1. ECE 355 Introduction to Computer Networks and Data Communications
Sachin Shetty
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Old Dominion University
Monday Aug 27, 2007

2. Course Overview Course Description and Objectives Prerequisite
Textbooks
Lecture Slides
Course Activities and Grading
Course Websites
Tentative Course Outline

3. Course Description and Objectives
ECE 355 is a one-semester introduction to computer networking and data communication theory and applications
On completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the:
Understand a broad range of computer networks and data communication technologies.
Be equipped with the basic knowledge of data communications fundamentals, which are critical for designing, selecting, and integrating these network technologies.
Understand circuit switching and packet switching technologies and their pros and cons with respect to different traffic types.
Be able to calculate transmission, propagation, and queueing delays.
Understand the meaning and power of a layered architectural model.
Be able to apply and implement different types of addressing and routing techniques.
Understand major network performance issues.

4. Prerequisite
ECE 304 or an equivalent math or statistics course covering basic probability theory

5. Textbook Required Reference
“Computer Networking”, 4/e, James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross, Addison Wesley, 2007
Reference
Computer Networks (4th edition ), Andrew S.Tanenbaum, Prentice Hall, 2003

6. Lecture Slides and Other Material
Lecture Slides will be uploaded on the blackboard at least 2 hours before class starts
Homework and Lab handouts will also be uploaded on the blackboard

7. Course Activities and Grading
Lectures – Theoretical Foundations and Background
Homework – Assignments to exercise knowledge gained from recent class material
Lab – Two Assignments. To be done individually
Quizzes
Midterm Exam
Final Exam - Material covered after Midterm Exam
Grading
Homework %
2 Lab Assignments %
Quizzes %
1 Midterm %
1 Final %

8. Course Websites Course: Textbook: http://www.blackboard.odu.edu
Textbook:

9. Tentative Course Outline
Part 1: Introduction (2 Weeks, text: Chapter 1)
What is the Internet?
Network edge
end systems, access networks, links
Network core
circuit switching, packet switching, network structure
Delay, loss and throughput in packet-switched networks
Protocol layers, service models

10. A top down Approach We’ll cover networking top-down
end-system applications, end-end transport
network core: routing, hooking nets together
link-level protocols, e.g., Ethernet

11. Tentative Course Outline
Part 2: Application Layer (3 Weeks, text: Chapter 2)
principles of application-layer protocols
World Wide Web: HTTP
electronic mail in the Internet
the Internet's directory service: DNS
Midterm Exam (Tentative Date – October 10)

12. Tentative Course Outline
Part 3: Transport Layer (1 Week, text: Chapter 3)
Transport-layer services
Multiplexing and demultiplexing
Connectionless transport: UDP
Principles of reliable data transfer

13. Tentative Course Outline
Part 4: Network Layer (3 Weeks, text: Chapter 4)
introduction and network service model
routing principles (algorithms)
IP: the Internet Protocol
Internet routing: RIP

14. Tentative Course Outline
Part 5: Link Layer, LANs (3 Weeks, text: Chapter 5)
introduction, services
error detection, correction
multiple access protocols, LANs
LAN addresses, ARP
Ethernet

15. Tentative Course Outline
Part 6: Wireless and Mobile Networks (1 Week, text: Chapter 6)
wireless link characteristics
the wireless link:
802.11
cellular Internet access
mobility principles
mobility in practice:
mobile IP
mobility in cellular networks

16. The course is an introduction to networking concepts
an overview of several aspects of computer networking (breadth)
mostly theoretical
some hands-on training

17. The course is NOT
an in-depth study of any particular aspect of computer networking
a network administration course
a certification course
a programming course