About This Course

This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts in the design and implementation of computer communication networks, their protocols, and applications.

The objectives of this course are to:

i) Introduce the concepts of network layered architectures and protocols.

ii) Make students understand the application layer concepts such as different network services required by clients and servers and become familiar with the design issues and tradeoffs that arise in building and using real-world networks.

iii) Introduce transport layer concepts, relationship with the network and application layers, and services such as principles of reliable data transfer and congestion as well as network layer concepts, routing principles, algorithms, and addressing and Internet’s various protocols.

iv) Introduce link layer services, link layer addressing and multi-access techniques, operation of wireless LANs based on the IEEE802.11 standards, and mobility.

v) Familiarize basic understanding of cryptography and network security issues.

vi) Expose students to network programming and simulation tools for observing and analyzing the behaviors of networking protocols.

vii) Prepare students for designing and developing small network for an organization.