Networks

The objective of this subject is to present the basic principles of the three main blocks into which it is divided: current networks, virtualization systems and cloud computing. For the first block, the basic operation of computer networks and the protocols on which the Internet is based will be studied. For the second block, different virtualization mechanisms available today will be presented. Finally, in the last block we will study both the basics of cloud computing and its models.

· Topic 1: Introduction to computer networks and the Internet. Network protocols. Local networks. Network services.
· Topic 2: Virtualization systems.
· Topic 3: Cloud computing. Cloud models.

The presentations used in class are available on the USC Virtual Campus.

Basic bibliography:

- Kurose, James F. y Ross, Keith W. Redes de Computadores. Un enfoque descendente. 7ª edición: Pearson Educación S. A., 2017. ISBN: 978-849035-528-2. This book is self-contained and covers the first theme.
- Peterson, Larry L. y Davie, Bruce S. Computer networks: a systems approach. 5ª edición: Morgan Kaufmann, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-12-385059-1. This is a very complete book and a good reference material for the first topic of the subject.
- Cloud Computing and virtualization notes, prepared by the faculty, are provided.

Complementary bibliography:

- Comer, D. E, Stevens, D. L. y Evangelista, M. Internetworking with TCP/IP, Vol. III: Client-Server Programming and Applications, Linux/Posix Sockets Version. Prentice Hall. 2001. ISBN: 0130320714.
- Stallings, W. Comunicaciones y redes de computadores. 7ª edición: Pearson Prentice-Hall, 2013.
- Comer, D. E. y Stevens, D. L. Internetworking with TCP/IP Vol. III Client-Server Programming and Applications-Windows Sockets Version. Prentice-Hall.
- Donahoo, M. y Calvert, K. TCP/IP Sockets in C: Practical Guide for Programmers (The Practical Guides Series). 2ª edición: Morgan Kaufmann, 2009.
- Magaña, E., Izme Mendi, E., Prieto Mínguez, M. y Villadangos Alonso, J. Comunicación y Redes de Computadores. Problemas y Ejercicios Resueltos. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2003. ISBN: 8420539201.
- Barcia Vázquez, N. y otros. Redes de computadores y arquitecturas de comunicaciones: supuestos prácticos. Pearson 2005. ISBN 8420546070.
- Ian Miell, Aidan Hobson Sayers, Docker in Practice, 2ª ed., Manning Pubs, 2019.

This subject contributes to the achievement of the following competences included in the Artificial Intelligence degree:

BASIC AND GENERAL

CG2 - Ability to solve problems with initiative, decision making, autonomy and creativity.
CB2 - That students know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the skills that are usually demonstrated through the development and defense of arguments and problem solving within their area of study.
CB5 - That students have developed those learning skills necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy.

TRANSVERSALS

TR3 - Ability to create new models and solutions autonomously and creatively, adapting to new situations. Initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.

SPECIFIC

CE4 - Knowledge of the structure, organization, operation and interconnection of computer systems (computer, operating systems and computer networks).
CE5 - Understand and apply the basic principles and techniques of parallel and distributed programming for the development and efficient execution of artificial intelligence techniques.
CE6 - Ability to perform the analysis, design, implementation of applications that require working with large volumes of data and in the cloud efficiently.

The teaching methodology is aimed at the student being able to establish the basic principles of current networks, virtualization systems and cloud computing. Three types of learning activities are distinguished: theoretical classes, practical classes, and tutorials in small groups. Thus:
- Theoretical classes. 20 hours of lectures will be given in 1 hour sessions. These classes will make use of the blackboard, multimedia systems and presentations. The didactic methodology will focus especially on the individual work of the students.
- Practical classes. There will be 30 hours of practical classes that will be developed in the computer classroom in 15 sessions of 2 hours and will allow the students to familiarize themselves from a practical point of view with the questions exposed in the theoretical classes. Attendance to these classes by the students is MANDATORY.
Additionally, as far as possible, students will make use of the capabilities of the USC-Virtual. In the page of the subject the students will be able to obtain a copy in digital format of the material used in the theoretical and practical classes, as well as supplementary material.

In the expository classes will be worked the competences CG8 (through the knowledge of basic subjects and technologies), FB5 (through the knowledge of the interconnection of computer systems), RI11 (through the knowledge and application of the characteristics and functionalities of computer networks and Internet), TI2 (through the knowledge of network technologies) and TI4 (through the knowledge of the basic protocols of networks and Internet).

In the interactive classes the competences CB5 (by means of the knowledge of basic matters and use of basic technologies), CG2 (by means of the resolution of practical problems), CB2 (by means of the accomplishment of reports and calculations), CE6 (by means of the accomplishment of programs to apply what has been studied in the expository classes) will be worked, CE5 (through the implementation of applications based on the knowledge about networks and Internet), CE4 (through the delivery of written reports, exercises and their exposition in the classroom), TR3 (through the realization of problems and programs that require the search of solutions in an autonomous way).

