Department of Computer Science
Networks - Independent Study Group Project

OBJECTIVES:

This independent study project aims to study the principles and applications of modern computer networks. Weekly readings and discussions will be guided by the text and supplementary materials. Current networks at Bowdoin will also provide a source of information for critical analysis and evaluation. A series of regular assignments will also help guide the work, which will be concluded with a term paper. Different group members will emphasize differnt parts of the course as their interests dictate. Each member should prepare to lead the weekly discussion for 3 of the weekly meetings, and the group leader will lead the discussion for 3 of the meetings also.

PRIMARY TEXT (required):

Tanenbaum, Andrew S., Computer Networks, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall, 1996.

THE GROUP:

Allen Tucker, 211 Adams Hall (peerless leader), allen@polar.bowdoin.edu
Carl Boeing, cboeing@arctos.bowdoin.edu
Ken Netzorg, knetzorg@arctos.bowdoin.edu
Han Tran, ntran@arctos.bowdoin.edu

MEETING TIME:

T 12:30-1:30, 211 Adams

ROUGH OUTLINE (FIRST DRAFT):

Week of	Topics	Primary Readings	Work Due
Jan 20	Introduction: network hardware, software, reference models, example networks and data communications	Chapter 1	Assignment 1
Jan 27	The physical network layer: media, wireless, telephony, narrowband, broadband, cellular, sattelites	Chapter 2	Assignment 2
Feb 3	The data link layer: design issues, error detection and correction, data link protocols and examples	Chapter 3	Assignment 3
Feb 10, 17	The medium access sublayer: Channel allocation, multiple access, IEEE802 standards for LANs, bridges, high speed LANs, satellite networks	Chapter 4	Assignment 4
Feb 24, Mar 3, 10	The network layer: design issues, routing algorithms, congestion control, internetworking, the Internet, ATM networks	Chapter 5	Assignment 5
Mar 17, 24	*** Spring Break ***
Mar 31. Apr 7	The transport layer: transport protocols, the Internet TCP protocol, ATM protocols, performance issues	Chapter 6	Assignment 6
Apr 14, 21	The application layer: security, cryptography, domain name systems (DNS), SNMP, electronic mail, Usenet news, Worldwide Web, multimedia and MBone	Chapter 7	Assignment 7
Apr 28, May 5	Project design and discussion
May 12	*** Final Exam Period (projects due) ***