CS307 - Computer Networks

   

Computer Networking (7th edition) by Jim Kurose & Keith Ross

  

Course Objectives:

     

To fully appreciate (and understand) the different services that are provided by network system software as it attempts to transmit information to its final destination.

To learn about the TCP segment fields, and how flow control of packets works. Then, how congestion can be resolved on a burdened network is also covered in great detail.

To understand the IP packet format, and determine specifically how said packets are routed across all the network devices that comprise the Internet.

To study basic local area network broadcast - and switched - techniques and to understand how the error detecting mechanisms in the data link layer work, and, why framing is necessary as well as how the transmission of bits actually occurs (i.e. the physical layer).

It is expected that you will need to spend, on average, at least 4 hours per week, in addition to your attendance in my lectures, to be able to keep up with the assigned reading in your textbook, complete all homework assignments, as well as study for quizzes and exams.

   Midterm Exam � March 8th                       35%

   Final Exam � May 9th 1-3:30pm              35%

   Quizzes and homework                           30%

  

Week #1 (Chapter 1) I will begin with an overview of the basic, 5 layer TCP/IP model, and, the necessary vernacular (and acronyms!).

Week #2 (Chapter 2 � sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.4.1, 2.4.2 and 2.8) Introduction of basic protocol operations that are involved with elementary web services, and concepts concerning sockets, etc. will be reviewed.

Weeks 3-5 (Section 3.1, skim 2.7, then read the rest of chapter 3) We now move onto the transport layer, the TCP segment format, and strategies for robustly transmitting information as related to flow control and sophisticated congestion strategies.

Weeks 6-8 (Chapter 4, sections 4.1-4.3) Coverage of the network layer begins here, starting with: IP (version 4) packet format details; IP addressing � and translation; and some details about IP version 6.

Weeks 9-11 (Chapter 5, sections 5.1-5.4 5.6 & 5.8) Basics for the specific routing strategies used in large networks will be covered before we consider intra-network routing comparisons (between the link state and the distance vector approaches), finishing with inter-network routing using BGP (Border Gateway Protocol).

Weeks 12-15 (Chapters 6 � sections 6.1-6.4) Data link layer specifics, including some local area networks, like Ethernet as well as satellite-based communication, and error detection strategies incorporating CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) codes. Some physical layer specifics may be covered as time permits: multiplexing (time and frequency domains), transmission techniques, data link layer framing strategies, and bit transmissions concepts may also be reviewed.

Prof. John Trono

JeanMarie 267, Phone - X2432

MW 1:30-3:30pm, T & TH 3-4pm, or
by appt.

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