Topics

This course introduces the basics of networking, ranging from sending bits over wires to the Web and distributed computing. We focus on the internetworking ground between these two extremes, particularly focusing on the engineering of the Internet - goals, constraints, solutions, and experiences. The outcome of this course for you should be an appreciation of the fundamental challenges of networking, design strategies of proven value, and common implementation technologies. Topics will include: framing, error correction, packet switching, multi-access (Ethernet), addressing and forwarding (IP), distance vector and link state routing, queueing and scheduling, reliable transport, congestion control (TCP), quality of service, naming (DNS), software defined networks (SDN), and security.

 
Exams

• Midterm: November 10th
• Final: TBD

 
Grades

• Assignments: 10%
• 3 Projects: (15 + 17 + 18)%
• Surprise Quizzes: 5%
• Midterm: 15%
• Final: 20%

  Policies

(Many of these policies are taken verbatim from previous instances of this course.)

• Late Policy: There is a 20% penalty for each late day (a day is 24 hours, including weekends), or portion thereof. Each person gets 13 free late days - 13 days of lateness with no penalty per person, not group. You can use up to 5 late days for a single assignment.
• Absence Policy: Students are expected to keep the course lecture time free and available, and quizzes will take place regularly during the lecture period. In case you have a conflict (e.g., interview), email the course staff to let us know a few days in advance so we know you need an exception (and we can provide the surprise quiz later for you). Similarly, if you have any symptoms, you should not attend the class in-person until it is safe for you to come back. Please let us know if you are unable to attend for such reasons *before* class. More accommodations can be made for the midterm with advance notice and a valid justification.
• Reasonableness: No set of rules can apply perfectly in every setting. Reasonable exceptions can be made.
• Cheating vs. Collaboration: Collaboration is a very good thing. On the other hand, cheating is considered a very serious offense, and is vigorously prosecuted. Vigorous prosecution requires that you be advised of the cheating policy of the course before the offending act. For this course, the policy is simple: don't cheat. You know it when you're doing it. We'll recognize it when you do it.

  That said, collaborating is, for many people, an effective way to learn. Learning isn't cheating. Misrepresenting that you've learned something, or done the work that implies you've learned something, almost certainly is.