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227-0120-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-ERDW , D-MAVT , D-MATH , D-PHYS

Communication Networks

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Laurent Vanbever

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:19

Abstract

At the end of this course, you will understand the fundamental concepts behind communication networks and the Internet. Specifically, you will be able to:- understand how the Internet works;- build and operate Internet-like infrastructures;- identify the right set of metrics to evaluate the performance of a network and propose ways to improve it.

Objective

At the end of the course, the students will understand the fundamental concepts of communication networks and Internet-based communications. Specifically, students will be able to: - understand how the Internet works; - build and operate Internet-like network infrastructures; - identify the right set of metrics to evaluate the performance or the adequacy of a network and propose ways to improve it (if any). The course will introduce the relevant mechanisms used in today's networks both from an abstract perspective but also from a practical one by presenting many real-world examples and through multiple hands-on projects. For more information about the lecture, please visit: https://comm-net.ethz.ch

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes and material for the course will be available before each course on:https://comm-net.ethz.ch

Literature

Most of course follows the textbook "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (6th Edition)" by Kurose and Ross.

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Information

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 150 minutes
Aids: All written material (books, notes, lab exercises etc.) is allowed; all electronic devices are prohibited, except for (non-connected) calculators.

70% of the final grade will be based on the final (written) exam, while the remaining 30% will be based on continuous performance assessments. The continuous performance assessments will consist in two graded group projects. The first one (centered on 'Internet routing') will take place around the middle of the semester. The second one (centered on 'reliable transport') will take place towards the end of the semester. The first project will count for 20% of the final grade, while the second will count for 10% of the final grade. If a student does not submit a project or does not contribute to the group work, he/she will receive a grade of 1.0 for the corresponding project. Students repeating the course can decide at the beginning of the semester if they want to keep the previous grades of their continuous performance assessments.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Communication Networks Vorlesung: Montag, 10:00- 12:00 Übungen: Donnerstag, 10:00 - 12:00 Eine weitere Stunde nach Vereinbarung (Praktikum)	Mon 10:15-12:00 (HG E 1.2) Thu 10:15-12:00 (HG E 1.2)	4 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor
- 6th semester: third year core courses (Can be freely combined, a list of detailed recommendations is available under )
  - Specialization: Computers and Networks (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Computers and Networks" but students may choose core courses from all fields freely.)
  - Specialization: Communications, Control, and Signal Processing (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Communications, Control, and Signal Processing" but students may choose core courses from all fields freely.)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed. All courses listed as core courses (not electives) for one of the following ETH MSc programmes, MSc Statistics, MSc Physics, MSc Computer Science, MSc (Applied) Mathematics, MSc Neural Systems and Computation, MSc Robotics, Systems, and Control, MSc Data Science, MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, can be taken as an elective course in the MSc CSE without prior permission.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- 01 - Courses of specializations
  - Track: Communication (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Communication". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
      - Foundation Core Courses
  - Track: Computers and Networks (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Computers and Networks", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Computers and Networks". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
      - Foundation Core Courses
  - Track: Signal Processing and Machine Learning (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Signal Processing and Machine Learning ", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Signal Processing and Machine Learning", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the MSc EEIT.)
Space Systems Master
- Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
  - Space Communication
    - Deep Track Space Communication (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)