Computer Networks & Internet Protocol Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. S.K. Ghosh & Prof. S. Chakraborty
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 19736 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Computer Science and Engineering, Systems, Cyber Security |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Demystifying the Digital Backbone: A Deep Dive into Computer Networks & Internet Protocol
In our hyper-connected world, understanding how data travels across the globe is no longer just for IT specialists—it's a fundamental literacy. From streaming a video to securing an online transaction, everything relies on the intricate dance of computer networks and protocols. If you've ever been curious about the 'how' behind the internet or are looking to build a robust career in technology, a structured understanding of these concepts is indispensable.
We are excited to present a comprehensive, 12-week course on Computer Networks and Internet Protocol, meticulously designed and delivered by esteemed faculty from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. This course offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading academics and researchers in the field.
Learn from the Pioneers: Meet Your Instructors
The course is led by two distinguished professors whose expertise spans both foundational theory and cutting-edge research.
Prof. Soumya Kanti Ghosh is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. With a Ph.D. and M.Tech. from IIT Kharagpur, Prof. Ghosh brings a wealth of experience, including prior work with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He has authored over 200 research papers and his interests include spatial data science, cloud computing, and web services.
Prof. Sandip Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor in the same department. He earned his Ph.D. and M.Tech. from IIT Guwahati and has published around 100 research papers. His research focuses on computer systems, distributed systems, and mobile computing, providing deep insights into modern network challenges.
Course Overview: What Will You Learn?
This undergraduate/postgraduate level course aims to provide a holistic understanding of modern networking. The broad objectives are to help you comprehend:
- The architecture and core principles behind today's computer networks.
- The functionalities of key protocols that make communication possible.
- The evolving requirements of the future Internet and their impact on network design.
The course employs a top-down approach, starting from the applications you use daily and drilling down to the physical transmission of data. This method makes complex concepts more intuitive and relatable.
Detailed 12-Week Curriculum
The course is structured to take you from fundamental concepts to advanced principles systematically.
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Computer Networks – History, Circuit Switching and Packet Switching |
| Week 2 | TCP/IP Protocol Stack – Basic Overview |
| Week 3 | Application Layer Services (HTTP, FTP, Email, DNS) |
| Week 4 | Transport Layer Primitives – Connection Establishment and Closure |
| Week 5 | Flow Control and Congestion Control at the Transport Layer |
| Week 6 | Transmission Control Protocol – Basic Features, TCP Congestion Control |
| Week 7 | Network Layer Primitives – IP Addressing |
| Week 8 | IP Routing – Intra Domain & Inter Domain Routing Protocols (BGP) |
| Week 9 | IP Services – SNMP, ARP |
| Week 10 | Data Link Layer Service Primitives – Forwarding, Flow Control, Error Control |
| Week 11 | Media Access Control - Channel Access Protocols, Framing |
| Week 12 | End to End Principles of Computer Networks |
Who Should Enroll?
Intended Audience: This course is ideally suited for students and professionals in Computer Science & Engineering (CSE), Electronics & Communication (ECE), and Electrical Engineering (EE). It is also highly valuable for IT professionals seeking to solidify their foundational knowledge.
Industry Support: The curriculum is highly relevant to IT industries, where expertise in networking, protocols, and system architecture is crucial for roles in network engineering, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and software development.
Essential Learning Resources
To complement the lectures, the instructors recommend a blend of classic textbooks and vital online resources:
- Textbooks:
- Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach by Kurose & Ross
- Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum
- Computer Networks: A Systems Approach by Peterson & Davie
- TCP/IP Tutorial and Technical Overview (IBM Redbook)
- Online References:
- TCP/IP Guide by Charles M. Kozierok
- Official IETF Request for Comments (RFC) documents
- Research Journals: For those inclined towards research, exposure to premier publications like IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking and ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communication Review is encouraged.
Embark on this 12-week journey to unravel the complexities of the digital world's infrastructure. Whether you aim to ace your exams, advance your career, or simply satisfy your intellectual curiosity, this course on Computer Networks and Internet Protocol from IIT Kharagpur is your definitive guide.
Enroll Now →