Foundations of Internet Communication Systems

Catalog description

This course focuses on the foundational communications technologies that are the cornerstones of the modern Internet. We start with basic concepts in the field of Communications: analog vs. digital, digital sampling, SNR and detection in transmission of information, etc. We then discuss voice/video/data media, packetized media, point-to-point, multicast and broadcast networks, radio, digital telephony, streaming media, wireless networking, satellite communications and the ever-evolving configuration of the Internet. We look at core enabling technologies (e.g., routing and switching), the development of key SW constructs used in the Internet, and the popular “SaaS” model that enables most of commerce and collaboration across today’s Internet. The course includes presentations by industry experts and field trips to technology leading companies. Our goal is to excite students to enter this amazing world of Communications Engineering.