Unique number: 54925, Time: Tue Thu 2:00-3:30PM, Classroom: WEL 3.260
Instructor: Yin Zhang, Email: yzhang at cs.utexas.edu, Office hours: Tue Thu 1-2PM, Office: ACES 5.248
Teaching Assistant: Han Hee Song, Email: hhsong at cs.utexas.edu, Hours: Mon 1-2PM, Desk: ACES 6.308
This is the first graduate-level course in computer networks. It covers (i) fundamental principles for designing computer networks (with the Internet as a running case study), and (ii) current research directions and emerging networking technologies. Topics include:
1. Network design principles: signaling, state management, randomization, indirection, multiplexing, virtualization, scalability
2. Internet design: end-to-end principle, the big picture, lessons learned
3. Current networking topics: DHT/p2p, network security, network management, network measurement, enterprise networks, data center networking, social networks, etc.
In this class, we will read and discuss a large number of research papers, including both classic papers and recent papers from premier networking and system conferences such as SIGCOMM, SOSP, and OSDI. In addition, each student is expected to propose, complete, and present a significant research project. The goal is that through paper reading and class projects, the students will not only learn the state of the art in computer networks, but also gain hands-on research experience.
An introductory course on computer networks is assumed.
The course will involve a mid-term exam, 2-3 homework assignments, 12 paper reviews, and a research project. Project can be done in groups of 1-2 students. Grades will be determined as follows:
o
Mid-term Exam (25%)
Note that there will be no final exam. Instead, you are expected to
present your final project report in class.
o
Homework (12%)
There will be a few written homework assignments. You will be graded
based on the correctness and clarity of your answers.
o
Paper Review (18%)
Throughout the class, you are
expected to finish all the required reading before each class. In addition, for Part 3 of the class (i.e.
current research topics), you are expected to pick 12 topics and for each topic
pick one paper on the reading list and then write a detailed review of the
paper of your choice. The reviews should
be submitted at the beginning of the class for the corresponding topic. You will be graded based on the thoroughness
and insightfulness of your review.
Please use the following review format.
o
Class Participation (5%)
You are expected to attend every class and actively participate in class
discussions. If you cannot attend the
class for some reason, please let me know in advance.
o
Research Project (40%)
You are expected to propose, complete, and present a research project to
investigate novel research ideas in a topic in computer networks. This
will contribute to a significant fraction of your grade and your time
commitment for this course. You will be graded based on the originality
and quality of your work. High-quality work could potentially lead to
conference publications. I will post a list of potential projects soon.
There is a mailing list associated with this course: cs386m-f9@utlists.utexas.edu. Be sure to subscribe to the mailing list regardless of whether you are registered for the course, as I will be sending out special announcements using this list.
To add yourself to the list, do the following:
For more help on how to use UT Lists, check out http://www.utexas.edu/its/mailinglists/start.php and https://utlists.utexas.edu/sympa/help
All assignments, lecture slides, as well as special announcements are posted on the class web page with the URL: http://www.cs.utexas.edu/~yzhang/teaching/cs386m-f9/ . I do not have a fixed schedule for posting updates, but it is a good idea to check it often. At the very least, check once a week for assignment due dates and special announcements.
You are responsible for downloading and printing the homework from the class web page. There will be no hard-copy handouts of these in class.
The class web page will have links to the TA's web page, with information on office hours, homework solutions, etc. If you have questions about homework, please send email to the TA or to the class mailing list, or visit during her office hours. She will be responsible for grading homework. Also, she will answer student questions sent to the class mailing list.
o The Computer Sciences Department Rules to Live By
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