ECE 435 Network Engineering
CRN 35706
Fall 2005

Instructor:

Office Hours: I am around most weekdays.
E-mail me if you wish to schedule an appointment.

Class Schedule and Assignments

Overview:

Focuses on the engineering aspects of data networks including physical media and interconnections, signals and noise, modulation, multiplexing, frame and packet transmission, routing, network design and network management. Problem solving and diagnostic methods, legal and professional issues, ethics and policies, and security aspects of interconnected networks are discussed. Students gain hands-on experience and complete networking projects. Prerequisite: COS 220 or equivalent proficiency. Cr 3.

Students will learn how to administer a computer network using servers running Linux. During the course, students will learn how to install and configure a Linux workstation, perform network configuration and maintenance, debug and fix network problems and learn about the internals of the Linux networking system.

This course will involve quite a bit of reading and some research using the Internet. A computer at home running Linux or Unix is encouraged. Computers and network hardware may be provided by the Department for use by students in this class.

Credits:

Three.

Texts:

Computer Networks and Internets, 4/e, by Douglas E. Comer,
ISBN 0-13-143351-2 - required text.

Hands-On Networking with Internet Technologies, 2/e, by Douglas E. Comer,
ISBN 0-13-148696-9 – required lab manual.

Prerequisite:

COS 220 or permission - An understanding of the core concepts of computer operating systems and experience using a Unix or Linux shell (command-line) is highly encouraged, but not required.

Grading:

Grades are based on Labs, Projects, and Quizzes. Exams may be given as indicated below.

Classes:

Classes will be held in 228 Barrows Hall from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Labs are open. Students are expected to attend class, perform all labs, and participate in class discussions.

Labs/Projects:

Lab assignments/projects will be performed in 228 Barrows Hall. Lab assignments will focus on building a networking lab and/or on client-server network programming. Labs and project work are expected to involve at least two hours per week. Lab books will be required.

Homework/Quizzes:

Homework may be assigned in conjunction with lab assignments. Homework may consist of answering questions, solving problems, Internet research, and/or supplemental reading assignments. Homework will not be graded. Quizzes may be given at any time. Quizzes will normally consist of material in the reading assignment.

Exams:

Exams can be any combination of written questions and problems to solve on computers and/or network hardware.

Accommodation:

Any student requiring an accommodation due to a disability is encouraged to speak to the instructor privately at the beginning of the semester.