Advanced Computer Networks – Semester Exam
Notes
(Based on 'Computer Networking: A Top■Down
Approach' – Kurose & Ross)
UNIT I – Data Link Protocols and Routing
Ethernet: Ethernet is the most widely used LAN technology operating at the data link layer. It uses
CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection). Each device in Ethernet has a
unique MAC address used for communication. Ethernet frame includes preamble, destination MAC,
source MAC, type field, data, and CRC.
Token Ring: Token Ring networks use a ring topology where a special token circulates among
nodes. Only the node possessing the token can transmit data, preventing collisions.
Wireless Networks (IEEE 802.11): Wireless LAN technology using radio signals. It includes
components such as Access Point, wireless stations, and distribution systems. Communication
uses CSMA/CA instead of collision detection.
Mobile IP: Mobile IP allows devices to move across networks while maintaining the same IP
address. Main components include Mobile Node, Home Agent, and Foreign Agent.
Routing Algorithms: Routing determines paths for packets through networks. Common algorithms
include Dijkstra (link■state routing) and distance■vector routing.
Congestion Control: Congestion occurs when network resources become overloaded. Techniques
include traffic shaping, queue management, and packet dropping.
UNIT II – Transport and Application Layer Protocols
Client■Server Model: In client■server architecture, clients request services and servers respond.
Examples include web servers and database servers.
Peer■to■Peer Architecture: In P2P systems, all nodes act as both client and server. Examples
include BitTorrent and distributed networks.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): TCP is a connection■oriented protocol providing reliable
communication. Features include error detection, congestion control, and flow control.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol): UDP is a connectionless protocol used in applications requiring low
latency such as video streaming and gaming.
TCP Congestion Control: Techniques used to prevent network congestion include Slow Start,
Congestion Avoidance, Fast Retransmit, and Fast Recovery.
UNIT III – Web and Internet Applications
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): HTTP is the protocol used for communication between web
browsers and web servers. Methods include GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): FTP is used to transfer files between computers using two
connections – control and data connection.
Electronic Mail: Email communication uses SMTP for sending messages and POP3 or IMAP for
receiving messages.
DNS (Domain Name System): DNS translates domain names into IP addresses using a hierarchical
structure consisting of root servers, top■level domain servers, and authoritative servers.
Socket Programming: Sockets provide communication between applications using TCP or UDP.
Typical steps include socket creation, bind, listen, accept, send, and receive.
UNIT IV – Wireless and Mobile Networks
Wireless Networks: Wireless communication uses radio signals instead of cables. Advantages
include mobility and flexible deployment.
Wireless Link Characteristics: Wireless communication faces challenges such as interference,
fading, and limited bandwidth.
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access): CDMA allows multiple users to share the same frequency
band using unique spreading codes.
Wi■Fi (IEEE 802.11): Wireless LAN technology widely used for internet access in homes and
organizations.
Cellular Networks: Cellular systems divide geographic areas into cells served by base stations.
Technologies include 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G networks.
Mobility Management: Ensures continuous connectivity when users move between networks.
Includes location management and handoff procedures.
UNIT V – Multimedia Networking
Multimedia Networking: Multimedia networks support transmission of audio, video, and interactive
data over computer networks.
Streaming Stored Video: Streaming allows users to watch video content while it is being
downloaded from servers. Examples include YouTube and Netflix.
Voice over IP (VoIP): VoIP enables voice communication through the Internet instead of traditional
telephone networks.
Real■Time Protocols: RTP (Real■time Transport Protocol) and RTCP are used to support
real■time multimedia communication such as video conferencing.
Quality of Service (QoS): QoS mechanisms ensure reliable delivery of multimedia content by
controlling delay, jitter, and packet loss.