CS 577 / EE 537 Advanced Computer Networks
Fall 2009
Instructor: Bob Kinicki

General and Historic Course Information
Academic Honesty Policies
Required Text: None
Syllabus Updated: 17 Nov 09
Class List Updated: 22 Sep 09

Course Philosophy and Practical Adjustments to Published Prerequisites

Although CS533, Modeling and Performance Evaluation, is listed as a prerequisite, this is no longer the case. While it would be good for entering students to have the exposure to queuing models provided by CS533, students with knowledge of probability and mathematical sophistication have been successful in this course WITHOUT having previously taken CS533. Similarly, incoming CS grad students and CS undergraduates who have had a strong undergraduate networks course should strongly consider NOT taking CS513 and moving directly into Advanced Computer Networks.

This course is conducted in 'seminar style'. Except for background 'primer' material, the course consists of readings, presentations and discussion of technical papers taken from the current computer networks literature. Seminar style implies the students participate in both the presentations and in the discussion. This participation is a significant component of your grade. Hence, skipping class or showing up late for class without an approved reason WILL have negative impact on your grade.

Normally, we will cover two papers per week in class. Hence, each student is required to submit hardcopies of three research papers by September 22 as possible candidates for papers to included in the course syllabus. The Placeholder Syllabus provided above indicates the 'primer' lectures that I gave in 2007 and the titles of the papers presented by the 2007 students. The research papers covered in Fall 2009 will obviously be modified once the students have submitted their choices from the research literature.

Students are required to complete and hand in or email two completed Paper Evaluation Forms(pdf) (doc) for each paper covered at the beginning of every class. Late forms emailed AFTER the start of the class will not be graded because the intent of the form is to prepare the students for an informed and lively discussion.

The course includes a Course Project, and a Final Exam. See the set of Preliminary Questions used for Fall 2009 and the actual Fall 2009 Final Exam. Note: Each student should submit up to three potential exam questions by December 1st. The target time for a student to answer each question should be approximately 15 minutes!!

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