CNT 5505  Data and Computer Communications 

Fall 2017


Schedule:

Love 103, 9:30PM-10:45PM, Monday and Wednesday

Course Description:

This course provides an introduction to the 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 Objectives:

          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:

  1. Basic knowledge of computer architecture (CDA 3101) and operating systems (COP 4610)
  2. Basic knowledge of probability theory
  3. Good at C/C++ programming

Talk to me if you are not positive.

Textbooks:

Workload and Grading:

  1. Four programming assignments: 30% (equally weighted)
  2. Three to five written homeworks: 10% (equally weighted)
  3. One mid-term exam: 25%
  4. One final exam: 35%

Final letter grades

A [90-100]
A- [87-90)
B+ [84-87)
B [80-84)
B- [76-80)
C+ [73-76)
C [69-72)
C- [66-69)
D [56-66)
F <56
There may be some minor adjustments for the letter grade for the course.

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. 

Excused absences include documented illness, deaths in the immediate family and other documented crises, call to active military duty or jury duty, religious holy days, and official University activities. Accommodations for these excused absences will be made and will do so in a way that does not penalize students who have a valid excuse. Consideration will also be given to students whose dependent children experience serious illness.

You should let me know in advance, when possible, and submit the documentation I seek if you miss a class. 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/bulletin/undergraduate/information/academic_regulations/), 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:

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://fda.fsu.edu/Academics/Academic-Honor-Policy). Honor code violations will be handled following the university honor code procedure. Step 1 penalty is a zero grade for the item AND one letter grade downgrade for the course overall letter grade (e.g a grade of B based on the points received will be changed to C due to the honor-code violation)

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)
sdrc@fsu.edu
https://dos.fsu.edu/sdrc/

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.

Syllabus Changes:

This syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice.