Network Discussion

Module 2: Application Layer

Topic for discussion: Application Layer Collapse

This chapter covers lots of popular application layer protocols such as HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, and P2P networks. Pick up one protocol that you are familiar with and write a brief overview using your own words. You can also comment on another application layer protocol that is not listed in the textbook.

Forum: Module 3: Transport Layer

Topic for discussion: reliable data transfer Collapse

The design principles shown here are at the heart of Internet protocols and can be applied to many other layers and other network applications. From Section Principles of Reliable Data Transfer' of the textbook, please pick up one principle for reliable data transfer and comment on it. Please note that this is the only networking textbook (as far as I know) that uses finite state automata (FSA) to describe these principles. One advantage of this approach is that it clearly shows some design principles that are independent from any specific implementations, such as TCP and UDP. Later you may notice some of these principles are also used for other protocols.

Module 4: Network Layer and Routing

Whatever happened to the IPv4 address crisis? Whatever happened to the IPv4 address crisis? Collapse

Network World - In February 2011, the global Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) allocated the last blocks of IPv4 address space to the five regional Internet registries. At the time, experts warned that within months all available IPv4 addresses in the world would be distributed to ISPs.

Soon after that, unless everyone upgraded to IPv6, the world would be facing a crisis that would hamper Internet connectivity for everyone. That crisis would be exacerbated by the skyrocketing demand for IP addresses due to a variety of factors: the Internet of Things (refrigerators needing their own IP address); wearables (watches and glasses demanding connectivity); BYOD (the explosion of mobile devices allowed to connect to the corporate network); and the increase in smartphone use in developing countries.

So, here we are three years later and the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) is still doling out IPv4 addresses in the United States and Canada.

Topic for discussion: network layer protocols Collapse

This chapter introduces several protocols (e.g., IPv4, IPv6, ICMP, RIP, BGP, etc) at the network layer. Please pick up one of them and comment on it.

Least-Cost Routing Threatens Rural Phone Call Completion Least-Cost Routing Threatens Rural Phone Call Completion Collapse

Rural landline users are increasingly having problems with incoming calls not completing or being dropped. The culprit may be the bargain long distance carriers penchant for 'least cost routing' combined with the conversion of the Universal Service Fund to the Connect America Fund. From the Fine Article: 'Rural phone companies are the victim here," Steve Head says. "They charge a higher rate to terminate calls as it costs more for them. Shoreham Tel gets beat up because everyone calls them and says something is wrong with your system, but it's not. We've been through all of their lines and equipment and there is nothing wrong with it; it's the least-cost routing carriers.'

Module 5: Link Layer and Local Area Network

Topic for discussion: link-layer protocols Collapse

One topic of this chapter is about link layer protocols such as CSMA/CD and (slotted) Aloha. Based on your understandings, what are the similarities and differences on a service (e.g., message integrity, flow control, congestion control, security) provided by these protocols compared to those by the transport layer such as TCP or UDP?

Module 6: Wireless and Mobile Networks

Topic for discussion: wireless networks Collapse

I believe most of you had experiences with wireless devices (e.g., wireless LAN/WAN, cell phones, and/or bluetooth devices) that use techniques discussed in this chapter. Share your experiences with these devices. Do you think that you had a better understanding on these devices based on what you learned from this chapter?

Module 7: Multimedia Networking

Module 8: Security in Computer Networks

Module 9: Network Management