Computer Networks

Breakdown

Final grades will be computed as follows:

• Projects: 20%
• Labs: 20%
• Homework: 20%
• Exams: 40%

There will be 2 programming projects done to measure network performance or implement signficant portions of networking code. The implementation can be done in a variety of environments and languages. Programming will not be taught as part of this course. System calls and other aspects of Unix will be introduced as needed and as the course progresses. The grading policy for each project will be provided at the time of the assignment. In general, each project a basic objective for the majority of the assignment points. There may be an extended objective for demonstrating additional work and understanding. Projects, including all data and source code, as appropriate, will be turned in online as specified in the writeups.

There will be 3-4 labs that use a network sniffer, Wireshark, to observe and analyze how network protocols work for different Internet applications and services. The labs will direct you in the use of the network sniffer and ask some questions to help guide learning how to use such a tool. The labs will be turned in online, too.

There will be 3-4 written homeworks based on questions from the text book. They are to supplement the course lecture and help prepare for the exams. You must work alone for the homework. All written homeworks are due in class on the day that they are due, unless otherwise noted.

There will be 2 in-class exams. The first is roughly mid-way through the term and the second on the last day. There is a remote possibility of a pop quiz for which no advance notice will be provided. Exams will be closed book and closed notes, unless otherwise indicated. The majority of each exam will cover basic ideas and objectives of the class with a few questions testing additional understanding and insight.

Final grades will reflect the extent to which you have demonstrated understanding of the material and completed the assigned projects. The base level grade will be a "B" which indicates that the basic objectives on projects, homework and exams have been met. A grade of an "A" will indicate significant achievement beyond the basic objectives and a grade of a "C" will indicate not all basic objectives were met, but work was satisfactory for credit. No incomplete grades will be assigned unless there exist exceptional, extenuating circumstances. Similarly, no makeup exams will be given unless there exist exceptional, extenuating circumstances.

Late Policy

Late assignments will be accepted up to one day (24 hours, with the weekend counting as one day) late. Any late assignment will be penalized 10% of total assignment value. Assignments will NOT be accepted more than one day beyond the due date. Exams are done, and due, in class. Homework is due in class at the beginning of class, unless otherwise noted. Projects and Labs are due online at 11:59pm on the due date, unless otherwise noted. Exceptions to these rules can be made only beforehand.

Class Conduct

This course is intended for serious students. Participants will be expected to adhere to all rules of professional behavior. It is to be emphasized that knowledge of material and professional behavior are tied together; failure in one of them negates any excellence in the other.

All work is expected to be done individually. As such, students are encouraged to discuss their work with each other, but are also expected to do the work by themselves.