1. CSci4211: Introduction to Computer Networks
Welcome to
CSci4211: Introduction to Computer Networks
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm Monday
Location: Vincent Hall 16
Fall credit
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2. Who Are We Instructor: Zhi-Li Zhang Professor
Department of Computer Science & Engineering
University of Minnesota
Office: Keller Hall 6-187& DTC 489 (mostly here!)
Phone
URL
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3. Who Are We Co-Instructors: Braulio Dumba and Eman Ramadan
Teaching TAs and Senior Ph.D Students
Department of Computer Science & Engineering
University of Minnesota
Office: DTC 484 & DTC 488
Office Hour Location: DTC 4th floor Atrium
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4. Who Are We TA 1 (25%): Pariya (Paris) Babaie Ph.D Student, Dept. CSE
Office: DTC B488
TA2 (50%):
Anas Saeed
Office: DTC B32
Office Hours Location: Keller Hall 2-209
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5. What is Csci4211 about? First (Introductory) Networking Course
We’ll learn about
Fundamental principles and concepts in computer networks
How Internet works
Focus on network software architecture and mechanisms
hands-on experiences
via programing projects, wireshark exercises, etc.
Who is it for?
CSci, CE or EE undergraduate students
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6. Course Prerequisite Algorithms, Computer Architecture, OS
Not necessary, but helpful
Basic knowledge of probability
Programming experience in Python/Java
More importantly
Willing to learn and work hard
Love to ask questions and solve problems
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7. Course Materials Required Textbook:
Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach
by Jim Kurose and Keith Ross, 7th edition
Pearson
Website:
Other Useful Textbooks:
Computer Networks by Andrew Tanenbaum, Prentice Hall,
and many others!
Class Notes and other assigned readings
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8. Lecture Notes Lecture notes will be posted on the class website
Lecture notes provide you an “outline” of the key concepts and materials we will cover in lectures
May also contain some supplementary information no in the textbooks
will be posted before class, so please read them before the class if possible!
If you want hardcopy, you must print your own. This includes class notes and assignment specifications.
may be updated slightly after lectures
Lecture notes are mostly based on the lecture notes by the authors, which you can find on the textbook website
and with many other useful materials!

9. Class Information Class Website :
Class Moodle Site (for submission, etc)
Announcement Page
Check the web page periodically
Class Google Group Mailing List:
-- will add you directly using your UMN address
Help Hot Line:
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10. Course Requirements Do assigned readings
Be prepared, read textbook/lecture notes before class
Attend and participate in class activities
Please ask and answer questions in (and out of) class!
Let’s try to make the class interactive and fun!
Workload
Two homework assignments (“mock” exams): 10% each
Four (small) “hands-on” programming projects: 8-9% each, 35%
Two “take-home” quizzes: 10% each
One final exam: 25%
Grade not based on curve
Everybody can get a A if you work for it!
must pass one of the quizzes and the final exam to obtain a passing grade !!!
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11. “Hands-on” Experiences
It makes no sense to learn about networking without “getting your hands dirty”
Four “small” (individual) programming projects
Emulate some key mechanisms/algorithms learned in lectures
DNS, TCP, routing and LAN switches
Several “hands-on,” interactive lectures (led by TAs)
Capture and go over “real-network” traces using Wireshark
Run emulations or experiments (e.g., using Mininet or GENI)
Quick Q&As a la Jeopardy, and other “fun” exercises
Also help with programming projects
Extra-credit GENI (or mininet) experiments/exercises
GENI (Global Environment for Network Innovation) Testbed
Allow you to set up “toy” networks and run experiments, or deploy your own algorithms and test them
Will set accounts for you if interested -- details will follow
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12. (Reference) Final Letter Grade Criteria
[ ) B+
[ ) B
[ ) B-
[ ) C+
[ ) C
[ ) C-
[ ) D+
[ ) D
[ ) F
Grades are to help you check how much you have learned, where your weaknesses lie.
No competition among members
of the class!
Everybody have a chance to get A if you work for it
Depends on the situations/progress,
extra credit would be available

13. Policies and Guidelines
Penalty on late homework/projects:
Please start working on your hw & programming assignments early and hand them in on time!
Penalty: one day late 10% deduction, thereafter each extra late day 15% deduction. No credit if more than three-days late unless prior arrangements are made.
Make-up exams: only if final conflicts
Incomplete: not granted, unless
proof of emergency, “agreement for incomplete” form
Scholastic behavior:
You are encouraged to study in groups, but do your work independently!
Acknowledge reference/credit if receive help!
University’s code of conduct enforced!
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14. Course Overview Introduction: what is computer network/Internet?
Tentative Schedule Webpage
Introduction: what is computer network/Internet?
Application Layer and Internet Applications
web, , DNS, BSD socket programming interface
Transport Layer
UDP, TCP, reliable transfer protocols, congestion control
Network Layer
Data Plane vs. Control Plane, Service models, SDN
IP addressing, forwarding, NAT, etc.
routing algorithms & routing protocol, SDN controller, mininet
Data Link Layer and Mobile Wireless Networks
Media Access Ctrl, Local Area Networks (Ethernet), Switches, WiFi, Cellular Networks, Mobility Management
Summary: Putting Everything Together
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15. Important Dates (Tentative)
Task
Out Date
Due Date
Grade
Written HW Assignment 1
18th Sep
6th Oct
10%
Project 1
25th Sep
15th Oct 8%
Take-home Quiz I
16th Oct
20th Oct
Project 2
29th Oct 9%
Written Hw Assignment 2
30th Oct
17th Nov
Project 3
19th Nov
Take-home Quiz II
20th Nov
27th Nov
Project 4
10th Dec
Final Exam
18th Dec (in class)
6:30pm- 8:30pm
25%
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16. Ways to you reach me
My Regular Office Hours: 16:00PM-17:00PM, Monday; DTC 489
My On-demand Office Hours by appointment
Personal
Help-Hot Line:
Telephone /
Class mailing list (I will keep monitoring)
Catch me before and after class
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17. Ways you reach Co-Instructors & TAs
Office Hours (still tentative):
Braulio Dumba: Fri 1pm – 2pm, DTC 4th floor Atrium
Eman Ramadan: Wed 4pm to 5pm, DTC 4th floor Atrium
Pariya Babaie: Fri 11am-12pm, KH 2-209
Anas Saeed: Tue/Thu 4pm-5pm ; KH 2-209
On-demand Office Hours by appointment
Help-Hot Line:
Class Forum/Mailing List
Tell us if you have any concern and complain about TA performance
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18. Ways we reach you Lecture Email & Class mailing list
Website (esp. announcement page)
Handouts include assignments/projects
In-class survey
Office hours, before & after lectures
Quizzes & Exam
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19. Questions?
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20. Class Registration and Questionaire
Information about you
Background Survey
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21. Tips for Doing Well Realize what is involved and prepare ahead
Stay current and get feedback
Ask and answer questions
Participate in the class
Extra credit could be available for in-class participation
Use different learning strategies
Know what to expect from exams
45% grade comes from exams.
Persist
In case of serious difficulties:
Remember you can always withdraw
Attention: students with learning or other disabilities, please notify us ahead of time; special arrangements will be made!
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