CN 332 - Computer Networks

Course Objectives:

1. Develop knowledge of key principles used for data communication in computer networks.
2. Understand the evolution of early networks and the Internet.
3. Develop an understanding of the concepts and issues involved in developing, designing and implementing a computer network.
4. Develop skills in applying theoretical concepts in the analysis of practical networking case studies.

Course Description:

Introduction to important concepts and principles underlying communications in computer networks, key design issues, analysis and operation of computer networks, network design principles, layering and protocols, the OSI model and the TCP/IP model with particular attention given to the physical, data-link, network, and transport layers.

Topics Covered:

Lectures:
1. History and overview.
2. Networks architectures and topologies.
3. Networks protocols.
4. Direct link networks.
5. Packet switching networks.
6. Internetworking: routing protocols and IP.
7. Global Internet and subnetting.
8. End-to-End protocols: TCP, UDP, and RTP.
9. Congestion control and quality of service.
10. Wireless and mobile networks.
11. Overview of Internet applications.

Laboratories:

1. Ethernet performance.
2. Switched LAN design.
3. Wireless LAN design
4. Mobile LAN performance.
5. Routing protocols operations.
6. TCP performance.
7. Virtual networks design.

Textbooks:

1. A. Tanenbaum, “Computer Networks”, 5th ed., Prentice Hall, 2010. (or later ed.)
References:
1. L. Peterson and B. Davie, “Computer Networks – A Systems Approach”, 5th ed., Morgan Kaufmann, 2011. (or later ed.)
2. J. Kurose and K. Ross, “Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach”, 5th ed., Addison Wesley, 2009. (or later ed.)
3. B. Forouzan, “Data Communications and Networking”, 4th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2006. (or later ed.)

Slides:

[1] Exploring the Network (CISCO Chapter 1)[PPT]
[2] Network Protocols (CISCO Chapter 3) [PPT]
[3] Application Layer (CISCO Chapter 10) [PPT]
[4] Transport Layer (CISCO Chapter 7) [PPT]
[5] Network Layer (CISCO Chapter 6)[PPT]
[6] IP Addressing (CISCO Chapter 8) [PPT]
[7] IP Network Subnetting (CISCO Chapter 9)[PPT]
[8] Network Access Layer (CISCO Chapter 4)[PPT]
[9] Ethernet (CISCO Chapter 5)[PPT]

Lab Files:

[1] Using Ping and Trace Route [PDF]
[2]  Printer and File sharing Services [PDF]

Packet Tracer:

Packet Tracer Student Version 6.2 [Download]


Marks Distribution:

Quizzes:
Chapters 1,2 quiz (10 %)
Chapters 3,4 quiz (10 %)
Chapters 5,6,7 quiz (10%)
Chapters 8,9 quiz (10%)
Labs:
Lab1 (5%)
Lab2 (5%)
Class activities: (10%)