COMP 343 - Design of Computer Networks

This course investigates basic principles for designing and implementing both local area networks (LANs) and wide-area networks (WAN). It will look at 1) physical layer protocols, including transmission media, analog vs. digital communications, and interface design, 2) data link layer protocols, for point-to-point and contention-based message passing, 3) network layer protocols, for routing, congestion control, and inter-network communication, and 4) transport protocols, for creating error-free end-to-end channels. Each of these concepts will be illustrated using actual communication protocols such as the Ethernet and TCP/IP. The course will also take a brief look at higher level application issues including security (e.g. encryption, authentication), network management, name servers, and multimedia protocols such as JPEG and MPEG. Offered alternate spring semesters. Prerequisite(s): COMP 240 and COMP 221, or consent of instructor. (4 Credits)