Program Overview

Introduction to Internet and Networks

The "Introduction to Internet and Networks" course is designed to provide basic knowledge on the architecture and functioning of the internet and communication networks. It explores core concepts such as network structures, communication protocols, and performance metrics.

Course Overview

This MOOC is one of the MOOCs of the series titled "Fundamentals of Communication Network", aimed at providing core knowledge on the functioning of the Internet and modern communication systems. The series covers all layers of the TCP/IP protocol stack, from application and transport to network and data link, addressing the key protocols, technologies, and performance principles that support global connectivity.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the main components of the Internet infrastructure and define a network protocol
• Describe a computer network system in terms of functions and relations between network layers
• Describe the information transfer modes in terms of packet switching, circuit switching, datagram, and virtual circuits
• Describe what is an Internet application and what are the Peer-to-Peer and Client and Server architectures

Prerequisites

No prerequisite knowledge is required for this course.

Course Structure

The course is structured into weeks, with each week covering specific topics:

• Week 0: Introduction
• Week 1: Introduction to internet (part 1) and Weekly Quiz
• Week 2: Introduction to internet (part 2) and Weekly Quiz
• Additional resources: Video transcripts, Bibliography, and Slides of the course

Assessment

The final grade for the course will be based on the results of answers to the assessed quizzes. Students have an unlimited number of attempts at each quiz, but must wait 15 minutes before trying again. Successful completion of the course requires scoring 60% (or higher) in each of the assessed quizzes.

Certificate

Students can achieve a certificate in the form of an Open Badge for this course by reaching at least 60% of the total score in each one of the assessed quizzes and filling in the final survey.

Faculty

The course faculty includes:

• Sebastian Troia, Assistant Professor at Politecnico di Milano
• Mëmëdhe Ibrahimi, Assistant Professor at Politecnico di Milano

Research Areas

The faculty's research interests include edge network softwarization, Machine Learning for communication networks, cross-layer network optimization, and the application of machine learning for predictive maintenance in communication networks.

Language and Target

The course is taught in English and is targeted at Master of Science students, as well as anyone interested in the topic for personal or professional growth.

Length and Qualifications Framework

The course is 2 weeks long and is classified at the European Qualifications Framework Level 7 (EQF 7).

Thematic Area

The course falls under the thematic area of 061 Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), specifically 0610 Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) not further defined, and 0612 Database and network design and administration.

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.