ICS 451: Data Networks

Description: Network analysis, architecture, digital signal analysis and design; circuit switching, packet switching, packet broadcasting; protocols and standards; local area networks; satellite networks; ALOHA channels; examples.

Objectives: In this course, students will: * learn about computer networking, focusing on the fundamental design principles of computer networks and protocols. * study networks of practical importance, including the Internet, TCP/IP, and wireless networks. * learn to write in C computer programs to work with the network, specifically implementing clients, servers, and protocols.

Course Learning Outcomes: See objectives.

Program Learning Outcomes

• a. Students can apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
• b. Students can analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
• c. Students can design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
• e. Students have an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
• h. Students can recognize the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
• i. Students can use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
• j. An ability to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies. [BA IT only]

Prerequisites: 212 and 311, or consent

Textbook(s): “Computer Networking : Principles, Protocols and Practice”, by Olivier Bonaventure, freely available at http://inl.info.ucl.ac.be/CNP3

Grading: assignments (45%), 2 exams and a final, each worth 15% of the grade (total 45%), 2 reviews of your colleagues’ assignments (total 10%).

Schedule

• week 1: course overview, sockets API, network application programming
• week 2: sockets API in C, Windows, C programming reminders, layered reference models, Internet and OSI reference models
• week 3: Application Layer, Domain Name System
• week 4: email, HTTP
• week 5: transport layer, Alternating Bit Protocol, sliding window, reliable transmission, connections
• week 6: exam review and exam
• week 7: TCP connections, TCB, Nagle Algorithm, UDP, congestion control
• week 8: network layer protocols, packet forwarding, virtual circuits, static routing, distance-vector routing
• week 9: link-state Routing, IP: addresses, netmasks, headers, fragmentation,
• week 10: IPv6 socket programming, ICMP including ping and traceroute, ARP
• week 11: summary of IP processing, DHCP, IPv6, Firewalls, NAT, IP routing: RIP, OSPF
• week 12: exam review and exam
• week 13: IP routing: domains, policy, BGP, data link layer, framing, error detection and correction
• week 14: Medium Access Control, ALOHA Net, CSMA, PPP, Ethernet
• week 15: Ethernet hubs and switches, Spanning Tree Protocol, Virtual LANs, 802.11 and ad-hoc networks, 802.11 security
• week 16: course review