Computer Networks (CS 408)

2025 Fall
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
Computer Sci.& Eng.(CS)
3
6
Albert Levi levi@sabanciuniv.edu,
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English
Undergraduate
CS204
Formal lecture,Laboratory
Communicative
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Programs\Type Required Core Elective Area Elective
Computer Science and Engineering *
Computer Science and Engineering *
Electronics Engineering *
Electronics Engineering *
Industrial Engineering *
Industrial Engineering (Previous Name: Manufacturing Systems Engineering) *
Materials Science and Nano Engineering *
Materials Science and Nano Engineering (Previous Name: Materials Science and Engineering) *
Mechatronics Engineering *
Mechatronics Engineering *
Microelectronics *
Telecommunications *

CONTENT

This course is an introductory course on computer networks. Topics include network architectures, circuit and packet switching, local and wide-area networks, network technologies and topologies; data link, network, and transport layer protocols; routing, addressing; congestion/flow/error control. Application layer protocols are covered as well. Physical layer issues are overviewed. Followed reference models are TCP/IP for network and upper layers, OSI for data link layer and IEEE 802 for MAC protocols.

OBJECTIVE

This course aims to equip the students with theoretical and practical aspects of computer networking, especially the TCP/IP protocol suite. Homework assignments, labs, and class projects will help students better understand the Internet's operational issues and design principles. The class project will allow the students to design an application-layer protocol to work over TCP/IP.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Define the basic terminology and characteristics of computer networks, networking equipment and standard reference models and wireless and wired communication media; design and analyze basic models of packet and/or circuit switched networks
  • Demonstrate detailed understanding of selected TCP/IP application layer protocols including design and implementation of an application layer protocol using TCP/IP sockets or other inter-device communication primitives
  • List the primary function, activities, and application areas of local area networks and analyze various performance metrics of medium access control protocols; Apply and analyze various flow and error detection/control algorithms on direct communication links
  • Demonstrate understanding of IP (Internetworking Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and all related mechanisms at TCP and IP layers including routing, addressing, traffic control and congestion control algorithms and mechanisms.

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

1. Understand the world, their country, their society, as well as themselves and have awareness of ethical problems, social rights, values and responsibility to the self and to others. 1

2. Understand different disciplines from natural and social sciences to mathematics and art, and develop interdisciplinary approaches in thinking and practice. 1

3. Think critically, follow innovations and developments in science and technology, demonstrate personal and organizational entrepreneurship and engage in life-long learning in various subjects; have the ability to continue to educate him/herself. 2

4. Communicate effectively in Turkish and English by oral, written, graphical and technological means. 3

5. Take individual and team responsibility, function effectively and respectively as an individual and a member or a leader of a team; and have the skills to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. 5

1. Possess sufficient knowledge of mathematics, science, fundamental engineering, computational methods and program-specific engineering topics; use theoretical and applied knowledge of these areas in complex engineering problems. 1

2. Identify, define, formulate and solve complex engineering problems while considering the UN Sustainable Development Goals; choose and apply suitable analysis, design, estimation/prediction and modeling methods for this purpose. 3

3. Develop, choose and use modern techniques and tools that are needed for analysis and solution of complex problems faced in engineering applications; use information technologies effectively. 3

4. Have the ability to design a complex system, process, instrument or a product under realistic constraints and conditions, with the goal of fulfilling creative current and future requirements. 1

5. Use research methods, including conducting literature reviews, designing experiments, performing experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and interpreting results, to investigate complex engineering problems or discipline-specific research topics. 1

6. Possess knowledge of business practices such as project management, risk management, change management, and economic feasibility analysis; awareness on entrepreneurship and innovation. 1

7. Possess knowledge of impact of engineering solutions on society, health and safety, the economy, sustainability, and the environment within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals; awareness on legal outcomes of engineering solutions; awareness of acting impartially and inclusively without any form of discrimination; act in accordance with ethical principles, possessing knowledge of professional and ethical responsibilities. 1

8. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, on technical subjects, considering the diverse characteristics of the target audience (such as education, language, and profession). 1

ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA

  Percentage (%)
Final 35
Midterm 30
Assignment 19
Group Project 16

RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS

Textbook

Computer Networking with Internet Protocols and Technologies, William Stallings, ISBN: 0-13-191155-4
Readings

Computer Networking:A top-down approach featuring the Internet, Kurose&Ross

Computer Networks, 4th or 5th edition, Andrew Tanenbaum , ISBN: 0-13-038488-7

Computer Networks and Internets with Internet Applications, Douglas Comer, 5th or 6th ed.