CE150: Introduction to Computer Networks
 
Catalog copy 
CE150. Introduction to Computer Networks.  Addresses issues arising in
organizing communications among autonomous computers. Network models
and conceptual layers. Internetworking.  Characteristics of
transmission media. Switching techniques (packet switching, circuit
switching, cell switching). Medium access control (MAC) protocols and
lcoal area networks. Error control strategies and link-level
protocols. Routing algorithms for bridges and routers. Congestion
control mechanisms. Transport protocols. Application of concepts to
practical wireless and wireline networks and standard protocol
architectures. Prerequisitie(s): courses 12C, 12L, and 16.  A. Varma,
J.J. Garcia-Luna-Aceves, K. Obraczka


Explanation of prerequisites

Students need to be familiar with basic counting methods, discrete
probability, and mathematical induction. Students also need to have
introductory knowledge of computer organization and a working
knowledge of the elements of the C programming language.

Required skills to pass the course: 

1. Demonstrate basic knowledge of computer network architectures
2. Demonstrate basic knowledge of switching techniques 
3. Demonstrate basic knowledge of distributed algorithms for
   channel access, transmission control,
   and routing and protocols that form part of the  Internet
4. Ability to analyze the correct behavior and efficiency of
   communication protocols.

Core topics (must be taught)

1. Network architectures and switchin techniques, characteristics of 
   transmission media.
2. Channel access protocols and their efficiency.
3. Link control protocols, why they work correctly and their efficiency. 
4. Routing algorithms
5. Interconnection of network at the link level and at the network level, 
   the Internet Protocol (IP) and associated control protocols.
6. End-to-end protocols, with TCP and UDP as examples; congestion control 
   and flow control.
7. Cursory view of application-level protocols, including electronic mail, 
   HTTP and DNS.

Optional topics 

1.  Multimedia networking, voice over IP.
2.  Internet security.
3.  Distributed caching.
4.  High-speed networks.


Comments on related concurrent courses 
CE 151 Provides a hands-on introduction to networking, with emphasis on
       the IP INternet.
CE152  Covers analysis of network protocols including application of 
  queueing theory and random processes to the performance analysis of 
  communication protocols and formal verification of communication protocols.
CE154  Focuses on the physical layer of digital data communication 
  including signal transmission, encoding, multiplexing and demultiplexing.

Comments on following courses 
CE155/L  Requires students to be able to configure client/server machines, 
  be profficient with hands on experience in network routing and wireless 
  networking.

Text
James Kurose and Keith Ross, Second Edition, Computer Networking, 
Addison Wesley, 2002 (ISBN 0-201-97699-4).


Possible (Reference) Texts:

1. A. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, 3th edition, Prentice-Hall, 1996.
2. Douglas Comer, Internetworking with TCP/IP, 3th edition,
   Prentice-Hall. Multiple volumes.
3. W. Richard Stevens, TCP/IP Illustrated, Vol. 1 and 2, Addison Wesley,
   1994. You will probably want to read this or Comer's Vol. 1 and 2

Prepared by JJ Garcia-Luna, 10/02