Computer Communications

(3-0-0-3)

CMPE Degree: This course is Elective for the CMPE degree.

EE Degree: This course is Elective for the EE degree.

Lab Hours: 0 supervised lab hours and 0 unsupervised lab hours.

Technical Interest Group(s) / Course Type(s): EE Breadth electives (2011-12 curriculum), Telecommunications

Course Coordinator: Chuanyi Ji

Prerequisites: ECE 2020 [min C] and ECE 2026 [ min C]

Corequisites: None.

Catalog Description

Basic concepts of computer communication network protocols.

Textbook(s)

Computer Networking : A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet

Course Outcomes

  1. Describe the theoritical fundamentals of how the internet works
  2. Use a layered model to explain the primary functionalities of internetworking
  3. Identify algorithms and functionalities to allow reliable data transport over an unreliable network
  4. Explain the fundamental protocols in the internet and have the ability to apply them to new networks
  5. Describe Software Defined Networking’s fundamental concept and its impact on the internet
  6. Explain the fundamentals of link layer protocols

Student Outcomes

In the parentheses for each Student Outcome:
"P" for primary indicates the outcome is a major focus of the entire course.
“M” for moderate indicates the outcome is the focus of at least one component of the course, but not majority of course material.
“LN” for “little to none” indicates that the course does not contribute significantly to this outcome.

1. ( P ) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

2. ( M ) An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors

3. ( LN ) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

4. ( LN ) An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts

5. ( LN ) An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

6. ( P ) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

7. ( M ) An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Strategic Performance Indicators (SPIs)

Not Applicable

Course Objectives

Topical Outline

  1. Introduction
    1. network edge
    2. end systems, access networks, links
    3. network core
    4. packet switching, circuit switching, network structure
    5. delay, loss, throughput in networks
    6. protocol layers, service models
  2. Application Layer
    1. Web and HTTP
    2. Electronic mail
    3. Domain Name System
    4. video streaming and content distribution networks
    5. Socket programming with UDP and TCP
  3. Transport Layer
    1. multiplexing and demultiplexing
    2. connectionless transport: UDP
    3. principles of reliable data transfer
    4. connection-oriented transport: TCP
    5. principles of congestion control
    6. TCP congestion control
  4. Network layer: The Data Plane
    1. data plane
    2. control plane
    3. Router architecture
    4. IP: Internet Protocol
    5. Generalized Forward and SDN
  5. Network Layer: The Control Plane
    1. routing protocols
    2. intra-AS routing in the Internet: OSPF
    3. routing among the ISPs: BGP
    4. The SDN control plane
  6. Link Layer and LANs
    1. error detection, correction
    2. multiple access protocols
    3. LANs
    4. data center networking
    5. day in the life of a web request
  7. Wireless Networking*
    1. Wireless links, characteristics
    2. IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs (Wi-Fi)
  8. Network Security*
    1. Message integrity, authentication
    2. Securing e-mail
    3. Securing TCP connections: SSL
    4. Firewalls and IDS

*Advanced material which will be taught if time permits.