2014/2015 Computer Engineering 4DK4 Computer Communication

2014/2015 Computer Engineering 4DK4
Computer Communication Networks
This outline is a preliminary version and the contents are subject to change. A final version will be made available
when classes start in September.
Instructor:
Format:
Prof. Terry Todd, ITB/A324, 905 529-7070 ext. 24343,
[email protected], http://owl.mcmaster.ca/∼todd
Lectures, tutorials and laboratories
Lectures:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday @12:30pm in PC/155.
Tutorials:
Tuesday @9:30am in T13/106. Tuesday @17:30pm in T13/107.
Assessment:
The final grade, F (in percent), will be computed based on (a) submitted labs, (b) one 50
minute midterm (closed-book, no calculators, no makeup midterm will be held), and (c)
one three hour exam, where,
F = 0.3(L + max{M, E}) + 0.4E.
L, M and E are the lab, midterm and exam marks (in percent), respectively. A passing
grade on the final exam is required to pass the course.
Resources Required:
Course Web Site:
Objectives:
Textbook: Communication Networks (Second Edition), A. Leon-Garcia and I. Widjaja,
McGraw-Hill, 2004. (Textbook chapters covered: 1, 2, 3 (background), 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
https://owl.mcmaster.ca/coe4dk4
This course introduces the design and operation of modern packet-switched computer networks such as the Internet. A variety of important material is covered, including techniques
for automatic error control, shared media access control in wired and wireless networks,
and the design and performance of the Internet. The course discusses the design of these
systems including those factors which affect their performance. The laboratory component
introduces discrete-event simulation of computer networks using the C programming language. It is an essential course for those who plan to work in fields which rely on electronic
communications.
Course Outline
Introduction To Communication Networks
Message Switching: Telegraphy and long distance communications, optical telegraphy, electronic telegraphy, message switching properties.
Circuit Switching: The telephone network, central switching, analog voice switching, crossbar switches, blocking
vs non-blocking, multistage switches, digital voice transmission, digital voice switching, The time-slot-interchanger
(TSI), time-division switching, time-multiplexed space-division switching, digital switching using TSIs and TMSs,
circuit switching for computer traffic, properties of circuit switching, circuit switch timing.
Packet Switched Networks: Circuit vs packet switching, datagram and virtual circuit packet switching, layered protocol architecture, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model, connection vs connection-less services
and protocols.
Error Control Protocols: Forward error correction, ARQ, alternating bit protocols, ABP performance under noiseless
and noisy channels, sliding window protocols, selective repeat protocols. SR protocol performance over error-free and
noisy channels, GO-BACK-N protocols, performance of GO-BACK-N, the use of ARQ protocols at the transport
layer, TCP.
Multi-access Communication and Local Area Networks: Media access control, TDMA, FDMA and CDMA, random access networks, ALOHA (slotted and unslotted), throughput analysis, stability considerations, control algorithms for stability, CSMA, performance analysis, Local Area Networks (LANS), IEEE 802 standard LANs, CSMA/CD,
Ethernet, capacity limitations, token ring networks, performance of ring networks, bridging.
Network Layer Communications and the Internet: Routing algorithms, shortest path routing, Bellman-Ford Distance Vector routing, RIP, link state routing, OSPF, hierarchical routing, Internet routing, address structure, subnetting,
ARP.
Wireless Networking (time permitting): Wireless propagation, cellular network design, cellular geometry and
interference-limited channel assignment, mobility management in cellular networks, wireless media access, hidden
and exposed CSMA stations, IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN, frequency-hopping air interfaces, Bluetooth.
Communication Network Simulation: Discrete-event simulation, simulation using the Simlib library, applications
to queueing systems.
Laboratories
The laboratories will be introduced throughout the term.
The instructor(s) reserves the right to choose the format (i.e., written or oral) of any deferred midterm or exam in this course. The number of labs
and their content are subject to change.
Please note that announcements concerning any type of graded material may be in any format (e.g., announcements may be made only in class).
Students are responsible for completing the graded material regardless of whether they received the announcement or not.
The Faculty of Engineering is concerned with ensuring an environment that is free of all adverse discrimination. If there is a problem, that cannot
be resolved by discussion among the persons concerned, individuals are reminded that they should contact the Department Chair, the Sexual
Harassment Officer or the Human Rights Consultant, as soon as possible.
Students are reminded that they should read and comply with the Statement on Academic Ethics and the Senate Resolutions on Academic Dishonesty
as found in the Senate Policy Statements distributed at registration and available in the Senate Office.
Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the
grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: ”Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For
information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically Appendix 3, located at
http://www.mcmaster.ca/senate/academic/ac integrity.htm
The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines
for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the
students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster
email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.

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