CSCI 460 - Networks and Communications

Course Description

An introduction to computer networks and communications. Topics include local and wide area networks, network architectures, security, communications protocols, routing, and an introduction to distributed computing.

Calendar Description

(3:0:1)

Prerequisites

Min. "C" in CSCI 251, CSCI 260, and CSCI 265.

Texts

1. Primary: Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall
2. Secondary: Computer Networking by James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross

Topics

1. Introduction to Computer Network
   • Computer Networks
   • Types of networks
     • Wired and Wireless
     • Local Area Network
     • Wide Area Network
     • Internetworks (Internet)
   • Network Protocols and Layers
   • Network Reference Models
     • OSI Reference Model
     • TCP/IP Reference Model
2. Network Devices
   • Network Interface Card (NIC)
   • Hub
   • Bridge
   • Switch
   • Wireless Access Point (WAP)
   • Router
   • Firewall
3. Physical Layer
   • Wired Transmission
     • Twisted Pair
     • Coaxial Cable
   • Fiber Optics
   • Wireless Transmission
4. Data Link Layer
   • Frames
   • Connectionless and Connection-oriented services
   • Framing
   • Error Control
   • Flow Control
   • Error-Correcting Code
   • Error-Detecting Code
   • Data Link Layer Protocols
     • Stop and Wait Protocol
     • Sliding Window Protocol with Go Back N
     • Sliding Window Protocol with Selective Repeat
5. Medium Access Control Sublayer
   • Channel Allocation Problem
   • Multiple Access Protocols
     • Pure ALOHA
     • Slotted ALOHA
     • Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA)
     • CSMA with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)
     • Binary Exponential Backoff Algorithm
     • CSMA with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)
   • Ethernet and WiFi
   • Repeaters, Hubs, Bridges, and Switches
6. Network Layer
   • Store and Forward Packet Switching
   • Datagrams
   • Routers
   • Routing Algorithms
     • Shortest Path Routing
     • Distance Vector Routing
     • Link State Routing
   • Internet Protocol (IP)
     • IP Packet
     • IP Address, Subnet, and CIDR
     • Network Address Translation (NAT)
     • Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
     • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
     • Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
     • Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
     • Open Shortest Path First Protocol (OSPF)
7. Transport Layer
   • User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
   • Transport Control Protocol (TCP)
     • TCP Segment Header
     • TCP Connection
     • TCP Flow Control
     • TCP Congestion Control
     • TCP Retransmission Timer
8. Application Layer
   • DNS
     • Name Space
     • Resource Record
     • DNS Server
   • HTTP
     • URL
     • HTML
     • HTTP Methods
     • HTTP Headers
   • FTP
     • Control and Data Connections
     • Commands and Replies
9. Network Security (Optional)
   • Network Security Concepts
   • Cryptography
     • Plain and Cipher Texts
     • Substitution Cipher
     • Transposition Cipher
     • Product Cipher
     • Digital Encryption Standard (DES)
   • Public-Key Algorithm: RSA
   • Digital Signature
     • Public-Key Signatures
     • Message Digest

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students will be able to

• Identify wired, wireless, local area, and wide area networks.
• Describe the usages of basic network devices, such as hub, bridge, switch, wireless access point, router, and firewall.
• Describe the range and the bandwidth of the basic transmission media, such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optic, and radio.
• Describe basic network topologies (bus, star, ring, mesh etc.) that are the possible structural ways to connect network nodes (devices and computers) by the transmission media.
• Describe the layered architecture of computer network protocol and the basic functions of individual layer in the protocol stack.
• Explain the need and the mechanisms of data framing, error detection, error correction, and flow control in data link layer.
• Compute error detecting (CRC) and correcting (Hamming) code of any candidate data.
• Explain basic multiple access protocols (ALOHA, CSMA, CSMA/CD, and CSMA/CA) that are used to control the access of a shared transmission media by competing network nodes.
• Explain basic routing algorithms (shortest path, distance vector, linked state, RIP, and OSPF) that are used to route (find path and forward) individual datagram through the network.
• Describe IP Packet format, header, address scheme (CIDR), and the companion protocols (ARP, NAT, DHCP, and ICMP).
• Describe UDP and TCP segment formats, headers, and TCP connection establishment and termination, flow control, and congestion control mechanisms.
• Describe the usages and the working principles of popular application layer protocols, such as DNS, HTTP, and FTP.
• Develop, run, test, and debug FTP client and server applications in C programming language following FTP RFC (RFC959) provided by Internet Engineering Taskforce (IETF).

