Компьютерные сети (на английском языке)

Computer Networks

Computer Networks are ubiquitous in the modern IT sector. Computer Networks are arteries of databases, web & mobile applications, distributed systems and many other software. A good understanding of the underlying networking principles facilitates in building more reliable and efficient software products. This makes the Computer Networks course highly beneficial for any modern software engineer.

In this course we will explore the core principles of computer networks. We will cover techniques for transmitting information efficiently and reliably over a variety of communication media. We will take a look at the addressing and routing problems that arise and must be solved during the information transmission. We will utilize different programming languages and popular technologies that make it possible to investigate the underlying principles of the network protocols.

The course topics include:
— Networking fundamentals: network types, OSI model, general principles
— LAN (Local Area Networks), WAN (Wide Area Networks), Wireless Networks
— Ethernet technology
— IPv4, IPv6, routing algorithms, address types
— Netty networking framework
— Java and JavaScript networking facilities
— modern data transfer techniques including zero-copy and large data transfer
— TCP/IP stack including HTTP, UDP, and WebSocket
— principles of reliable transfer and its implementation in TCP
— network security
— networking in Microsoft Azure Cloud

Students will meet weekly with the instructor (1 lecture and 1 practical lesson weekly). The course is taught as a hands-on training when lecture material is covered interactively together with the course instructor. The course contains programming assignments as well as network exploration using the respective software tools. Students will also build their own virtual networks using emulators as well as real-world networks in Microsoft Azure Cloud.

This course includes about 2-4 home assignments. The course includes some programming in Java and Netty for understanding networking principles. This course also has 1 control work (in the middle of the course) and 1 final exam.

Main readings:
— "Computer Networks: Principles, Technologies and Protocols" by Victor Olifer and Natalia Olifer (Russian edition "Компьютерные сети. Принципы, технологии, протоколы", В. Олифер и Н. Олифер).
— "Computer Networks" by Andrew S. Tanenbaum (Russian edition "Компьютерные сети", Таненбаум)
— "Computer Networking A Top-Down Approach" by James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross (Russian edition "Компьютерные сети. Нисходящий подход", Джеймс Ф. Куроуз, Кит В. Росс)