CS488: Computer Networks and The Internet

The content of this course changes as technology evolves, to keep up to date with changes follow me on GitHub.

Section 20882. Spring 2021, Tuesday & Thursday, 12:15 PM, Zoom meeting link

Course Description

This course provides a top-down study of modern computer networking and the Internet. Application layer topics include the Web, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, and socket programming. Transport layer topics include UDP, TCP, and congestion control. Network layer topics include link state routing, distance vector routing, IPv4, RIP, OSPF, BGP, IPv6, multicasting and IGMP, and mobile IP. Local area network topics include Ethernet, IEEE, 802.11, and Bluetooth.

Textbook

[Required] Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, By James F. Kurose; Keith W. Ross. Edition: 6, ISBN:9780132856201
[Recommended] TCP/IP Illustrated, Vol. 1: The Protocols; By Richard Steves. ISBN: 978-0201633467

Objectives

Understand the fundamental concepts of computer networks, particularly as related to the Internet;
Understand the multi-layer model of modern network architecture and its advantages and complexities;
Understand application layer messages and protocols, and write application layer software using sockets;
Understand transport layer functionality and explain how congestion control is implemented on the Internet;
Understand inter-networking and network layer functionality, and explain how routing is implemented on the Internet and network management;
Understand local area networks and link-layer issues including the details of the Ethernet and IEEE 802.11 protocols;
Demonstrate your understanding of the material through a final project uploaded to GitHub.

Syllabus

This syllabus presents the expected class schedule, due dates, and reading assignments. Check current syllabus.

Live Schedule

Week	Content	Recording	Reading	Quiz	Deadline
Week 1: Slides 1-1 and 1-2 First class on 01/26/2021	Week 1: Course Intro and Logistics Part 1.1: Admin and Logistics Part 1.2: Internet history and overview Part 1.3: Network Arch Part 1.4: Design problems	Logistics and overview Network arch and layering design	Syllabus Chapter 1.1-1.2, 1.5, 1.7 Evolution of the TCP/IP stack(including the embeded 3min33s interview with Bob Khan)	Quiz1 is out on Gradescope	Quiz#1 due 01/31/2021
Week 2: Adds-on to week1 Week of 02/02/2021	Week 2: Python Prelimaries Part 2.1: Review quiz and layering Part 2.2: Packet switching Part 2.3: Network measurements Part 2.4: Variable declaration and assignment Part 2.5: Integers, reals, mathematical operations on different numeric types Part 2.6: Basic strings	2-1 Wrapping up networking overview TODO	Chapter 2 from Think Python Numbers from the Python Tutorial Read the while and break statements from Think Python	TODO