Assessment

• Lab Component (45%)
  • Lab Project (2 Projects, C/C++ and Unix Socket Programming)
    • Project 1 -- 15% (2 Deliverables)
    • Project 2 -- 30% (3 Deliverables)
• Lecture Component (55%)
  • Participation -- 10%
  • Midterm Exam -- 15%
  • Final Exam -- 30%

Lab and Lecture Pass Requirements

Students will receive a single, final grade assessing their performance in the lab and lecture components combined. Students must achieve separate passing grades in the laboratory component and in the lecture component of the course in order to be able to earn an overall passing grade in the course. Laboratory component includes all programming projects. Lecture component includes midterm and final examinations.

Attendance Requirements

Students are expected to attend scheduled lectures, laboratories, field trips, seminars, examinations, practica and work experience. The University reserves the right to cancel registration in any course or program because of lack of attendance (where attendance is deemed by the Department to be important).

Absenteeism

Students are responsible for all material presented and discussed in lecture, in addition to assigned readings and homework problem. It is entirely the students' responsibility to recover any information or announcements presented in lectures from which they were absent by speaking to their fellow students. Students who are absent should contact their instructors as soon as possible and report to their instructors again on return to classes.

Grade Conversion

The following grade scale will be used: | Percentage(%) | Letter Grade | Grade Point | | --- | --- | --- | | 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 | | 85-89 | A | 4.00 | | 80-84 | A- | 3.67 | | 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 | | 72-75 | B | 3.00 | | 68-71 | B- | 2.67 | | 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 | | 60-63 | C | 2.00 | | 55-59 | C- | 1.67 | | 50-54 | D | 1.00 | | 0-49 | F | 0.00 |

Academic Integrity Statement

It is expected that students will know and abide by the VIU's policy on Student Academic Code of Conduct (Policy 96.01). All students taking this course are subject to the Vancouver Island University Student Academic Code of Conduct Procedure.

Academic Integrity and Generative AI

Students may use artificial intelligence tools, including generative AI, in this course as learning aids or to help produce assignments. However, students are ultimately accountable for the work they submit. The use of generative AI must be documented in an appendix for each assignment.

EDI Statement

VIU values human diversity in all its dimensions and is committed to achieving and ensuring learning and working environments that are equitable, diverse and inclusive.

Services Available to Students with a Documented Disability

VIU's Disability Access Services (DAS) provides services to students with Learning Disabilities, Mental Health Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, chronic medical conditions, and impairments in mobility, hearing, and vision.

Computer Science Help Centre

The Computer Science Help Centre provides a safe place for lower-level computer science students to get help from upper-level computer science students.

Other Supports

VIU hosts numerous Learning Supports for student success and you are encouraged to take advantage of them.

Vancouver Island University

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Overview:

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, business, education, health, science, technology, and trades. VIU is known for its commitment to student success, providing a supportive learning environment and a variety of services to help students thrive.

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Services Offered:

VIU offers a comprehensive range of services to support students, including:

Academic Advising:

Personalized guidance on program selection, course planning, and academic progress.

Financial Aid and Awards:

Scholarships, bursaries, loans, and other financial assistance options.

Career Services:

Career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Library:

Extensive collection of books, journals, databases, and online resources.

Health and Wellness Services:

Counseling, health promotion, and fitness programs.

Student Housing:

On-campus residence options for students seeking a convenient and supportive living environment.

Campus Recreation:

Opportunities for physical activity, sports, and recreational activities.

Campus Store:

Supplies, textbooks, and VIU merchandise.

Food Services:

Dining options on campus, including cafes, restaurants, and vending machines.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

VIU fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community, offering students a variety of opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, connect with peers, and develop their personal and professional skills. Students can participate in:

Student Clubs and Organizations:

A wide range of clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests.

Campus Events:

Social gatherings, workshops, performances, and guest speaker events.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Opportunities to give back to the community and gain valuable experience.

Athletics:

Participation in varsity sports and recreational leagues.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Location:

Situated on beautiful Vancouver Island, offering access to stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Small Class Sizes:

Personalized attention from faculty and a more intimate learning environment.

Supportive Community:

A welcoming and inclusive campus community that fosters a sense of belonging.

Practical Experience:

Emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world applications.

Career-Focused Programs:

Programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

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Academic Programs:

VIU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including:

Bachelor's Degrees:

In various disciplines, including arts, business, education, health, science, and technology.

Master's Degrees:

In areas such as business administration, education, and geographic information systems.

Diplomas and Certificates:

In a wide range of fields, including trades, technology, and professional development.

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Other:

VIU has three campuses located in Nanaimo, Cowichan, and Powell River, providing students with a variety of campus environments to choose from. The university also has a strong commitment to Indigenous education and offers a variety of programs and services specifically designed for Indigenous students.