CS340: Introduction to Computer Networking - Lecture 1 Fall 2020

Overview

• Introduction to the course, discussing the importance and uniqueness of computer networking.
• Focus on understanding how the internet works, a crucial skill for software engineers.

Why Take This Class?

• Learn about the internet, one of the greatest technical achievements.
• Gain insights into the coordination of billions of machines globally.
• Prepare for advanced studies or careers in networking.
• Understand networking at a deeper level than typical software engineering requires.

Course Content

• Application layer: Different applications on the internet.
• Encryption: Ensuring secure communication.
• Reliable connections and routing.
• Physical connections and data transfer.

Textbook

• "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach" by Kurose and Ross (7th edition, 8th edition available online).

Introduction to the Internet

• Exercise: Consider what happens when you visit a website.
• The internet as a network of billions of computing devices.
• Hosts (end systems) and routers (interior nodes).
• The role of DNS and IP addresses.

Internet vs World Wide Web

• Internet: Network of interconnected computers.
• Web: Network of documents connected by hyperlinks.

History and Evolution

• Originated from ARPANET, a U.S. military-funded project.
• Evolved into a global network with decentralized control.
• Key organizations: ICANN (assigns IP addresses, manages DNS) and IETF (defines internet protocols).

Network Protocols

• Set of rules for communication between computers.
• Protocols ensure interoperability and allow new devices to join the internet.
• Vital for understanding networking concepts throughout the course.

Network Architecture

• Network Edge: Devices with a single connection.
• Network Core: Routers providing connectivity.

Access Technologies

• Various methods like Wi-Fi, cellular, ethernet.
• Different properties and use cases.

Communication Technologies

• Historical context: Telegraph, telephone.
• Evolution to digital and packet-switched networking.

Circuit Switching vs Packet Switching

• Circuit Switching: Dedicated path, guaranteed performance but inefficient.
• Packet Switching: Data sent in packets without dedicated paths, more efficient but no guaranteed performance.

Measuring Network Performance

• Throughput: Rate of data transfer.
• Latency: Delay in data transmission.
• Network performance can vary greatly, need to consider both throughput and latency.

Practical Exercise

• Measure your own network performance using tools like fast.com or speedtest.net.
• Understand variability in network speed and performance.

Conclusion

• The internet is complex, decentralized, and dynamic.
• Understanding internet protocols and architectures is crucial for networking.
• Course provides foundational knowledge for those pursuing further studies or careers in networking.