CS610 COMPUTER NETWORKS

CS610: Computer Networks

CS610 Computer Networks builds upon the foundations of data communication to provide a comprehensive overview of network architectures, protocols, and technologies, with a strong focus on the Internet. This course covers the principles and practices of designing, implementing, and managing computer networks, exploring the entire protocol stack from the physical layer up to the application layer.

You will learn how data is broken into packets, addressed, and routed across a complex web of interconnected devices to reach its destination anywhere in the world. The course emphasizes the TCP/IP protocol suite, the set of rules that governs the Internet. You will gain a deep understanding of how protocols at different layers work together to provide reliable and efficient communication services for applications like the web, email, and streaming video.

Key Topics Covered:

• Network Layers and Models: A deep dive into the OSI and TCP/IP layered models, understanding the function and responsibilities of each layer.
• Physical & Data Link Layers: A review of data communication concepts, including Ethernet, MAC addressing, and switching.
• Network Layer: The core of the Internet. This includes IP addressing (IPv4 and IPv6), subnetting, routing algorithms (like Link State and Distance Vector), and routing protocols (like OSPF and BGP). You will also learn about packet forwarding and the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP).
• Transport Layer: The bridge between the network and applications. This topic focuses on the two primary protocols: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) for reliable, connection-oriented service (including flow control and congestion control) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) for fast, connectionless service.
• Application Layer: Understanding the protocols that power the services we use daily, such as HTTP (Web), SMTP (Email), FTP (File Transfer), and DNS (Domain Name System).
• Network Security: An introduction to fundamental security concepts, including firewalls, encryption, and network address translation (NAT).

Course Objectives:

1. Understand the layered architecture of computer networks (OSI and TCP/IP).
2. Explain the principles of IP addressing, subnetting, and routing in the network layer.
3. Differentiate between the services of TCP and UDP and understand their mechanisms (e.g., congestion control).
4. Describe the operation of key application layer protocols like HTTP and DNS.
5. Analyze and design simple network topologies and addressing schemes.

CS610 is an essential course for any computer scientist, providing the knowledge needed to build, manage, and secure the networked systems that power our modern world. It is a prerequisite for advanced topics in network security, distributed systems, and cloud computing.