Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - ENSC 427 D100

Communication Networks (4)

Class Number: 2403

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2018
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ENSC 327. A minimum of 80 units required.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Quantitative performance analysis and design of data and integrated services networks. Re-transmission error recovery schemes, networks of queues, congestion control, routing strategies. Multiple access techniques in data networks, design for specified throughput and delay performance. Wireless networks, routing approaches in mobile networks. Analysis and design of broadband integrated services digital networks, asynchronous time division multiplexing. Laboratory work is included in this course. Engineering students may not take CMPT 371 as a substitute for ENSC 427.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course description

This course covers the techniques needed to understand and analyze modern data communications networks. It covers the basic architecture of packet networks and their network elements (switches, routers, bridges), and the protocols used to enable transmission of packets through the network. Quantitative performance analysis and design of data and integrated services networks. Re-transmission error recovery schemes, networks of queues, congestion control, routing strategies. Multiple access techniques in data networks, design for specified throughput and delay performance. Wireless networks, routing approaches in mobile networks. Analysis and design of broadband integrated services digital networks, asynchronous time division multiplexing.

Laboratory work is included in this course.

This is a project oriented undergraduate course. Students will be introduced to various tools for simulating communication networks: ns-2, ns-3, and Riverbed Modeler (formerly OPNET from OPNET Technologies).

Topics

  • Communication Networks and Services
  • Application of Layered Architecture
  • Digital Transmission Fundamentals (overview only)
  • Circuit-Switched Networks
  • Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Data Link Layer
  • Medium Access Control Protocols and Local Area Networks
  • Packet-Switched Networks
  • TCP/IP

Project Reports and Presentations

  • Project teams are due January 15, 2017 (midnight: 11:59 PM + 1 minute).
  • Project proposal(s) are due February 5, 2017 (midnight: 11:59 PM + 1 minute).
  • Project title, abstract, and a list of five references are due February 12, 2017 (midnight: 11:59 PM + 1 minute).
  • Web page describing your project and including the list of five references is due February 19, 2017 (midnight: 11:59 PM + 1 minute).
  • Interim report is due March 19, 2017 (midnight: 11:59 PM + 1 minute).
  • Project class presentations will be held in class on April 3, 2017 and April 5, 2017.
  • The following files are due on Sunday, April 16, 2017 (midnight: 11:59 PM + 1 minute):
    • Presentation slides (Power Point and PDF files) of your final project,
    • URL for the web pages of your final project, and
    • Final written report (LaTEX or MS Word file and PDF file) of your final project.


 

Grading

  • Assignments 10%
  • Midterm Exam 1 10%
  • Midterm Exam 2 10%
  • Final Exam 25%
  • Final Project Report 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Journals

RECOMMENDED READING:

A. Leon-Gracia and I. Widjaja, Communication Networks: Fundamental Concepts and Key Architectures, 2nd edition, McGraw-Hill, 2004. Errata page.

J. F. Kurose and K. W. Ross, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 6/E, Addison Wesley, 2012.

J. Walrand and P. Varaiya, High-performance Communication Networks,2/e, Morgan Kaufmann, 2000. Online version (click on "Full text - Books 24x7 limited to 5 simultaneous users" link once you access the page

S. Keshav, Engineering Approach to Computer Networking: ATM Networks, the Internet, and the Telephone Network, Addison Wesley, 1997.

J. Walrand, Communication Networks, A First Course, 2/e, McGraw-Hill, 1998

D. Bertsekas and R. Gallager, Data Networks, Second edition, Prentice Hall, 1992.

L. L. Peterson and B. Davie, Computer Networks, A Systems Approach, 3rd edition, Morgan Kaufmann, 1999.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS