Computers are useful devices in isolation, but when you connect them, a wide variety of new uses emerge. We have become accustomed to networked computers (thanks to the Internet), but it is not obvious to the user how the data gets from one machine to another. This course seeks to address the problems that must be solved in order to perform computer communication, and then the interesting problems that arise once they are connected.
Computer networks are commonly seen in layers. At the bottom-most layer is the simple capability of sending a signal through a wire (or through space, in the case of radio waves). Once that capability is established, though, there must be a convention to determine what the signals mean. Then you must be certain that the signals received are correct. Then you connect more than two computers together, and you have to coordinate which one gets to send a message at what time. Connect enough computers together, and then you must figure out how each computer can find the other to send it a message. We will address these questions (and more) by examining the following layers:
We will meet three times per week for a 50 minutes each. The class lectures are MWF at 2 pm in SMudd 205 You are responsible for the material presented in every lecture. There is no attendance policy, but I strongly recommend that you attend all lectures. If you miss one, it is your responsibility to obtain the material that you missed.
The text for this course is Andrew Tanenbaum's book, Computer Networks, 4th edition. It should be available (although perhaps not until a week or so into the semester) from the Jeffery Amherst College Store.
There will be two types of assignments:
There will be two exams:
Your grade for this course will be calculated based on a formula that will be something like the following (where I do not exactly specify it because the number and difficulty of the assignments are not yet known):
Participation is a critical component of the course -- that 10% must be earned. I will call on people randomly during class. If you are unprepared for the questions, you will lose points. If you don't have an answer to a question, then you must ask a meaningful question about my question to move the discussion forward.
An assignment not submitted by its deadline will receive a failing grade.
If you need an extension, you must submit a written request for that extension at least 72 hours before the deadline. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis for illnesses or emergency situations. Note that deadlines will always be explicitly and clearly stated.
I will be available to meet with you about the material, projects, exams, lectures, or any other aspect of the course. Simply email me and we will set a time to meet as soon as possible. You can also try to find me in my office (SMudd 406) or the Faculty Research Lab (SMudd 015). I will also regularly hold office hours in my office on MWF at 3 pm. You need not make an appointment with me during that time -- just show up.