Class Syllabus

Computer networks are everywhere. Computer networks enable most of the things you see everyday. Computer networks shape how we live today. Computer networks are an indispensable corner stone of the modern world.

Computer networks are engineered to meet a wide range of application needs. At the same time, applications are engineered to always chase after the wildest possibilities made possible by new networking capabilities. As computer engineers, our job is to understand how to identify the network requirements for any application, how to design networks to satisfy such requirements, how to assess that the requirements are truly met, and – how to create new networking solutions that will make possible what is impossible today. This course, ECE 4400/6400 – Performance Analysis of Local Computer Networks, is designed with all the above in mind.

The Spring 2019 ECE 4400/6400, offered to senior undergraduate students and entry graduate students, will teach you:

basic networking concepts and methods for modeling and analyzing the performance of local computer networks;
to construct and analyze basic queueing models for networks, using random process concepts and basic probability;
to choose the network solution based on performance requirements;
a range of network architectures, protocols, and practical examples;
to directly observe network performance on real networks at varying scales via hands-on programming assignments based on software defined networking (SDN) technology and tools.
to study a real network-based application, plan, propose, and execute a team project to demonstrate your ability to use modern software tools to study network performance.

"Local" computer networks are the basic building blocks for any network. Local computer networks can be built in a variety of ways, utilizing a number of different wired and wireless technologies. Nevertheless, their operation and performance characteristics can be captured in a few simple models applicable to statistical analyses. Effective use of the analytical models allows one to evaluate local computer networks and to systematically determine the most effective local computer network solutions for specific purposes.

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Identify standard architectures and protocols of local computer networks;
Utilize standard network models and probabilistic traffic models to analyze local computer networks;
Carry out mathematical calculations required in statistical analyses, including calculus, probability functions, logical and numerical algebra;
Determine suitable models, performance measures, and design factors of local computer networks;

Utilize software defined networking tools to compose and study network protocols and performance.

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