ITCS6166 / ITCS8166
Computer Communications & Networks
Spring 2012, CS Department, UNCC

Instructor:
Dr. Yu Wang
Office:Woodward 430D
Telephone: 704-687-8443
Email: yu.wang@uncc.edu
Office hour: Friday 3:30-4:30pm (or by appointments)

Time and Location:
Friday 9:30am-12:15pm, Woodward Hall 135

Course Content:
This course provides computer science graduate students with an introduction to the principles of computer communications and networks. It covers fundamental networking concepts, preparing students for entry to advanced courses in networking. Particular focus will be placed on the Internet network architecture and protocols.

Prerequisites:
Graduate standing in CS, ECE, SIS, or a closely related field.

Textbook:
James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross, "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach", Fifth Edition, Addison Wesley, 2009, ISBN: 0136079679

A reference open-source textbook: "Computer Networking : Principles, Protocols and Practice", Olivier Bonaventure, 2010.

Course Webpage:
The course website is available through Moodle. All the course-related handouts, assignments, and announcements will be posted at the course website. Please check the course website regularly for new information.

Download the PDF file of this syllabus

Tentative Course Outline:

(1)   Introduction

(2)   Application Layer

(3)   Transport Layer

(4)   Network Layer

(5)   Link Layer & LAN

(6)   Wireless and Mobile Networks

(7)  Multimedia Networking

(8)   Network Security

(9)  Network Management

What not to Expect
1) End-user training: e.g. How to use FTP, NetWare, how to get Novel NetWare certified, how to setup a Cisco router, how to administrate network system
2) Detailed discussion of non-TCP/IP protocols: e.g. Appletalk, ...
3) Massively Parallel Processing: e.g. large numbers of interconnected, identical processors programmed to solve problems in parallel

Grading:
There will be 1-2 programming assignments, 3 in-class close-book/notes quizzes,  a midterm, and a final exam. They will count toward the grade as follows:

            Projects    15%
            Quizzes               15%
           Midterm               35%
            Final                 35

However, the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments to these weights based on his a posteriori evaluation of the relative difficulty and fairness of the exams and homework.

Course Policies:
1) Class attendance is a responsibility of each individual. If a student chooses not to attend class, he/she is responsible for any handouts, announcement, and contents of missed lectures.
2) There will be no make-up quizs and exams. Students who cannot attend an exam with health emergency must show official proofs.
3) Late assignments are not accepted and will have a grade of zero. All programming assignments are assumed to be an individual effort unless otherwise specified by the instructor.
5) If you end up doing poorly in the class, please DO NOT ask for "extra work" to raise your grade. This would not be fair to other students.