Computer Networks

Book for Exercises

Jeanna Matthews, Computer Networking: Internet Protocols In Action, John Wiley and Sons , ISBN 978-0-471-66186-3 . On Amazon .

Recommended Resources

• Larry Peterson and Bruce Davie, Computer Networks: A Systems Approach, Available on Github: https://github.com/SystemsApproach
• James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross, Computer Networking: A Top-down Approach, Addison-Wesley , ISBN: 978-0132856201 .
• W. Richards Stevens, TCP/IP Illustrated Volume 1, The Protocols , Addison-Wesley online copy .

Description

This course covers layered networking protocols with an emphasis on common Internet protocols such as TCP, IP, HTTP, and SMTP. It also covers local area networking, focusing on link layer standards such as the IEEE standards for Ethernet and wireless. Additional topics such as security and congestion control will also be covered. EE407 and CS455 are offered each fall as one course with multiple listings.

Prerequisites

One of course in computer architecture (EE264, CS241 or IT502 or equivalent). One course in computer programming (EE261, CS141 or equivalent.) Note: IT501 also satisfies the programming requirement.

Objectives

• Expose students to important Internet protocols at each layer of the protocol stack
• Provide hands-on experience with analyzing traces of network protocols in action
• Give students an appreciation for the Internet standards process and the way in which protocols are evolve
• Challenge students to think critically about problems in the Internet

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Find and understand online documentation of Internet protocols
• Analyze traces of actual network traffic using tools like Wireshark
• Describe the network protocol stack both in the abstract and as it is realized in the Internet
• Identify security and privacy problems with common networking applications and protocols
• Use common tools for examining network configuration including ipconfig/ifconfig, netstat, nslookup, netcat, mtr, ping and others.
• Identify and investigate the source of common network problems.
• Write a networking application using sockets
• Think critically about problems in the Internet and propose solutions.