CS 432/532         Introduction to Computer Networks

Course Description

This course introduces the fundamental principles, design, and implementation of computer networks. We will focus on the design philosophies of networking, individual functionalities and their relationship, and key implementation techologies. Using a top-down approach focusing on the Internet, this course covers topics including application protocols, transport protocols, congestion control, Internet protocol, routing algorithms and protocols, and link layer protocols.

Instructor

Jun Li, lijun@cs.uoregon.edu

Lectures and Labs

Prerequisites

• CIS 330. CIS 415 recommended.

Textbooks and Readings

• Textbook: Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, by James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross. Eighth Edition. Pearson, ISBN-10: 0136681557; ISBN-13: 978-0136681557.

Major Topics

• Syllabus and introduction: 3 lectures
• Application layer: 4 lectures
• Transport layer: 3 lectures
• Network layer: 5 lectures
• Link layer: 3 lectures

Expected Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles, concepts, design, and implementation of computer networks, as exemplified by the Internet;
• Become familiar with popular applications and protocols at different layers of the Internet; and
• Design and program networking applications to meet basic needs and requirements.

Acquired Skills

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have acquired the following skills:

• be able to describe and reason the design principles, methods, and protocols of computer networking at different layers of the Internet;
• be able to solve computer networking problems related to network performance, applications (e.g., web, email), reliability, congestion control, routing, etc.
• be able to design and program networking applications with moderate complexity.

Course Requirements and Grading

Grading will be based on the following criteria:

Grading Scale