TDC 463 Computer Networks and Data Systems

Summary

We will investigate the design and operation of upper layer network protocols and systems such as those used by the TCP/IP Internet. Our focus will be on major functions and subsystems such as addressing, routing, naming, transport, applications, and security. We will discuss common protocols and systems as specified, but also as used in practice, wherein the two domains may not always neatly overlap.

While we will largely focus our attention on the ubiquitous TCP/IP protocol suite as our basis for learning about computer networks. Lectures and assignments will be roughly evenly split between protocol design and operational considerations. The instructor will bring an array of unique operational and research perspective to bear, helping to highlight the difference between textbook networking and the real-world.

The real-world case studies will draw from the instructor's current and active participation in the Internet operational and research community. This part of the course will attempt to show how network protocols really do or don't work and offer a rare glimpse from the front lines of security threats (e.g. DDoS attacks, widespread Internet worms , route hijacking), network monitoring and analysis tools (e.g. packet capture parsing, distributed DNS server monitoring, botnet analysis) and network upgrade and enhancement attempts (e.g. implementing CoS/QoS, VoIP, router upgrades, IPv6, IP multicast, DNSSEC, standards and community participation).

Texts

Grading

Prerequisites

School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296