In this course you'll learn fundamentals of networking, including network design and analysis, in the context of computer communications. I teach the science of network architecture as well as principles of network engineering. The course mixes fundamentals with both programming and pragmatic views of engineering issues. Advanced mathematics and queueing theory are not covered; students should (must) acquire a solid ground in that field before taking graduate network or distributed systems courses. There will be three significant programming asignments, focused on understanding protocols. We will tentatively discuss the following issues. Things may change as we go along, so please check back later frequently!

Introduction   The Internet   Circuit vs Packet Switching   ISDN, B-ISDN, ATM  Delay Model of the Packet Switching   Integrated, Differentiated Services Models  Application Layer   The Web and HTTP  DNS  Overlay Networks (P2P)   membership Service for P2P   Socket Programming  Transport Layer   Principles of reliable data transfer  TCP, UDP   Stop-and Go, GBN, Selected Repeat   Congestion and Flow control  Exam 1   Network Layer   Routing Principles  IP  Multicast routing  Exam 2

Link Layer   Multiple Access Protocols  ARP  Ethernet  Bridges and Switches  Multimedia Networking   Streaming Stored Audio and Video  Real-Time Interactive Applications  Integrated Services  Differentiated Services  Security Principles of Cryptography  Authentication  Integrity  Key Distribution and Certification  Final Exam

There will be about one homework assignment for each chapter. Students are expected to be able to program in Java on a Unix platform, with no further instruction.

• " Computer Networking; 4th Ed"
  by James Kurose and Keith Ross, Addison Wesley.

Assessment Method

The course will consist of programming projects, homework assignments, and, three exams.

Ideally, grades will be assigned along the following lines:

• A: (90 - 100) Understanding of the material presented in class and in the literature. Excellent completion of the projects. Indication of ability to independently develop new ideas based on material learned in class.
• B: (80 - 89) Good understanding of material presented in class and in required reading. Good completion of the projects.
• C: (70 - 79) Some understanding of material presented in class and required reading. Completion of the projects at unsatisfactory level.
• D: (60 - 69) ....
• F: (0 - 59) ....

Prerequisites

Ask Cathy Forman about this.

Late-Submission Policy

• Lateness will penalize one third of the earned points per class day.

Academic Integrity

It goes without saying that the highest level of academic integrity is expected for students in this class. While discussions among students on the analysis of problems and on the development of general solution approaches is welcome (encouraged, in fact,) the realization has to be of the individual student or of the individual project team. Spelled out, this means:

• For the projects: Do not make design documents or code available to others. Do not use others' design documents or code.
• For homeworks: Do not make your solutions available to other students. Do not copy from other students' solutions.