George Mason University

Department of Computer Science

CS455 Computer Networking Systems

Meeting time: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00 - 4:15.

Meeting location: Innovation Hall 208

Instructor: Dr. Robert Simon
Office: ST-II, Rm. 423
Phone: 993-1556
E-mail: simon@cs.gmu.edu
Office Hours: TBD

Course Description:

  • CS455 presents data communications fundamentals and computer networking methods, using a layered reference model to organize the study. We will focus primarily on the data link, network, transport and application layers.  Students will program simplified versions of the protocols as part of the course project.

Prerequisites:

  • Grade of C or better in CS365 and either STAT 344 or MATH 351.

 

Grading Policy:

  • 2 Midterm Exams 30%
  • Final Exam (cumulative) 35%
  • Projects and homework 30%
  • Class participation 5%

Course Syllabus with reading assignments (COMING SOON)

Required textbook:
  • William Shay,   Understanding Data Communications and Networks, 3nd Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2004
  • Pullen, Understanding Internet Protocols, Wiley, 2000

Project:

  • We will use the Network Workbench, a collection of modules developed in the GMU Center for the New Engineer that simulate a protocol stack and display the results, using a text. You will create modules for Data Link Control, Network and Transport layers and run them in the Workbench environment. The Workbench will be available via ITE computing labs in ST2-18, 133, and 137. The final report will consolidate the entire project in a paper submission.

Examination Rules:

  • The GMU honor code applies.  Further, makeup exams will only be offered at the discretion of the instructor.   If you must miss a exam then you must provide a written, verifiable excuse.

CS 455 on the World Wide Web

  • Current information about this course, including lecture slides when available, will be accessible on the CS 455 web page, coming soon.