Date: Tue, 26 Nov 1996 18:56:43 GMT Server: Apache/1.1.1 Content-type: text/html Content-length: 3061 Last-modified: Sun, 20 Oct 1996 00:08:38 GMT CPSC 463 notes- Willis Marti

CPSC 463 -- Networks and Distributed Processing

Fall 1996


Instructor:
Mr. Willis Marti
email:
willis@cs.tamu.edu
Phone:
845-1293
Office:
HR Bright Bldg, Room 311C
Class Hours:
TTh 2:20pm to 3:35pm HR Bright 124 (Daily Schedule)
Office Hours:
MTWTh 1:30pm to 2:30pm, others by appointment
Text:
Computer Networks 3d ed., Andrew S. Tanenbaum
almost optional:
Class notes in Bright Copy Center (1st floor)
Prerequisite:
CPSC 410 or permission of instructor(!) {If you haven't had the equivalent, you must see me the first week of class}
Course Summary:

The course is part of understanding how to build and use Distributed Systems. Here you'll learn fundamentals of networking, including network design and analysis, in the context of computer communications and distributed processing. I teach the science of network architecture as well as principles of network engineering. The course mixes fundamentals with both programming and pragmatic views of engineering issues. Advanced mathematics and queueing theory are not covered; students should (must) acquire a solid grounding in that field before taking graduate network courses. There will be lab exercises, focused on understanding protocols, packet tracing and equipment familiarity. A key part of the course is the term project. The project will be a team effort (normally four people) where you will act as engineers putting together a network design according to customer requirements.

Course Admin:

There will be about one quiz or homework assignment a week. Socket programming will be introduced early on. Students are expected to be able to program in C, on a Unix platform, with no further instruction. Quizzes may or may not be announced. The Final Exam will focus on the last half of the course. Students are expected to read text assignments outside of class and to be prepared for discussion and quizzes.

Some homework and the project will require outside reading or finding references. While I will maintain a small lending library, don't plan on having all information handed to you. I understand many students will have plant trips or job interviews that prevent attendance. If I'm told in advance, the absence is excused. Lectures will cover material not in the text and only partially outlined in the notes.

Grading Policy:
MidTerm 25%
Final Exam 25%
Packet Tracing Test 15%
Term Project 20%
Labs/Homework/Quizzes 15%