Computer Networks

Lectures: Tue and Thu 2:30 - 4:00 PM, GICT 135
Labs: Mon/Fri 9:00 - 10:00 AM. GICT 207
Instructor: Shashi Prabh
Prerequisites: Operating systems, knowledge of programming in C

Introduction and course objectives
This is a first course on computer networks. In this course, the students will learn the fundamentals of computer networking. The students will get exposed to the design of scalable networking architecture that has sustained the exponential growth of the Internet. The students will learn the layered architecture, basics of physical layer, and details of link, network and transport layers. The students will learn the functionalities as well as the protocols pertaining to these layers. The course emphasizes the architecture and protocols used in the Internet.

The course will cover important topics such as addressing, routing, error control, congestion control, and end-to-end reliability. The students will learn not only how networking protocols work, but why they are designed the way they are, and the trade-offs involved in real-world systems.

The course has a laboratory component where the students will get hands-on experience with various networking tools and programming using sockets API. The laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce the concepts learned in the lectures.

Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts and principles of computer networking
• Design and implement networked applications using standard networking APIs
• Utilize practical tools to observe, debug, and evaluate network behavior
• Apply networking concepts to reason about scalability, reliability, and efficiency in real-world systems

Reference Books

• Computer Networks, Andrew Tanenbaum, Nick Feamster and David Wetherall, 6th edition, Pearson, 2022 (5th edition can be used.)
• Computer Networks: A Systems Approach, Larry L. Peterson and Bruce S. Davie, 5th edition, MK Publishers, 2011 (Available online here.)

Supplementary reading

• An Engineering Approach to Computer Networking, S. Keshav, Addison-Wesley, 1997.
  Basic concepts are described very well though the book is somewhat dated.
• Data Networks, Dimitri P. Bertsekas and Robert G. Gallager, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, 1992
  Classic advanced level text. Authors have made the book available online here.
• Unix Network Programming, Vol. 1: The Sockets Networking API, Stevens, Fenner and Rudoff, 3rd edition, Addison-Wesley Professional, 2003

Grading

• Lecture
• Assignment: 5%
• Quizzes (2): 10%
• Midterm exam: 35%
• Final exam: 35%
• Laboratory
• Lab work: 5%
• Lab exam: 10%

Helpful Advice ( a.k.a. expectation from the students! )
Pay attention and take notes! Get doubts cleared during the lecture itself -- do not hesitate to ask questions in class. Before attending a lecture, review your notes and scan the portion of the textbook that will be covered (see the course calendar page here). Do assignments on your own. If you happen to miss some session(s), do talk to someone else who attended or the TA to find out the topics covered and any announcement made. Spend 6-10 hours per week on the course.

Links
Course calendar
Course policies