CSCI 459/659: Foundations of Computer Networks

Spring 2007

 

All course materials will be distributed in Blackboard.

 

Instructor:     

 

Dr. Xiaojiang (James) Du

Office: IACC 258, Room A14

Phone: (701) 231-8182

Email:   Xiaojiang.Du@ndsu.edu

 

Lecture Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm, M.                       Lecture Room: IACC 106

 

Office Hours: 3 - 4pm, T. Other time by appointment.

 

Credits: 3.                                                            Class #: 8251 for CS 459 and 8259 for CS 659.

 

Prerequisite: Programming with C, C++, or Java. Background on networks is NOT pre-required.

 

Textbook 

 

Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, Fourth Edition, Pearson Education, 2002, ISBN: 0130661023.

Course Description: This course introduces the fundamental concepts of wired computer networks and wireless networks.

Topics:

 

1.      Introduction (LAN, MAN, WAN, Wireless Networks, Network Software, OSI and TCP/IP Reference Models, Example Networks).

2.       The Physical Layer (Transmission Media, Wireless Transmission, Satellite Communications, Public Switched Telephone Network, Mobile Telephone System, Cable).

3.       The Data Link Layer (Data Link Layer Design Issues, Error Detection and Correction, Elementary Data Link Protocols, Example Data Link Protocols).

4.       The Medium Access Control Sublayer (Channel Allocation, Multiple Access Protocols, Ethernet, Broadband Wireless, Bluetooth, Data Link Layer Switching).

5.       The Network Layer (Network Layer Design Issues, Routing Algorithms, Congestion Control, Quality of Service, Internetworking, The Network Layer in the Internet).

6.       The Transport Layer (The Transport Service, Transport Protocols, UDP, TCP).

7.       The Application Layer (DNS, E- Mail, World Wide Web (WWW), Multimedia, Voice over IP).

8.       Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Mobile Ad hoc Networks, Wireless Sensor Networks.

9.       Optional: Network Security (Cryptography, Symmetric-Key Algorithms, etc).

Grading Policy   

Grade

459

659

A

80 and Above

85 and Above

B

70-79

75-84

C

60-69

65-74

D

50-59

55-64

F

50 and Below

54 and Below

 

  Item

Weight

Homework

5 %

In-Class Exercise (No make-up exercise is allowed)

15 %

Technical Paper Reading & Presentation

20 %

Midterm Exam

30 %

Final Exam

30 %

 

Technical Paper Reading & Presentation

 

You are required to read a recent research paper in the areas of computer networks, wireless networks or network security. The papers are from top networking conferences (like IEEE Infocom, IEEE Globecom, ACM MobiCom, ACM MobiHoc, etc) and journals. The paper list will be given later. The purpose of the Technical Paper Reading is to let students know the up-to-date research frontier in networking area. You need to prepare a presentation and talk about the main content of the technical paper.  

 

Course Policy

 

·         Students are expected to attend all classes. If a class is missed for any reason, the student is responsible for finding out the material covered, any assignment and handouts given, and any other announcements made in the class (e.g., exam date). 

·         Homework and other assignments should be submitted at the beginning of the class on the corresponding due date. Late work will be penalized at 5% of its full credit per day. You may discuss homework assignments with classmates but all solutions must be original and individually prepared.

·         No make-up exam will be allowed except in cases of emergencies for which prior permission of the instructor must be taken.

·         Cheating in an exam or an assignment (project, homework) can result in a grade of F in the course.

Americans with Disabilities Statement about Students with Special Needs

 

Any students with disabilities or other special needs, who need special accommodations in this course are invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.

Rules

All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU University Senate Policy, Section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct (http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm). In particular, no student may represent or imply that the work of another person is her or his own.

As a computer user, you are expected to behave in responsible ways. You should always follow computer usage policies (of NDSU and other organizations). The discussion in this class does not give your permission to violate computer usage policies.