Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CMPT 771 G100

Computer Networks (3)

Class Number: 5333

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Investigates the design and operation of wide-area computer networks, especially the Internet and the TCP/IP protocol suite. This course studies performance modeling, security and quality of service; wireless connectivity and multimedia networking; network services, including recent topics and trends in these areas.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Title: Computer Networks

A detailed discussion of various network protocols and architectures will be presented, with particular emphasis on the TCP/IP protocol suite and the design of the Internet. The course involves multiple programming projects and measurement labs. It also includes reading and presenting articles on recent topics and trends in networking, especially on how computer networks support AI systems and what AI can do for networks. 

This is a heavy systems course with significant programming projects. Students are expected to have strong programming skills, especially in Python. Students are also assumed to have basic knowledge of networking concepts and protocols.  


Topics (Tentative) 

  • Networking Basics: Internet Architecture and TCP/IP Stack
  • Congestion Control and TCP Performance 
  • Software-Defined Networks
  • Programmable Dataplanes
  • Data Center Networking
  • Network Support for AI 
  • AI for Networks 
  • Multimedia Networking
  • Network Security

Grading

NOTES:

To be discussed in class.

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Reference Books

  • Computer Networking: A Top-down Approach, Kurose and Rose, latest edition.
  • Computer Networks:  A Systems Approach, Peterson and Davie, 6th edition, 2019. 
  • Software-Defined Networks: A Systems Approach, Peterson, Cascone, O’Connor, Vachuska, and Davie, 2022.
  • Computer and Internet Security:  A Hands-on Approach, Du, 2nd edition, 2019. 
  •  

REQUIRED READING:

Computer Networking: A Top-down Approach, latest edition
Kurose and Rose
Pearson/Addison Wesley
(9th edition) ISBN: 9780135429334

Department Graduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.

  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a D or higher.

 

  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

 

  • Use of AI tools by students for completing graded scholarly activities and course submissions that has not been explicitly authorized by the instructor  will be considered as plagiarism under SFU’s Code of Academic Policy (http://www.sfu.ca/policies/teaching/t10-02.htm).  Following this policy, instructors will report all instances of plagiarism to the academic integrity board.  

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.