The University of Texas at Dallas
Erik Jonsson School
of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

EE6340 Introduction to Telecommunications Networks (3 sem. hrs)
Spring 2018

Instructor: Dr. Andrea Fumagalli
Office: ECSN 3.524 - Phone: (972) 883-6853 - E-mail: andreaf@utdallas.edu
Web page: http://www.utdallas.edu/~andreaf/
Office hours: http://www.utdallas.edu/~andreaf/#teaching

Teaching Assistant: http://www.utdallas.edu/~andreaf/courses/ee6340/EE6340.html

Covered Topics:
Download the list of topics covered by each exam

Textbook:
Dimitri Bertsekas and Robert Gallager, "Data Networks", Second Edition, Prentice-Hall Inc., 1992.
ISBN 0-13-200916-1

Additional Book1:
Hisashi Kobayashi, Brian L. Mark, "System Modeling and Analysis – Foundation of System Performance Evaluation", Prentice-Hall Inc., 2009.
ISBN 0-13-034835-X

Additional Book2:
Thomas G. Robertazzi, "Computer Networks and Systems: Queueing Theory and Performance Evaluation", Third Edition, Springer-Verlag New York, August 2000.
ISBN 0387950370

Additional Book3:
Leonard Kleinrock, "Queueing Systems" - Volume 1: Theory, Wiley-Interscience.
ISBN 0-471-49110-1

Additional Book4:
Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest, "Introduction to Algorithms", McGraw-Hill, 1997.
ISBN 0-07-013143-0

Additional Book5:
Dimitri P. Bertsekas, "Network Optimization – Continuous and Discrete Models", Athena Scientific, 1998.
ISBN 1-886529-02-7

Additional Book6:
William Stallings, "High-Speed Networks and Internets - Performance and Quality of Service", Second Edition, Prentice-Hall Inc., 2002.
ISBN 0-13-032221-0

Course objective:
This course presents some of the basic concepts and applications of data networks. The course will 1) define and compare circuit, message and packet switching techniques; 2) present the hierarchy of the ISO-OSI Layers, with emphasis on two layers: The Data Link Control Layer (coding, error detection, retransmission strategies, framing, multiaccess protocols, e.g., Aloha, Slotted Aloha, CSMA, CSMA/CD); The Network Layer (routing, broadcasting, multicasting, flow control schemes); 3) present some fundamental queueing models that are often used to predict the performance of data networks; and 4) define and apply fundamental optimization techniques to solve traffic engineering problems in networking. Students will be engaged in constructive discussions in class that will lead to structured inquiry, scientific and quantitative reasoning, critical analysis and logical thinking, analysis and integration of fundamental concepts in the area of networking.

Concepts/tools to be acquired in this course:

  • Queueing and delay models in data networks,
  • Network and graph algorithms,
  • Basic concepts and terminology for telecommunications networks,
  • The layered network architecture - the ISO-OSI reference model,
  • Point-to-point protocols and links - ARQ strategies,
  • Multiaccess Protocols - Aloha, Slotted Aloha, CSMA, CSMA/CD,
  • Routing in data networks,
  • Flow control schemes.

Prerequisites:
EE 6349 (Random Processes).

Homework/Projects/Exams:
Student needs to pass two written exams. The first exam covers the topics discussed during the first half of the course and will be given after the 15th lecture. The second exam covers the topics discussed during the second half of the course and will be held after the last lecture, during the UTD official week for exams. Homework will be given to test student's knowledge and understanding of the covered topics prior to each written exam. Weekly projects will be assigned to facilitate the application and understanding of some queueing and delay models. Homework and written exams must be individually done by each student without collaboration with others.

Grading policy:
The final grade will be determined using 10% of the homework grade and 90% of combined written exams and projects based scores.

UT Dallas Policies and Procedures: http://provost.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies/