CS589 (Winter 2005): Advanced Computer Networks: Syllabus

Lecture: TuTh 10:30-12:30
185 EWRE

Instructor:

    Z. Morley Mao
    2241 EECS
    zmao@umich.edu
    Tel: 734 7635407
    Office hour: ThTh 3:00 - 4:00 pm, 2241 EECS (or by appointment) 

Prerequisite:

CS489 or undergraduate introductory class to networking required. Background in system programming, statistics and probability are helpful.

Overview:

This is a graduate level course on computer networking focusing on advanced topics and is a must for anyone interested in doing research in computer networks. The course consists of both a reading/lecture/discussion component and a project component. We will read at least 50 research papers on most recent topics of computer networking: This class examines the current and emerging research topics in computer networking. Topics covered include network protocols, network measurement, Internet routing, peer to peer networks, network security, wireless and sensor networks. We focus both on the existing technologies also on why some of them are not sufficient because of technology trends or changes in fundamental assumptions. As an example, early designers of Internet assumed cooperative behavior of end nodes. The state of the art of tens of thousands of compromised hosts completely changes this assumption. Emphasis of the course is on topics in wide-area networks and measurement methodologies for Internet experiments. Students are expected to carry out a research project including analysis, design, and implementation components when appropriate on a novel subject.

The class projects can be either of the following types: algorithm design applied networked system, implementation of a novel networking system, measurement of existing network protocols, and simulation of a proposed network algorithm. The lecture will be conducted in an interactive fashion. I will lead the discussion for the first part of the class, but I expect everyone to participate. For the second half of the class, I expect each student (can be in groups) to present a paper. You will be graded for both the paper summaries and class discussion.

Textbooks:

Please see the course's Reading List for the papers we will be reading this semester. There is no textbook for this course. For background review and reference, you may find the following textbooks useful:

Grading:

Research project 50%
Assignments/exam 25%
Paper presentation 10%
Reading summaries 10%
Class discussion 5%

zmao@eecs.umich.edu