CNT 264 - Applied Network Concepts

5 Credits
This course introduces concepts and design principles of modern computer and telecommunication networks. It uses the Internet TCP/IP protocol suite to discuss how today’s computer networks operate and how they have evolved over many years to meet the requirements of today’s networking applications. The focus will be on both fundamental networking and communication techniques, and protocols used in today’s complex Internet architecture. Topics include DNS and HTTP protocols at the application layer, TCP and UDP at the transport layer, routing algorithms and forwarding at the network layer, and multiple access technologies along with Ethernet and WiFi LANs. Concepts of software-defined networking, network security, and wireless networking will also be introduced.

Course Outcomes

Understand the architectural principles of computer networking and the overall structure of the Internet.
Show a clear understanding of the layered Internet protocol framework, its design principles, and functionality.
Explain various network performance metrics (throughput, latency, loss, etc.) and their impact on applications.
Describe the essential principles of reliable data delivery, flow control, and congestion control, and their implementation at the transport layer.
Understand distributed routing protocols and data and control plane operations of the network layer in the Internet.
Understand wired and wireless data link layer protocols for communication over a shared medium.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of network security, vulnerabilities at various layers, and associated protocols.
Implement network protocols using network stack programming libraries.
Use network tools such as Wireshark to analyze real-world networks.