Course syllabus adopted 2026-02-19 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).
Overview
- Swedish nameDatakommunikation
- CodeEDA344
- Credits7.5 Credits
- OwnerTKDAT
- Education cycleFirst-cycle
- Main field of studyComputer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering
- DepartmentCOMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
- GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail
Course round 1
- Teaching language English
- Application code 49122
- Open for exchange studentsYes
Credit distribution
Module | Sp1 | Sp2 | Sp3 | Sp4 | Summer | Not Sp | Examination dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0114 Laboratory 2 c Grading: UG | 2 c | ||||||
| 0214 Examination 5.5 c Grading: TH | 5.5 c |
In programmes
- MPEES - Embedded Electronic System Design, Year 1 (elective)
- MPHPC - High-performance Computer Systems, Year 1 (elective)
- MPSOF - Software Engineering and Technology, Year 1 (compulsory elective)
- TKAUT - Automation and Mechatronics Engineering, Year 3 (elective)
- TKELT - Electrical Engineering, Year 3 (compulsory elective)
- TKITE - Software Engineering, Year 2 (elective)
- TKITE - Software Engineering, Year 3 (elective)
Examiner
- Marina Papatriantafilou
- Associate Professor, Computer and Network Systems, Computer Science and Engineering
Eligibility
General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.
Specific entry requirements
The same as for the programme that owns the courseApplicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements
Course specific prerequisites
The student should have good understanding of computer organization (course EDA452 "Introduction to computer engineering" or equivalent). A course in programming (e.g. Java or C) is a prerequisite. Knowledge of basic probability theory (random variables) and elementary graph theory (shortest paths) can be an advantage, but can also be acquired during the course via complementary reading.Aim
Computer networks are becoming an inherent and increasingly important part of many technical areas today. This course focuses on the parts of data communication that practicing engineers normally will encounter in their daily work. It is a basic course which offers an introductory presentation of data communication and computer networks.Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)
- Describe fundamental concepts and analyse essential performance metrics in computer networks, including bandwidth, capacity, throughput, and processing, queuing, transmission, and propagation delays.- Explain the structure and role of layered data communication and networks, as well the distribution of functionality across their layers in general and in the TCP/IP model in particular.
- Identify and explain the role of key network devices and components, including hosts, routers, switches, proxies, caches, and firewalls, and their function in packet-switched networks.
- Explain the structure and functionality of the Internet, including core and edge parts, and analyze how data is delivered end-to-end and how congestion can be controlled.
- Explain application-layer communication models (client¿server and peer-to-peer) and describe the operation of core Internet protocols such as HTTP, SMTP, and DNS, including the role of caching.
- Explain and analyze the transport-layer services provided by TCP and UDP, including reliable data transfer, flow control, and congestion control.
- Explain the foundational elements, as well as apply and analyse key methods in Internet network layer, including IP addressing, subnetting, packet forwarding in packet-switched networks, routing algorithms (such as Dijkstra and Bellman¿Ford) and the operation of routing protocols (such as OSPF and BGP).
- Explain and apply link-layer and wireless networking principles, including framing, error detection, and multiple-access techniques (CSMA/CA, CDMA), as well as Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G networks.
- Explain the role of Internet standardization, including the IETF and RFCs, and describe modern networking paradigms such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN).
- Apply the acquired skills in the monitoring of network traffic and in the configuration of networks.
- Seek and evaluate deeper knowledge of the individual standards and protocols in the data communication field.
Content
The course studies communication protocols and mechanisms used in the Internet and modern computer networks using a top-down approach. It begins with application-layer protocols and networked applications to introduce familiar communication paradigms, and then progressively moves toward lower layers to uncover the services, algorithms, and mechanisms that enable reliable and efficient data transfer. Topics include Internet applications and content distribution, HTTP, SMTP, and DNS, transport protocols TCP and UDP with performance, reliability, flow control, and congestion control aspects, network-layer addressing, packet forwarding, routing algorithms and protocols, and the structure of the Internet. The course also covers link-layer technologies, error detection and correction multiple access protocols, wireless and mobile networks including Wi-Fi and cellular systems, key network devices, Internet standardization, and selected modern networking concepts. We also discuss and analyze evolving aspects of networking, with new functionality, meeting the evolving needs of applications and uses.Organisation
Lectures (with elements of interaction) are given, where basic theory and important concepts are presented in order to complement and support the course textbook. As a complement to the lectures, regular exercise sessions are offered, where support in smaller groups is possible. A selection of optional homework problems (several web-supported options, for self-assessment) are given in order to provide additional insight into the course material as well as to exercise the level of understanding required for solving problems. Practical laborations are included to help students understand and show practical skills on protocols, as well as on monitoring of network traffic and configuration of classic and modern networks.Literature
James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross, "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach", 8th Edition, Pearson Education.Examination including compulsory elements
The course is examined by an individual written exam for 5,5 ECTS points and laboratory project assignments 2 ECTS points.The Laboratory work is carried out in groups and graded with pass (P) or fail (F),
The grading scale of the written exam comprises fail (F), 3, 4, 5.
A set of bonus points can be earned through small assignments or in-class quizzes conducted during lectures and exercise sessions. These bonus points are added to the exam score and may be used both to pass the exam and to achieve a higher grade. The grade of the entire course is the same as the grade obtained on the written examination.
The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.