COSC 6377 - Computer Networks
Fall 2011
MW 2:30-4:00pm at AH301
Textbook
There is no required textbook. If you have not taken prior networking
class, reading through Computer Networks: A Systems Approach by
Peterson and Davie is highly recommended. UNIX Network
Programming by Richard Stevens has in-depth discussion on many
topics in network programming, and could be useful for your project.
Structure
The first five lectures will cover the basics of networking. Remainder
of the class will be paper discussion, first mostly classical papers
in networking, then a few papers from selected topics in networking,
including routing, transport, quality of service, wireless networks,
and Internet services.
Exams: The exams will cover everything covered or mentioned
during the class. You can bring a sheet of notes to the exam. The
second exam will not cover the material already covered by the first
exam. There will be no make-up exam.
Homeworks: Two homeworks will involve reading papers and doing
simple calculations. One homework will require hands-on measurements.
Projects: You will build a networking service. The project will
involve significant low-level network programming. You are welcome to
use any language of your choice. Using C or C++ is highly recommended.
Class participation: You are expected to participate actively
during the class. We will also allocate a few minutes in each class to
discuss topical news articles related to networking. Use that as your
opportunity to engage with the class.
Prerequisites
The class expects that you have already taken a basic undergraduate
level networking course. If you have not, you should thoroughly read
the recommended textbook because we will breeze through the basic
topics in the first few lectures.
The projects will involve programming a networked system. The
expectation is you have some familiarity with systems or network
programming (e.g., socket programming). Although not required, you
will find it easier to do the project in a Linux environment.
HW and Project submissions
We will use moodle for homework and project submissions and
discussions. The link to CS moodle is: http://mma.cs.uh.edu/moodle/.
Grades
| Two in-class exams | 40% |
| Three HW | 15% |
| Two projects | 40% |
| Class participation | 5% |
Late HW or projects
You must submit your assignment no later than 2am following the due
date. For each day your assignment is late, there is a penalty of 25%
of the grade for that homework or project. You may use a total of
three late days without any penalty. Even if you have not used your
late days and even if you are willing to take a penalty, you must
submit your project by 10pm on Friday December 2, 2011. That is a hard
deadline.
Emergencies
If you cannot submit your homework, projects or be in class for the
exam due to family, personal, or medical emergencies, you must
document your case with the appropriate UH officials.
Academic Honesty
All the work you submit will be yours. If we find any evidence of
plagarism, you will get an F in the course. Please refer to the
Student Handbook for details: http://www.uh.edu/academics/catalog/policies/academ-reg/academic-honesty/.