About this course: In this course, we deal with the general issues regarding packet switching networks. We discuss packet networks from two perspectives. One perspective involves external view of the network, and is concerned with services that the network provides to the transport layer that operates above it at the end systems. The second perspective is concerned with the internal operation of a network, including approaches directing information across the network, addressing and routing procedures, as well as congestion control inside the network.
Created by: University of Colorado System
Taught by: Xiaobo Zhou, Professor, Interim Dean
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
| Basic Info | Course 3 of 4 in the Computer Communications Specialization |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Commitment | 5 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Frame Switching and Packet Switching
This module introduces LAN bridges and data link layer switching, and then focuses on packet switching at the network layer. It discusses datagram, one basic packet switching approaches.
4 videos, 5 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Reference Books
- Video: Bridges and Data Link Layer Switching
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Bridges and Data Link Layer Switching
- Video: Network Layer Services and Topology
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Network Layer Services and Topology
- Video: Packet Switching: Datagrams
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Packet Switching: Datagrams
- Reading: End-to-end argument in system design (Required)
- Discussion Prompt: Frame Switching and Packet Switching
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Frame Switching and Packet Switching
Graded: Graded Assessment - Frame Switching and Packet Switching
WEEK 2
Routing in Packet Networks
This module examines the other basic packet switching approach - virtual circuit, introduces basic approaches for selecting routes across the network, discusses the Bellman-ford algorithm for distance vector based shortest path routing.
3 videos, 4 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Packet Switching: Virtual Circuits
- Video: Routing in Packet Networks
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Routing in Packet Networks
- Video: Shortest Path Routing- Distance Vector
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Shortest Path Routing: Distance Vector
- Reading: The Network Layer (Required)
- Discussion Prompt: Routing in Packet Networks
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Routing in Packet Networks
Graded: Graded Assessment - Routing in Packet Networks
WEEK 3
Shortest-Path Routing
This module introduces the link state routing, examines the Dijkstra algorithm for shortest-path routing, and discusses the applications of the distance vector and link state routing in real Internet protocols.
4 videos, 4 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Shortest Path Routing- Link State
- Video: Dijkstra Algorithm
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Dijkstra Algorithm
- Video: Link State Routing, ATM Networks
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Link State Routing, ATM Networks
- Video: RIP and OSPF
- Reading: Lecture Slide - RIP and OSPF
- Discussion Prompt: Shortest-Path Routing
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Shortest-Path Routing
Graded: Graded Assessment - Shortest-Path Routing
WEEK 4
Traffic Management
This module discusses packet-level traffic management operating in a short time scale, continues with traffic management at the flow level operating in a medium time scale. Common approaches including scheduling, queuing, admission control, and congestion control are discussed.
4 videos, 5 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Packet level: Scheduling and QoS
- Video: Packet level – Fair Queueing and RED
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Packet level: Fair Queueing and RED
- Video: Flow level – Leaky Bucket Policing
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Flow level: Leaky Bucket Policing
- Video: Traffic Shaping by Token Bucket
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Traffic Shaping by Token Bucket
- Reading: Random early detection gateways for congestion avoidance
- Discussion Prompt: Traffic Management
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Traffic Management
Graded: Graded Assessment - Traffic Management
WEEK 5
Course Project - Packet Switching Networks and Algorithms
This is a comprehensive peer review assessment
Graded: Packet Switching Networks and Algorithms
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