CSE473S: Introduction to Computer Networks (Spring 2021)


Course Description:
This course provides a broad overview of computer networking. Topics include Internet: core and edge, history, application layer protocols, Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Domain Name System (DNS), peer-to-peer (P2P), transport layer design issues, transport layer protocols, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), TCP congestion control, network layer, Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), routing algorithms, routing protocols, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), datalink layer and local area networks carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD), Ethernet, virtual local area networks (VLANs), Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), wireless and mobile networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), multimedia networking, security in computer networks, cryptography, and network management.

Prerequisite: CSE 131 (Computer Science I) or permission of the instructor (Note: CSE 241 as indicated in the course catalog is not required.)

Textbook: J. F. Kurose and K. W. Ross, "Computer Networks: A Top-Down Approach," 7th Edition, Addison-Wesley, 2017, ISBN: 9780133594140 or 9780134296135.

Instructor: Prof. Raj Jain, jain@wustl.edu, Office: McKelvey 2038, Office Hours: By appointment

Location: The class meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM via Zoom. See Canvas for the Zoom link.

Teaching Assistants Office Hours: Gan Xu (Gan.Xu at wustl.edu)

DayTimeTA
Saturday3:00 PM to 4:00 PMGan Xu
Sunday3:00 PM to 4:00 PMGan Xu

All TA meetings are via zoom. See Piazza for Zoom links.

The class has been flipped and so you need to watch the video before the class. The class time is used to answer questions logged on the question form.
See modules below in the tentative schedule for links to videos.

All question about the homeworks and exams grading should be directed to TAs.

Audio/Video recordings of lectures from the previous offering of this course are available online: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Fall 2016, Fall 2011, Fall 2010, Fall 2009, Fall 2005.


Tentative Schedule (Subject to Change)
ClassDayDateTopicChapter
1Monday1/25/2021Course Overview
2Wednesday1/27/2021Computer Networks and the Internet (Part 1)1
Monday2/1/2021Computer Networks and the Internet (Part 2)1
3Wednesday2/3/2021Application Layer (Part 1): HTTP2
4Monday2/8/2021Application Layer (Part 2): SMTP, DNS, P2P2
5Wednesday2/10/2021Transport Layer (Part 1): Design Issues3
6Monday2/15/2021Transport Layer (Part 2): UDP, Flow Control3
7Wednesday2/17/2021Transport Layer (Part 3): TCP, TCP Congestion Control3
7The Network Layer: Data Plane (Part 1: Network Layer Basics)4
8Monday2/22/2021Network Layer Data Plane (Part 2: IP Datagram, NAT, UPNP, DHCP)4
9Wednesday2/24/2021Q&A Session for Chapters 1 through 34
10Monday3/1/2021Exam 11-3
Wednesday3/3/2021Wellness Day (No Class)
11Monday3/08/2021Exam 1 Answers4
12Wednesday3/10/2021Network Layer Data Plane (Part 3: SDN)4
The Network Layer: Control Plane (Part 1: Dijkstra's, Bellman-Ford Algorithms)5
13Monday3/15/2021The Network Layer: Control Plane (Part 2: OSPF and BGP )5
14Wednesday3/17/2021The Network Layer: Control Plane (Part 3: SDN Controller + ICMP + SNMP )5
15Monday3/22/2021The Link Layer and LANs (Part 1): Functions6
16Wednesday3/24/2021The Link Layer and LANs (Part 2): CRC6
17Monday3/29/2021The Link Layer and LANs (Part 3): Multiple Access, Ethernet, VLANs, MPLS, Data Centers6
18Wednesday3/31/2021Exam 24-6
19Monday4/5/2021Wireless and Mobile Networks (Part 1): Wireless Characteristics, LANs and PANs7
20Wednesday4/7/2021Wireless and Mobile Networks (Part 2): Mobility Management7
21Monday4/12/2021Wellness Day (No Class)
22Wednesday4/14/2021Security in Computer Networks: Cryptography (Part 1)8
23Monday4/19/2021Security in Computer Networks (Part 2)8
24Wednesday4/21/2021Multimedia Networking (Part 1: Basic concepts)9
25Monday4/26/2021Multimedia Networking (Part 2: VOIP, RTP, SIP)9
26Wednesday4/28/2021Final Review
27Monday5/3/2021Exam 37-9

Grading:
Exams (Best 2 of 3)30% EACH
Class participation5%
Video Reviews10%
Homeworks15%
Labs10%

Complete List of Audio and Video Recording of Lectures by Raj Jain
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