Textbooks

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.

Grading

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:

  • 12% Homework
  • 42% Programming projects
  • 21% Midterm
  • 25% Final

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 from the instructor as soon as practical.

Schedule

Date Topics Notes Readings
Mon 04/01 Class overview
[pdf]
Wed 04/03 Layers & Framing
[pdf]
Project 1 out 1.3, 2.3
Fri 04/05 Error handling
[pdf]
2.4
Mon 04/08 Error handling (cont.), Reliable transmission
[pdf]
1.5, 2.5.1
Wed 04/10 Flow Control
[pdf]
2.5.2
Fri 04/12 Transport protocols
[pdf]
HW 1 out 5-5.2
Mon 04/15 Bridging
[pdf]
3-3.1
Wed 04/17 From Networks to Internetworks
[pdf]
3-3.1
Fri 04/19 Internetworking
[pdf]
HW 1 due 3.2-3.2.4
Mon 04/22 Addressing
[pdf]
HW 2 out 3.2.5
Wed 04/24 IPv6
[pdf]
4.1.3
Fri 04/26 Naming
[pdf]
3.2.6, 9.3.1, Sidebar p.335
Mon 04/29 NAT and Routing
[pdf]
HW 2 due 3-3.3.1, 3.3.3
Wed 05/01 Link-state routing
[pdf]
Project 1 due 3.3.2
Fri 05/03 Distance-vector routing
[pdf]
4.1-4.1.1
Mon 05/06 Midterm Exam
Wed 05/08 Interdomain routing
[pdf]
4.1.2
Fri 05/10 Border Gateway Protocol
[pdf]
3.4
Mon 05/13 Router design
[pdf]
6.1
Wed 05/15 Congestion control
[pdf]
Project 2 out 6.2
Fri 05/17 Congestion control
[pdf]
6.3-4
Mon 05/20 Buffering and Scheduling
[pdf]
6.5
Wed 05/22 Links and signaling
[pdf]
2.1
Fri 05/24 Modulation
[pdf]
2.2
Mon 05/27 Memorial Day
Wed 05/29 Media Access Control
[pdf]
2.6
Fri 05/31 Ethernet
[pdf]
Mon 06/03 Wireless 1 (WLAN)
[pdf]
HW 3 out 2.7
Wed 06/05 Wireless (continued)
[pdf]
2.7
Fri 06/07 Review
Project 2 due (and HW 3 due on Monday)
Thu 06/13 Final Exam (11:30am-2:30pm)

Last updated: 2019-06-06 11:27:30 -0700 [validate xhtml]