DIGITAL AND NETWORK MEDIA ANALYSIS

Description.

The course is an introduction to modern Digital Communication Networks and additionally analyses the operation of the most popular Digital Network Media with emphasis on the Internet & Mobile Communication Networks. The introduction to Digital Communication Networks includes the basic concepts of modern networks and analyses the layers of their architecture. At the physical level, the specific characteristics of wired and wireless transmission are analysed. The concepts of switching and multiplexing are introduced. At the link layer, representative technologies used in the implementation of local area networks are examined in detail and multiple access protocols are analysed with emphasis on Ethernet and Wireless LANs. At the network layer, issues of design, routing, congestion control and quality of service are addressed. The analysis of how the Internet works starts with the basic network layer protocol (Internet Protocol, IP) and then examines the most important routing protocols as well as a number of auxiliary protocols. At the transport layer, protocols with connection (Transmission Control Protocol, TCP) and without connection (User Datagram Protocol, UDP) are analyzed. At the application level, http (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and DNS (Domain Name System) are analyzed. The analysis of the operation of mobile communication networks describes the comparative evolution of 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation networks in terms of services, architecture and protocols. Introduces the concept of the cell and its importance in network design. Finally, it explains the basic functions of a mobile communications network (localisation, handover, transmission power control, security, etc.).

Bibliography:
1. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 6th Edition, by Kurose & Ross.
2. M.E. Theologou “Mobile and Personal Communications Networks”, 2nd Edition 2010, Tziola Publications.