Computer Networks

What it covers

• OSI layered architecture
• Data Link layer: framing, error detection; MAC sublayer: CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA, switching
• Network layer: IP addressing/routing, NAT, fragmentation, distance-vector/link-state routing
• Transport layer: TCP/UDP, three-way handshake, congestion control (slow start, AIMD)
• Application layer: DNS, SMTP, HTTP/HTTPS, P2P/CDN
• Network security: Tor onion routing, CBC, RSA; error control: CRC, Hamming codes

Assessment

100% single final written exam — no coursework counted. 2h, closed-book, on paper, basic non-graphical calculator only, mix of MC and open questions (no programming); open questions need shown working for full credit. Pass threshold has run around 57-58% in recent years (e.g. June 2025: 20 questions/20 points, 58%). One comprehensive resit.

Resources

• Community notes (Notion)

Worth knowing

• The material explicitly flags tutorials as the most critical exam prep — tutorial problem style and difficulty directly mirror the final.
• Two mandatory self-study modules (error detection/correction, cryptography) gate specific tutorials; they aren't graded but are essential for exam readiness.
• The grade is 100% the final exam — no coursework contributes, so there's no safety net if the underlying self-study gets skipped.