient, secure, and scalable network systems. This involves comprehending key models like the OSI and TCP/IP frameworks, and protocols such as IP, TCP, HTTP, and BGP, which govern data transmission and communication. Mastery of network algorithms, including routing, congestion control, and error detection, is crucial for optimizing performance and reliability. Additionally, programming skills in languages like Python, C, or scripting for network automation enhance the ability to develop customized network solutions, automate tasks, and troubleshoot complex issues, ensuring seamless network operations.

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Master of Science in Computer Engineering (2 years) Program
1	Engineering graduates with sufficient theoretical and practical background for a successful profession and with application skills of fundamental scientific knowledge in the engineering practice.	5
2	Engineering graduates with skills and professional background in describing, formulating, modeling and analyzing the engineering problem, with a consideration for appropriate analytical solutions in all necessary situations	5
3	Engineering graduates with the necessary technical, academic and practical knowledge and application confidence in the design and assessment of machines or mechanical systems or industrial processes with considerations of productivity, feasibility and environmental and social aspects.	4
4	Engineering graduates with the practice of selecting and using appropriate technical and engineering tools in engineering problems, and ability of effective usage of information science technologies.	5
5	Ability of designing and conducting experiments, conduction data acquisition and analysis and making conclusions.	5
6	Ability of identifying the potential resources for information or knowledge regarding a given engineering issue.	5
7	The abilities and performance to participate multi-disciplinary groups together with the effective oral and official communication skills and personal confidence.	4
8	Ability for effective oral and official communication skills in foreign language.	5
9	Engineering graduates with motivation to life-long learning and having known significance of continuous education beyond undergraduate studies for science and technology.	5
10	Engineering graduates with well-structured responsibilities in profession and ethics.	5
11	Engineering graduates who are aware of the importance of safety and healthiness in the project management, workshop environment as well as related legal issues.	5
12	Consciousness for the results and effects of engineering solutions on the society and universe, awareness for the developmental considerations with contemporary problems of humanity.	5

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)	1	25
Project	1	35
Final Exam	1	40
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	10	2	20
Mid-terms	1	15	15
Assignments	1	25	25
Final examination	1	30	30
Other	1	49.5	49.5
Total Work Load:			187.5
Total Work Load/25(h):			7.5
ECTS Credit of the Course:			7.5

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

N/A