CSC 401CSC 401Data and Computer Communication Networks Data and Computer Communication Networks

Fall 2011, Section 001Fall 2011, Section 001

Rudra Dutta

Copyright Fall 2010, Rudra Dutta, NCSU 2

Course IntroductionCourse Introduction First course in Computer Networking

– Provide all round perspective of the field– Also prepare for further study – but may be only course

Instructional Objectives– Describe the OSI and TCP/IP layered protocol architectures– Describe and analyze the functions and operations of a data link protocol

such as flow control, error detection, and error recovery.– Explain and evaluate the fundamental concepts of circuit-switching, virtual-

circuit-switching and packet-switching architectures in wide area networks.– Describe the fundamentals of the Ethernet, TCP/IP and ATM protocol

architectures.– Explain and evaluate methods of congestion control and traffic

management in data networks.– Apply statistical and simulation methods to perform basic performance

analysis of generic ARQ and MAC protocols.– Discuss advanced and emergent topics: security, virtualization, cross-layer

Copyright Fall 2009, Rudra Dutta, NCSU 3

GradingGrading Work Products

– Classwork+Homeworks (50%)

– Tests (25% each) Quizzes - in-class

– Usually announced– Topic or question samples

given beforehand Homework assignments

– Somewhat longer– Include programming– Use WolfWare submit

OPNET simulation OpenFlow experiments

Midterm test– Open book, open notes

(BYON)– One hour– Answer on test provided– May attach additional sheets

for space if needed– Considering “open web”

Final test– Comprehensive, three-hour

Feedback from 2007Feedback from 2007

Copyright Fall 2009, Rudra Dutta, NCSU 4

Mixed, as always Preponderance of frustrated comments, as

always Nevertheless, some commonalities in frustration Homeworks too difficult – lecture does not

adequately prepare Need to distinguish between “exercises”

(straight applications of previously learned skill) and “exploration” (solidify encountered knowledge by attempted use)

Copyright Fall 2009, Rudra Dutta, NCSU 5

ContentsContents Descriptive

– Basic concepts, Protocol descriptions– Goal: “Know” (be able to repeat, apply)– Read (mostly on your own) – know what to read!– Think through and explore “concept” problems

Analytical– Modeling, predictions, equations– Goal: Solve problems by applying– Work out examples

Algorithmic (incl. Simulation, OpenFlow)– Goal: Solve problems by programming– Ditto

Concept ProblemsConcept Problems “Test your comprehension” Take bubblesort, as an example

– Start at bottom– {pairwise test and [swap]} till top– Repeat N times [each time stopping one palce short]

Questions:– What initial pattern of numbers will cause greatest

number of swaps?– What initial pattern of numbers will cause exactly N

swaps? Value lies in doing it (attempting, succeeding)

Copyright Fall 2009, Rudra Dutta, NCSU 6

Topics of Interest?Topics of Interest? You might come into this course with some

expectation – different for different students Let me know about

– Topics you would hope to learn about in this course (or at least learn the context of), otherwise would be disappointed

– Topics you would similarly expect in this course, but already know about

Messageboards for the purpose Will remain open, but significant for the first part

of the semester only

Copyright Fall 2009, Rudra Dutta, NCSU 7

Copyright Fall 2009, Rudra Dutta, NCSU 8

Website InformationWebsite Information Detailed Outline

Course Communication

Reading List

Copyright Fall 2009, Rudra Dutta, NCSU 9

Administration and CommunicationAdministration and Communication WolfWare website WolfWare Message board

– Not instantaneous, but regular– Primary means of communicating with instructor– Archived after each homework

Email – only when specifically private matter WolfWare submit WolfWare GradeBook

– Only to communicate your scores to you– NOT updated instantly – authoritative copy with instructor – NO letter grades

Teaching Assistant– Ahmet Can Babaoglu (half duty)