CNT 5106 C Computer Networks: Fall 2008

• Course Description and Syllabus
• Lecture Notes/Slides:
  • Chapter 1 on Overview and Introduction to the Internet [Posted Aug 26, 08]. Updated slides (ver 2) [Posted Sept 2, 08]
  • Chapter 2 Application layer and protocols (1st draft) [Posted Sept 9, 08] Chapter 2 Application layer and protocols (2nd draft) [Posted Sept 11, 08]
  • Chapter 3 Transport layer and protocols (2nd draft) [Posted Sept 23, 08]. Chapter 3(3rd draft) [Posted Sept 25, 08].
  • Chapter 5 Data Link Layer and MAC protocols (1st draft) [Posted Oct 6, 08].
    Chapter 5 Data Link Layer and MAC protocols (2nd draft) [Posted Oct 28, 08].
  • Revision lecture notes: Chapter 1 revision, Chapter 2 revision, Chapter 3 revision. [Note: this is a subset of the main lecture notes that will be used in the revision lecture today Oct 16].
  • Chapter 6 Wireless and Mobile Networking (3rd draft) [Posted Nov 6, 08]. (2nd draft) [Posted Nov 4, 08]. (1st draft) [Posted Oct 28, 08].
  • Multicast Service and Routing Protocols I(1st draft) [Posted Nov 18, 08].
  [Note: lecture drafts maybe updated continuously to enhance the quality of the lecture as I (the Prof.) see fit. Usually the slides already presented in the lecture will not change with the next draft (except to make corrections if needed, but then a note will be made)].
• Homeworks:
  • Homework 1 on Internet architecture, elementary queuing theory and application layer (due Oct 7, beginning of class). [Posted Sept 24, 08].
    For those who do not have edition 4 of the book following is a writeup of the last two problems: click here. [Posted Oct 1]
    [Posted Oct 13, 08] Homework 1 solution (.doc) (PDF).
  • Homework 2 on Transport Layer, Congestion Control and TCP (due Oct 16, beginning of class). [Posted Oct 6, 08].
    Homework 2 solution (PDF) (Posted Oct 17]
  • Experiment 1 (PDF) [Posted Oct 30, Due Nov. 18]. For more information visit http://www.cise.ufl.edu/~smoon/cnt5106
  • Exp. 1 updated manual (PDF) [Posted Nov. 13. Read appendix at the end.].
  • Midterm Exam Solution (PDF). Also here is the midterm grade distirbution/histogram.
  • Grade distributions for homeworks 1 and 2 are as follows: Hwk1 grade distribution, and Hwk2 grade distribution
  • Exp2 intro slides (v brief)
  • Homework 3 and 4 (combined in 1 homework worth the grade of 2 homeworks) (PDF) (doc) Due Dec 2nd, beginning of lecture.
• Some pointers to find demo and reading material:
  • Snap shots of Google Earth files obtained using Wififofum and other wireless signal measurements around Gainesville (pic 1, pic 2).
    animation of clustered behavioral profiles in mobile networks (video)
  • Videos to show some basic behavior of TCP window mechanism:
    1. Basic window mechanisms (e.g., selective repeat) here.
    2. Slow Start (exponential increase) then congestion avoidance (linear increase) here.
    3. Change of TCP (cwin, ssthresh) parameters here.
  • Video to show interaction of TCP with routing dynamics: here.
  • The network animator (nam) [.exe, bin for windows XP], can be used with the following scripts: selective repeat (or TCP without slow start), Self Clocking, TCP with Slow Start, TCP with slow start (scenario 2), TCP with fast retransmit mechanism, TCP with routing dynamics.
  • Light reading on elementary queuing theory: Basics, M/M/1 model.
  • Experiment with the following applets from the book's website at this link. Especially the 802.11 CSMA/CA basic applet and the 802.11 CSMA/CA with hidden terminal.
  • Play the animation for the wireless access protocols through the network animator (nam) [see above to install/run nam].
  • The website for the required book by Jim Kurose and Keith Ross can be accessed here, then click on student resources.
  • Particularly interesting are the applets on the above website, as you can experiment with various parameters (of delay, distance, etc.) and observe the network performance and behavior.
• For those interested in research, a small (potentially helpful) note: How to start research? (A personal note for networking students)
• Announcements:
  • (Posted Oct 30) Experiment 1 is on-line under homeworks. It is due Nov. 18. Please start preparing for it, form groups and send email to the TA (Sungwook Moon smoon@cise.ufl.edu) with the names of your group and the group representative. Group size is 5-8 students.
  • (Posted Oct 17) Mid-term exam information: Oct. 21 Tuesday 9:45am-11:15am (for 1hr and 30min). Please arrive at 9:35am to allow time to organize the exam room.
    Place: The exam room is (FAB 103) [Fine Arts Building is directly east of CSE Building, on 13th Street]. Note that this is 'NOT' the same room as for the lecture. The exam is closed books and closed notes (you are not allowed to bring any papers with you to the exam). Please bring a 'simple' calculator in case you need to do simple arithmetic. All the complex formulas needed for the exam (if any) will be attached to the exam paper that you will be given at the exam time.
  • (Posted Oct 17) Here you can find the last page of the exam containing the formulas. Please familiarize yourself with them before the exam. Best of luck to all!
  • Homework solutions 1 and 2 are now available on-line.
  • (Posted Wed Sept 24) Homework 1 is now available covering Internet architecture, elementary queuing theory and application layer (due Oct 7, beginning of class)
  • (Posted Fri Sept 12) Pre-recording sessions: Pre-recording sessions are planned today at 12:50-1:40pm and 1:55-2:45pm at CSE 122). Anyone who can make it during that time is welcome to attend. Videos and slides will be available on-line as usual.
  • Office hours for Prof. Helmy: Tuesdays 11:30-12:30, Thursdays 9:30-10:30 (subject to change), at E426, Tel (352)392-6860, email: helmy@ufl.edu
    [If you cannot make it during this time send me email to schedule an appointment.]
  • Office hours for the TA (YoungSang Yun): 10-11am Mon and Friday, at E309, Tel (352) 392-1183, email: yyun@cise.ufl.edu.
    A second TA (Sungwook Moon) is also assigned for this class and will handle most of the details for experiments, email: smoon@cise.ufl.edu. [more details about this later]