Introduction to Computer Networks

This undergraduate-level course will cover the key principles of computer networking that underlie the design and operation of the Internet. The course will explore both the communication protocols used by the core components of the Internet (e.g., routing, forwarding) and those utilized at the endpoints of the network (e.g., congestion control, domain name system). The course will provide a primer on the information-theoretic principles that govern transfer of bits on physical media between network nodes. Finally, this course will teach students how computer networks have evolved to accommodate a growing number of Internet users and applications, including the rise of cloud computing, warehouse-scale datacenters etc.

Logistics of the course

The class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at Klarman Hall KG70 from 2.55 PM to 4.10 PM.

Course Syllabus

Here is the course syllabus.

Grading Policy

Your course grade is decided based on the following:

1. Prelim Exam 1 (20%)
2. Prelim Exam 2 (20%)
3. Final Exam (20%)
4. Homeworks (30%)
5. Class participation (5%)
6. Completing course evaluations (5%)