Computer Communications and Networks

Catalog description

The course introduces basic networking concepts, including the protocol, network architecture, reference models, layering, service, interface, multiplexing, switching and standards. An overview of digital communication from the perspective of computer networking will also be provided. Topics covered in this course include Internet (TCP/IP) architecture and protocols, network applications, congestion/flow/error control, routing and internetworking, data link protocols, error detection and correction, channel allocation and multiple access protocols, communication media and selected topics in wireless and data center networks. It will cover recent advances in network control and management architectures by introducing the concepts of software-defined networking (SDN) and network (function) virtualization. Students taking this course will gain hands-on experience in network programming using the socket API, network traffic/protocol analysis, and an assessment of alternative networked systems and architectures. Three credits; three-hour lecture and one-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: ENGR 240, ENGR 241