Changes to Network-related Courses

On Thursday April 15, 1999, the WPI Faculty approved several changes to CS courses in the networking area, and to the requirements for the Computer and Communications Networks (CCN) specialization. The CCN specialization is available to students in the CS and ECE master's degree programs.

The principal changes to the course descriptions are:

  1. CS 513 Introduction to Computer and Communications Networks is being renamed as Introduction to Local and Wide Area Networks, with some changes in the course description.
  2. The course CS 576 Local Area Networks is being eliminated and replaced with a new course CS 530 High Performance Networks
  3. The course title of CS 533 is changed to Modeling and Performance Evaluation of Network and Computer Systems, with some changes to the course description. This course will now be cross-listed with the ECE Department as EE 581, and offered every year, alternately by the CS and ECE Departments. The ECE department will offer the course in 1999-2000.
  4. The prerequisites for CS 577 have been changed to include CS 533 / EE 581.

These changes will take effect in the 1999-2000 academic year. Please get in touch with Prof. David Finkel (dfinkel@cs.wpi.edu) if you have questions about how these changes will affect students already in the Computer Science program.

Course Descriptions

CS 513/EE 506 INTRODUCTION TO LOCAL AND WIDE AREA NETWORKS

This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of the design of computer and communications networks, including the ISO seven-layer reference model. Analysis of network topologies and protocols, including performance analysis, is treated. Current network types, including local area and wide area networks, are introduced, as well as evolving network technologies. The theory, design, and performance of local area networks are emphasized. The course includes an introduction to queueing analysis and network programming. (Prerequisites: A knowledge of the C programming language is assumed. CS 504 or EE 502 or equivalent background in probability; may be taken concurrently.)

CS 533/EE 581 MODELING AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF NETWORK AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Methods and concepts of computer and communication network modeling and system performance evaluation. Stochastic processes; measurement techniques; monitor tools; statistical analysis of performance experiments; simulation models; analytic modeling and queueing theory, M/M, Erlang, G/M, M/G, batch arrival, bulk service, and priority systems; work load characterization; performance evaluation problems. (Prerequisite: CS 504 or EE 502 or equivalent background in probability.)

CS 530/EE 530 HIGH PERFORMANCE NETWORKS (replaces CS 576/EE 536)

This course is an in-depth study of the theory, design and performance of high speed networks. Topics include specific high performance network implementations and emerging technologies, including multimedia networks and quality of service issues. Topics associated with interconnecting networks such as bridges and routers will also be discussed. Performance analysis of networks will include basic queueing models. (Prerequisite: EE 506/CS 513.)

CS 577/EE 537 ADVANCED COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

This course covers advanced topics in the theory, design and performance of computer and communications networks. Topics will be selected from such areas as local area networks, metropolitan area networks, wide area networks, queueing models of networks, routing, flow control, new technologies and protocol standards. The current literature will be used to study new networks concepts and emerging technologies. (Prerequisites: CS 513/EE 506 and CS 533/EE 581.)

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Last modified: August 09, 2006 11:01:15