CDA 4503 Introduction to Computer Networks 

Spring 2008


Schedule:

Love 301
9:30AM -- 10:45AM, TTh

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts and basic elements in the design and implementation of computer communication networks, their protocols, and applications. Topics to be covered include: layered network architectures, applications, network programming interfaces (e.g., sockets), transport, physical media, data link protocols, local area networks and network routing. Examples will be drawn primarily from the Internet (e.g., TCP, UDP, and IP) protocol suite. Throughout the course, we will investigate not only what decisions are made in the design of the Internet, but also why such decisions are made. 

Course Objective:

          At the end of this course, you should be able to 

  1. Describe the overall Internet architecture
  2. Describe the design issues in each layer in the architecture
  3. Describe, analyze, apply, and code the key techniques and protocols in each layer

Prerequisites:

Official: COP 4530

Unofficial notes: Basic knowledge of computer architecture, operating systems, and probability theory will be useful for this course. A student can pass this course without much background knowledge if he or she is motivated enough. However, in order to pass this course, a student must be proficient in C/C++ and ready to code, and familiar with the Unix programming environment. 

Talk to me if you are not positive.

Textbooks:

Workload and Grading:

  1. Two programming projects: 30% (15% each)
  2. Four home assignments: 20% (5% each)
  3. One mid-term exam: 20%
  4. One final exam: 30%

Final letter grades

A [90-100]
A- [88-90)
B+ [85-88)
B [80-85)
B- [78-80)
C+ [75-78)
C [70-75)
C- [68-70)
D [60-68)
F <60

Course Policies:

Attendance Policy:

The university requires attendance in all classes, and it is also important to your learning. The attendance record may be provided to deans who request it. If your grade is just a little below the cutoff for a higher grade, your attendance will be one of the factors that we consider, in deciding whether to "bump" you up to the higher grade. Missing three or fewer lectures will be considered good attendance. In rare cases, such as medical needs or jury duty, absences may be excused with appropriate documentation. You should let me know in advance, when possible, and submit the documentation I seek. You should make up for any materials missed due to absences.

Missed exam Policy:

A missed exam will be recorded as a grade of zero. We will follow the university rules regarding missed final exams (see http://registrar.fsu.edu/dir_class/fall/exam_schedule.htm), for all the exams, including the final exam.

Late Assignment Policy:

In order to enable us to provide timely solutions to assignments, we have the following policy regarding submission of late assignments.

Incomplete Grade (Grade of 'I') Policy:

The grade of 'I' will be assigned only under the following exceptional circumstances:

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA):


Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should:
(1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center; and
(2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type.  This should be done during the first week of class.

This syllabus and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request.

For more information about services available to FSU students with disabilities, contact the:

Student Disability Resource Center
874 Traditions Way
108 Student Services Building
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167
(850) 644-9566 (voice)
(850) 644-8504 (TDD)
(850) 644-7164
sdrc@admin.fsu.edu
http://www.disabilitycenter.fsu.edu/

ACADEMIC HONOR POLICY:
The Florida State University Academic Honor Policy outlines the University's expectations for the integrity of students'
academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty members throughout the process.  Students are responsible for reading the Academic Honor Policy and for living up to their pledge to . . . be honest and truthful and . . . [to] strive for personal and institutional integrity at Florida State University.  (Florida State University Academic Honor Policy, found at http://dof.fsu.edu/honorpolicy.htm.)

Academic Integrity:

Remember that the goal of programming assignments and homeworks is to enhance your analysis, reasoning, and programming skills. Indulging in academic dishonesty defeats this purpose apart from being unfair to other students. In case you have any questions about whether an act of collaboration may be construed as academic dishonesty, please clarify the issue with the instructor before you collaborate.

All students should follow FSU Academic Honor Code. You might be assigned a grade of 'F', if you are found to have indulged in academic dishonesty.