Time and Place

Spring 2011, Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30 - 5:00pm. MCS B33.

Course Description

This course builds on your basic knowledge of computer networks from CS 455 (Introduction to Computer Networks) or equivalent. It covers mathematical and algorithmic foundations of the essential networking functions of data transfer, transfer control, and management. Essential concepts of some techniques, such as network calculus, optimization, control theory, queuing theory, game theory, and their application to networks will be covered. Architectural considerations for building networks that are resilient, scalable, secure, and market-driven, will be discussed.

Expected workload includes participation in class discussions, some problem sets to reinforce basic concepts, and a team research project that may be a starting point for a Masters or PhD project/thesis.

Prerequisites

Basic networking (CAS CS 455/655 or equivalent), including TCP/IP protocols and Internet principles like naming, addressing, routing, transport, and client-server socket programming.

Instructor

Prof. Abraham Matta

Office Hours

Tuesdays 5:00 - 6:30pm, and Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:00pm, MCS 271. Or, by appointment; please e-mail me at matta AT cs DOT bu DOT edu.

Reading Material

There is simply no single textbook that either covers all the material in this course or covers them in a reasonably detailed level. Some lecture slides and notes will be made available on-line, and supplemented with some papers, Internet RFCs and drafts. In case we use portions of a textbook, the textbook will be placed on reserve in the Science & Engineering Library.

Online Discussions

We will have a course mailing list cascs556a1-l AT bu.edu. By sending to this email address, your message is broadcast to the whole class, so please use it wisely. We also plan to have a web blog.

Course Requirements and Grading Policy

There will be 2 in-class exams to test your basic understanding of the main concepts discussed in class and in assigned readings. Both exams will closed books and notes. However, you will be allowed to bring one 8.5"x11" sheet of notes to the first exam, and an additional sheet of notes to the second exam. Exams will be cumulative, i.e., they will include all material covered in class from the beginning to the day of the exam. It is reasonable though to expect the second exam to focus on the latest material.

To reinforce basic concepts, you will be assigned few (3-4) problem sets, which may require you to perform simple numerical computations, simulations, measurements, or answer basic questions on assigned readings. These problem sets are to be completed individually. But general discussions with others are encouraged.

A main objective of this course is to develop your skills as a designer, analyst and implementor of network systems and protocols.  To this end, you will be asked to complete a somewhat "research-oriented" project that you may pick from a couple of suggested projects, or that you pick yourself. In the latter case, the choice of topic is quite flexible - it could be based on your current Masters or PhD project if related to the subject matter of the course, or it may serve as a starting point for a Masters or PhD thesis! Before you start on a topic of your choice, I must approve of it first. Please stop by my office or send me an e-mail and I will let you know if the topic is relevant and I may also point you to some references/ideas. This "research-oriented" project may involve using an existing analytical or simulation tool to study certain aspects of networking or may make use of experimental facilities. You will be required to document your findings in a research paper in the format of a "real" scientific paper. A team of two students may collaborate in submitting one paper. You will be required to submit a preliminary report, followed by a final report, as well as a final presentation in class. You will be given about 3-4 weeks to complete each report.

You are expected to attend and actively participate in class. This is an advanced course whose goal is to give you a deeper as well as broader view of networking not only of today but also of tomorrow. So questions and thoughts are very welcome. 

Each assignment will have a due date. There will be a 5% penalty per day for late submissions, unless the assignment specifies that no late submissions are allowed. But, no late assignments will be accepted after one week from due date, and the last day to submit any late assignments is April 28, 2011.

Your overall grade will approximately be based on the following policy:

Two Exams: 40% (20% each)

Problem Sets & Class Participation: 20%

Research Project: 40%

Academic Honesty

General discussions of issues in networking is strongly encouraged. But you must submit only your own work. A student violating this policy will receive a grade of "F" for the course. If you are having trouble completing an assignment, see the instructor. See BU CAS Academic Conduct Code.