Computer Networks
Approximate weightage in recent GATE CSE papers: ~8%
Official syllabus topics
- Concept of layering: OSI and TCP/IP protocol stacks
- Packet, circuit and virtual-circuit switching
- Data link layer: framing, error detection, MAC, Ethernet
- Routing protocols: shortest path, flooding, distance vector, link state
- IPv4, CIDR notation, fragmentation, IPv4 addressing
- TCP/UDP: connection management, flow and congestion control
- Application protocols: DNS, SMTP, HTTP, FTP, email
How to prepare
Subnetting/CIDR numericals are mechanical marks. TCP congestion control is the favourite 2-marker.