The goal of this course is to provide students with a proper grounding in the fundamentals of computer networking. The course will cover classic concepts such as packet vs. circuit switching, Internet architecture principles, naming and addressing, routing, forwarding, reliability, flow control, congestion control, and socket programming. The later part of the course will introduce students to more advanced topics such as secure communication, router architecture, datacenter and software-defined network. The course will also provide students a hands-on experience of building practical and efficient networked systems and applications through various programming assignments.

All course materials and grades will be posted on Brightspace. We will use Piazza as the discussion forum to post and discuss questions regarding the course.

Proficiency in C and Python and familiarity with basic data structures (ECE 36800).

50% — Programming Assignments

• PA0: Setting up the Environment – 0%
• PA1: MAC Learning, Forwarding, and STP – 10%
• PA2: Distributed Network Routing Protocols – 10%
• PA3: Reliable Transport – 15%
• PA4: HTTP Web Client and Server – 15%

PA1 and PA2 will be in Python while PA3 and PA4 will be in C. Each programming assignment will be due in 3 weeks following its release, and must be done in a group of at most two students.

10% — In-class Quizzes
There will be 9 in-class quizzes, each with equal credit. Quizzes will be open-book and students may collaborate on quizzes while in class. However, each student must individually submit their quiz solutions.

15% — Midterm Exam
Midterm exam will be closed-book with no collaboration allowed.

25% — Final Exam
Final exam will be closed-book with no collaboration allowed. The exam will cover the entire syllabus.

Barring extraordinary circumstances (serious medical situations or family emergencies, accompanied by verification and a prior notification to the instructor), no extensions or make-ups will be granted for programming assignments, quizzes, and exams.

Students who are most active and helpful in answering questions on Piazza may receive bonus points.

Policy for Late Submissions

No submissions will be accepted for programming assignments after the deadline.

In‐class quizzes may be submitted without penalty until midnight (11:59pm) on the day of their release. No quiz submissions will be accepted after midnight.

Unless expressly allowed, students are expected to complete all the quizzes, exams, and programming assignments by themselves (or within their chosen group for programming assignments). However, students are allowed to discuss general issues with other students (programming techniques, clearing up confusion about requirements, etc.). Students may discuss particular algorithmic issues on Piazza (but they must not post or copy code!). If there is any doubt, students should contact the instructor.

Course staff will be using software designed to catch plagiarism in programming assignments and copying on quizzes and exams. A student is considered in violation of the academic honesty policy regardless of whether they are the one "copying" or the one "being copied from".

Punishments for academic dishonesty are severe, including receiving a failing grade in the course or being expelled from the university. By departmental rules, all instances of cheating will be reported to the Dean of Students. On the first instance of cheating on a programming assignment, quiz, or exam, students involved will receive a 0; the second instance of cheating will result in a failing grade in the course.

Use of Copyrighted Materials. All course materials, including lecture slides, quizzes, programming assignments, examinations, and solutions are subject to Purdue's copyright policies. Students must not share, distribute, or post any material on an online web site without checking with the instructor.