Computer Networks

The Internet is a computer network that millions of people use every day. Understand the design strategies used to solve computer networking problems while you learn how the Internet works.

About the Course

Computer networks from ISPs to WiFi and cellular networks are a key part of the information economy. These networks are the foundation for the Web, and they enable companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon. This course introduces the fundamental problems of computer networking, from sending bits over wires to running distributed applications. For each problem, we explore the design strategies that have proven valuable in practice. Topics include error detection and correction, multiple-access, bandwidth allocation, routing, internetworking, reliability, quality of service, naming, content delivery, and security. As we cover these topics, you will learn how the internals of the Internet work to support the Web and other networked applications. You will develop a detailed understanding of widely-used networking technologies such as TCP/IP, HTTP, 802.11, Ethernet, and DNS.

Course Syllabus

    Introduction to the course
    Protocols and Layering
    Physical and Link layers
    Network layer
    Internetworking
    Routing
    Transport layer
    Congestion Control
    DNS,
    Web/HTTP,
    Content Distribution
    Quality of Service
    Real-time Apps
    Network Security
 

Recommended Background

We assume a rudimentary understanding of computer system organization (such as binary representations and arithmetic). You should be comfortable with simple calculations and manipulations using scientific notation. We teach the course at the upper-undergraduate level. To do the optional, hands-on exercises you should be comfortable with installing systems software and running command-line programs.
 

Required textbook

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 6th edition, by James Kurose and Keith Ross (ISBN-10: 0132856204).
We recommend (but do not require) the text if you are serious about mastering the material, as it provides accompanying explanations in greater detail and more depth, as well as extra topics and a reference.
Cost is $97.74 from Amazon.
 

Suggested Readings

There is an optional textbook: Computer Networks (5th Edition), by Tanenbaum and Wetherall.

Course Format

The course consists of two lectures per week (4 hours), held on tuesday and wednesday.  The course has no midterm exam but only a final exam. For those seeking to improve their performance, there will be an optional project to cover the material that has not been covered during the course.