The required textbook for this course is Computer Networks: A Systems Approach (5th edition) by Peterson and Davie. Earlier editions are also acceptable, but the reading assignments will use section numbers from the 5th edition. While each lecture will be supported by accompanying readings from the course text, the lectures may, from time to time, introduce material that is not in the textbook. You are expected to read the assigned portions of the textbook before coming to class, as they will serve as the basis for the in-class presentation.
Readings are not a substitute for lectures. You are responsible for all material covered in lecture, whether or not it appeared in any assigned readings.
This course will have roughly bi-weekly homework assignments, two substantial programming assignments, a midterm, and a final. Discussion sections will be held weekly to review the lecture material and answer questions about the readings, homeworks, and projects. Grades for this class will be based on:
Final grades will be curved.
No late assignments will be accepted. Exceptions for documented medical emergencies, death of an immediate family member, or other such life-altering situations must be requested fromt he instructor as soon as practical.
| Date | Topics | Notes | Readings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 3/30 | Class overview [pdf] |
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| Wed 4/1 | Links and signaling [pdf] |
1-2.2 | |
| Fri 4/3 | Modulation [pdf] |
2.2 | |
| Mon 4/6 | Layers & Framing [pdf] |
HW1 out, Project 1 out | 2.3 |
| Wed 4/8 | Error handling [pdf] |
2.4 | |
| Fri 4/10 | (no class) |
||
| Mon 4/13 | Reliable transmission [pdf] |
2.5 | |
| Wed 4/15 | Sliding Windows [pdf] |
HW 1 due | |
| Fri 4/17 | Media Access Control [pdf] |
2.6 | |
| Mon 4/20 | Bridging and Switching [pdf] |
HW 2 out | 3-3.1 |
| Wed 4/22 | Internetworking [pdf] |
||
| Fri 4/24 | (no class) |
||
| Mon 4/27 | Fragmentation & Addressing [pdf] |
3.2-3.2.4 | |
| Wed 4/29 | Aggregation [pdf] |
HW2 due | 3.2.5 |
| Fri 5/1 | Naming [pdf] |
Project 1 due | 3.2.6, 9.3.1 |
| Mon 5/4 | Link-state Routing [pdf] |
3-3.3.1, 3.3.3 | |
| Wed 5/6 | Midterm Exam |
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| Fri 5/8 | Distance-vector routing [pdf] |
Project 2 out | 3.3.2 |
| Mon 5/11 | Interdomain routing [pdf] |
4.1-4.1.2 | |
| Wed 5/13 | Router design [pdf] |
3.4 | |
| Fri 5/15 | Multicast [pdf] |
HW 3 out | 4.2 |
| Mon 5/18 | Transport protocols [pdf] |
5.1-2 | |
| Wed 5/20 | Congestion control [pdf] |
6.3-4 | |
| Fri 5/22 | TCP & NAT [pdf] |
/td> | Sidebar p.335 |
| Mon 5/25 | (no class) Memorial Day observed |
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| Wed 5/27 | Buffering and Scheduling [pdf] |
HW3 due, HW4 out | 6.2, 6.5 |
| Fri 5/29 | (no class) |
||
| Mon 6/1 | Prof Savage gets a flat |
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| Wed 6/3 | Scheduling and QoS [pdf] |
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| Fri 6/5 | 802.11 [pdf] |
2.7 | HW4 due, Project 2 due |
| Satuday 6/6 | Final review (2pm in Pepper Canyon 122) |
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| Mon 6/8 | Final Exam (8:00-11:00am) |