The evaluation of learning will be based on the effective realization of a continuous evaluation and a final theory exam. This evaluation will be based on the attendance to the interactive classes, in the realization by the students of the practices proposed throughout the four-month period during these classes and in the realization of a final exam of theory on all the contents of the subject. In order to pass the subject it is essential to have passed both the practicals and the final exam.

EVALUATION OF COMPETENCES

Within the practical part of the subject (40% of the grade) the grade of the works, reports and presentations made in the interactive classes will take into account the degree of achievement of the competences CG2, CB2, CB5, TR3, CE5, CE6 and CE4.
In the theoretical part of the subject (60% of the grade) the competences CG2, CB2, CE4, TR3 and CE6 will be evaluated by means of different questions in the theoretical exam.

ATTENDANCE TO THE INTERACTIVE CLASSES

Due to the eminently practical nature of the subject, attendance to the interactive classes is a mandatory requirement to pass the subject in the ordinary opportunity (end of the term).
The number of hours that students can miss interactive classes, without justification, should not exceed 6 hours. In case the student misses more than 6 hours without justifying these absences, he/she will fail the practical part of the course. If the absences are due to a justified cause (as stated in the regulations for class attendance in the courses adapted to the European Higher Education Area, approved in the GC of March 25, 2010) duly accredited, students may choose either to try to perform on their own the practices that could not be performed in the classroom, or to recover those hours in other practice shifts. Attendance control in the interactive classes will be done by taking a roll call in class and recording attendance on a sign-in sheet.

CONTINUOUS EVALUATION OF THE INTERNSHIPS

Each of the proposed internships will have a specific completion date. After this date, the internship will be considered as not done.
Based on the evaluation of the internship and the work done, a grade from 0 to 10 will be given for the internship. In order to pass the internship, a grade of 5 or higher must be obtained. In the case of obtaining a grade lower than 5, the student will fail the practical part.
The grade of the practical will have a weight of 40% in the final grade of the subject.

ORDINARY OPPORTUNITY

At the end of the term there will be a theoretical exam of all the content of the subject. Passing this exam is an essential requirement to pass the subject. The grade obtained in this exam will have a weight of 60% in the final grade.

Students who have missed more than 6 hours of class without justifying these absences or who have failed the practicals will fail the course.

EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY IN JULY

It will not be possible to recover the interactive part in the extraordinary opportunity (July).

PASSING CONDITION

In order to pass the subject it is necessary that the following conditions (all of them) are met:
a. To have attended the interactive classes, under the conditions stated above.
b. To have passed the internships in the ordinary opportunity.
c. To have passed the theoretical exam.

CONDITION OF NOT PRESENTED

The student will have the condition of "no-show" when he/she does not attend the theoretical exam and has not attended more than one of the continuous evaluation tests.

REPEATING STUDENTS

As a general rule, repeating students will be subject to the same regime as regular students, having to attend the interactive classes under the aforementioned conditions. In those cases in which the grade for the practicals is higher than a 7, the practicals carried out in one course may be kept for another.

STUDENTS WITH DISPENSATION

Students with dispensation will be evaluated under the same conditions as the rest of the students. In those activities of the continuous evaluation whose evaluation requires classroom attendance, the student must attend those sessions.

PLAGIARISM

In the case of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, it will be applicable what is stated in the "Normativa de avaliación do rendemento académico dos estudantes e de revisión de cualificacións". In application of the Normativa da ETSE about plagiarism (approved by ETSE Board on 19/12/2019), the total or partial copy of any exercise of practices or theory will suppose the failure in the two opportunities of the course, with the qualification of 0,0 in both cases.

The estimated distribution of hours to be dedicated to the subject is as follows:
• 20 hours of lectures
• 30 hours of practical classes
• 1 hour of tutoring

A total of 51 hours of classroom work. The approximate autonomous work of the student is 99 hours, which includes self-study, writing exercises and papers, preparation of the practicals, evaluation of papers, etc.

The total number of hours is 150 hours.

Attendance to practices and perseverance in the study is one of the keys to study this subject. It is advisable to dedicate a daily study time in order to take advantage of the explanations received in class and thus consolidate the contents studied. In addition, a serious attitude in the practices will allow the concepts to be consolidated and to be able to approach more and more complicated exercises without too much effort.

It is necessary to have previously acquired a basic knowledge of programming in Python language and Linux handling at user level. It is also recommended to have taken the course "Introduction to Computers".

The virtual campus of the USC will be used for all teaching, publication of material, practice scripts and work deliveries.

The preferred language for lectures and interactive classes is Spanish.