CPSC 463 -- Networks and Distributed Processing

Spring 2008 (2008A)

[Last modified 31 March 2008]

Announcement (Packet Tracing Test Added)

Instructor:

Dr. Udo Pooch

email:

pooch@cs.tamu.edu

Class Hours:

TR 3:55 pm to 5:10 pm HRBB 126 (Daily Schedule) (Assignments)

Office Hours:

By appointment. HRBB 502C

Text:

Computer Networks, 4th ed., by Andrew S. Tanenbaum

Prerequisite:

CPSC 410 or permission of instructor(!) {If you haven't had the equivalent, you must see me the first week of class}

The course is part of understanding how to build and use Distributed Systems. Here you'll learn fundamentals of networking, including network design and analysis, in the context of computer communications and distributed processing. I teach the science of network architecture as well as principles of network engineering. The course mixes fundamentals with both programming and pragmatic views of engineering issues. Advanced mathematics and queuing theory are not covered; students should (must) acquire a solid grounding in that field before taking graduate network courses. There will be homework, focused on understanding protocols, packet tracing and equipment familiarity.

Week Theme
  1  Intro / Admin
  2  Network Models
  3  Physical Layer
  4  Link Layer
  5  Network Layer
  6  Socket Programming
  7  Review / MidTerm
  8  Transport Layer
  9  Packet Tracing
 10  Session Layer
 11  Presentation Layer
 12  Application Layer
 13  Security
 14  Network Management
 15  Review / Exam

Some people may also co-enroll in CPSC485-536 for 1 hr of additional lab. Details are provided in class.

There will be about one quiz or homework assignment a week. Students are expected to be able to program in C, C++ or Java on a Unix platform, with no further instruction. Quizzes may or may not be announced. The Final Exam will focus on the last half of the course. Students are expected to read text assignments outside of class and to be prepared for discussion and quizzes.

Some homework will require outside reading or finding references. While I will maintain a small lending library, don't plan on having all information handed to you. I understand many students will have plant trips or job interviews that prevent attendance. If I'm told in advance, the absence is excused. Lectures will cover material not in the text and only partially outlined in the notes.