COMP/ECPE 293B - Network Systems Architecture - Spring 2011

Network Systems Architecture

COMP 293B / ECPE 293B

Instructor: Jeff Shafer

Spring 2011 - M/W/F, 11:00-11:55am

We have come to expect that our computers will constantly be able to access a variety of systems and services across the world.  In this class, we will study the architectures of the network systems that are needed to make this a reality.  The emphasis will be on the design and implementation of the network systems that compose modern wired networks, from local area networks to the Internet.  We will explore the roles that user-level applications, operating systems, network interfaces, switches, and routers play in the communication process.  The course will consist of lectures, tutorials, and projects.

Projects

A major component of the class is the design and implementation of a functioning IP router based on the NetFPGA platform.  NetFPGA is a reconfigurable device that provides the basic building blocks of a router, including 4 Ethernet ports, memory, and processing capabilities.  But, it leaves the details of the implementation up to you!  While all students will learn about both the software and hardware aspects of a router's design, each student will choose whether to implement the software or hardware functions of a router for the projects.  Groups will be assembled based on student preferences.

Pre-Requisites

Students choosing to focus on software design for the router project are encouraged to register for COMP 293B and are expected to have experience with application programming using the C language (or similar), as well as an understanding of computer organization and networks. (COMP 101, ECPE 170, or equivalent).

Students choosing to focus on hardware design for the router project are encouraged to register for ECPE 293B and are expected to have experience with hardware design languages as well as C programming. (ECPE 174, COMP 53, or equivalent).