ACS-3911-050 Syllabus

Course Objectives

This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts in computer networks. It covers the principles, technologies, protocols, and algorithms of computer networks. The layers of the network stack are discussed, with particular focus on the internet network stack following a top-down approach. Topics of discussion include network technologies, simple and sliding window protocols, routing and routing algorithms, congestion controls, quality of service, security, and network applications

Course Outline (Tentative)

  1. Introduction
    • Computer networks: overview of topics, protocol layers
  2. Core Layers
    • Application layer: network applications, HTTP, FTP, DNS
    • Transport layer: multiplexing/demultiplexing, UDP, TCP, congestion control
    • Network layer: routing algorithms, virtual circuit and datagram, IP
    • Link layer: error detection/correction
  3. Selected Network Topics
    • Wireless networks: wireless characteristics, CDMA
    • Multimedia networking: applications, streaming, VOIP, real time protocols
    • Security: cryptography, digital signatures, authentication, secure applications
    • Network Management: infrastructure, internet-standard management framework

Note: All topics listed may not be covered and may be offered in a slightly different time order.

Course Syllabus

For the complete course outline, the link is here (PDF).

Required Text Book(s)/Reading List

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach
Kurose J.F. and Ross K.W.
Pearson
7th Edition, 2017
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-359414-0
ISBN-10: 0-13-359414-9