Syllabus

This course covers concepts in the design and implementation of computer communication networks, their protocols, the applications, and advanced principles of Computer Networks. Topics include layered network architectures, network programming interfaces (e.g., sockets), transport protocols, congestion control, routing algorithms, data link protocols, local area networks, wireless networks and network security. In addition, advanced principles in protocol mechanisms and implementations will be discussed.

Textbook: Computer Networking - A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet, by James F. Kurose & Keith W.Ross, Addison Wesley, 7th Edition
Prerequisites: You are required to have completed CSCI 272 or equivalent programming experience with C, Java or Perl.

Part 1: Introduction

• The Internet and its layered architecture
• Delay and Loss in Packet-Switched Networks
• Internet Backbones, NAPs and ISPs

Part 2: The Application Layer

• Principles of Application-Layer Protocols
• Important application-layer protocols: HTTP, FTP, Electronic-Mails, DNS, etc.
• Socket Programming

Part 3: The Transport Layer

• Transport-Layer Services and Principles
• Multiplexing and Demultiplexing Applications
• Principle of Reliable Data Transfer
• Principle of Congestion Control
• UDP, TCP

Part 4: The Network Layer

• Routing Principles and Algorithms
• IP: the Internet Protocol

Part 5: The Link Layer and Local Area Networks

• Introduction on the Data Link Layer and its services
• Error Detection and Correction
• Multiple Access Protocols
• LAN and ARP
• PPP: Point-to-Point Protocol
• ATM

Part 6: Wireless Networks

• IEEE 802.11
• Handling Mobility
• Ad-hoc wireless networks
• Cellular networks

Part 7: Security in Computer Networks

• Principles of Cryptography
• Authentication and Authorization
• Key Management Protocols
• Firewalls
• Attacks and countermeasures