CSC 344 - Computer Networks
TR 12:30pm-1:45pm,
Congdon Hall (2003)
Spring 2023 - 3 credits
The instructor is available by email vetterr@uncw.edu, by phone (910-538-3523), at office hours TR 10-11am, and by appointment.
Required Textbook - Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, by Kurose and Ross, 8th Edition, Pearson, 2021.
Computing Conversations - Video Series on YouTube of computing pioneers.
Introduction to computer networks, focusing on Internet architecture and protocols. Topics include layered network architectures, addressing, naming, forwarding, routing, communication reliability, client-server model, distributed computing, web and email protocols, and network security. Students acquire practical experience by using a network protocol analyzer and programming reduced versions of real Internet protocols.
At the end of this course, the student should have:
·
Become
familiar with layered communication architectures (TCP/IP).
·
Gained
knowledge of the fundamental concepts and principles of computer networks.
·
Learned
the operational details of numerous networking protocols including: TCP, UDP,
IP, Ethernet, ARP, DNS, DHCP, ICMP, SMTP, and HTTP.
·
Understand
the concepts of reliable data transfer and how TCP implements these concepts.
·
Understand
the basics of error detection including parity, checksums, and CRC.
·
Gained
hands-on experience with protocols by using a network protocol analyzer, such
as Wireshark.
·
Learn
sockets programming, how to implement client/server programs, and implemented
an application program using socket programming.
·
Understand
the concepts related to distributed computing and implement a distributed
application.
·
Be
familiar with network security issues, including public key cryptography,
message integrity, and digital signatures.
There will be several homework assignments. All homework must be YOUR OWN INDIVIDUAL WORK. Misuse of the computer system (including use of another person's account) is illegal, unethical, and will not be tolerated. Each assignment will have a "due date" and those turned in after the due date will not be accepted (unless excused for reasons beyond the control of the student).
You will have two in-class tests. In general, no make up tests will be given; if you miss a test and have a PREARRANGED reason, you may make it up. Final grades will be based on the +/- grading system.
·
Homework Assignments and Labs - 40%
·
Two Exams - 40%
·
Research Paper - 20%
You are expected to attend all lectures. Absence does not relieve you from meeting all course requirements. You are responsible for all reading, assignments, and exams. Keep up with the day-to-day reading requirements of the class.
Exams will be drawn from lectures, readings, and assignments.
The weekly schedule for this course is as follows:
|
DATES: |
TOPIC |
READING |
|
Week
1 (1/12) |
Computer
Networks and the Internet |
Chapter
1 (.pdf) |
|
Week
2 (1/17, 1/19) |
The
Application Layer |
Chapter
2 (.pdf), Assignment #1 Due: 1/19 |
|
Week
3 (1/24, 1/26) |
The
Application Layer, con't |
Interesting
software called Scapy; Lab #1 Due: 1/26 |
|
Week
4 (1/31, 2/2) |
The
Transport Layer |
Chapter
3 (.pdf), Assignment #2 Due: 2/2 |
|
Week
5 (2/7, 2/9) |
The
Transport Layer, con't |
Lab #2 Due: 2/7
|
|
Week
6 (2/14) |
Review
for Exam #1 |
Assignment #3 Due: 2/14 |
|
Week
6 (2/16) |
Exam 1 |
Exam
Topics: Chapter 1, 2, and 3 |
|
Week
7 (2/21, 2/23) |
The
Network Layer: Data Plane |
Chapter
4 (.pdf) |
|
Week
8 (2/28, 3/2) |
The
Network Layer: Data Plane, con't |
Lab #3 Due: 3/2 |
|
Week
9 (3/7, 3/9) |
Spring Break |
|
|
Week
10 (3/14, 3/16) |
The
Network Layer: Control Plane |
Chapter
5 (.pdf), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: DHCP Video 1, DHCP Video 2, Network Address Translation: NAT Video 1, NAT Video 2 Assignment #4 Due: 3/16 |
|
Week
11 (3/21, 3/23) |
The
Network Layer: Control Plane, con't |
IP Routing Protocols (Link State and Distance Vector): IP Routing Video Simple Network Management Protocol: SNMP Video Internet Control Message Protocol: ICMP Video |
|
Week
12 (3/28, 3/30) |
The
Link Layer and LANs |
Chapter
6 (.pdf), Assignment #5 Due: 3/30 |
|
Week
13 (4/4) |
The
Link Layer and LANs, continued |
Lab #4 Due: 4/4 Bob
Metcalfe – The
First Ethernet LAN (video) CCNA
Ethernet LAN Switching (video) |
|
Week
13 (4/6) |
Easter Break |
|
|
Week
14 (4/11) |
Review
for Exam #2 Guest
Speaker: Bill Medcalf - Tales from the network edge |
Assignment #6 Due: 4/11 |
|
Week
14 (4/13) |
WITX Conference |
|
|
Week
15 (4/18, 4/21) |
Exam 2 (4/18) Wireless
and Mobile Networks (4/20) |
Topics:
Chapter 4, 5, and 6 Chapter
7 (.pdf) |
|
Week
16 (4/25, 4/27) |
Security
in Computer Networks |
Chapter
8 (.pdf), Bruce Schneier - The Security Mindset (video), and Building Cryptographic Systems |
|
Finals
Week |
Research Paper Due: Tuesday, May 9th at 11:30pm |
If you have a disability and need reasonable accomodation in
this course, you should inform the instructor of this fact in writing within
the first week of class or as soon as possible. If you have not already done
so, you must register with the Office of Disability Services in Westside Hall
and obtain a copy of your Accomodation Letter. You should then meet with your
instructor to make mutually agreeable arrangements based on the recommendations
of the Accomodation Letter.
Students are responsible for submitting their own work.
Students who cooperate on oral or written examinations or work without
authorization share the responsibility for violation of academic principles,
and the students are subject to disciplinary action even when one of the
students is not enrolled in the course where the violation occurred.
Page Last Updated March 28, 2023 by Dr. Vetter