600.348/448: Theory of Network Communication
Fall Term 2002
Christian Scheideler
Course Structure
Lectures: MTW 1, Shaffer 101
Topics
The course covers current state-of-the-art topics in the area of
theory of communication in distributed systems.
This includes an introduction to various communication
models and important routing parameters and networks.
Also, strategies for topology control
and routing in overlay networks, load balancing strategies,
and distributed data management strategies will be presented. Particular
emphasis will be on those strategies that support robust and efficient
distributed computing over the Internet, and communication
and data management in mobile ad hoc networks and peer-to-peer networks.
Weekly assignments. Some knowledge of probability theory
is helpful. Prerequisite: 600.344/444 or permission. [Analysis]
Students receive credit for 600.348 or 600.448, but not both.
Grading
- 1/3: assignments
- 1/3: mid-term exam
- 1/3: software project
Syllabus
The lecture is based on recent research papers. Lecture notes will
be available that will be posted below.
- Sep 9-11: Introduction to network communication
(in ps and pdf)
- Sep 16-18: Basic network theory
(in ps and pdf)
- Sep 23-25: Basic routing theory I - Oblivious routing
(in ps and pdf)
- Sep 30 - Oct 2: Basic routing theory II - Adaptive routing
(in ps and pdf)
- Oct 7-9: Adversarial Queueing Theory I - Queueing
(in ps and pdf)
- Oct 14: Fall break
- Oct 15-16: Adversarial Queueing Theory II - Networks
(in ps and pdf)
- Oct 18, 5-7 pm, Shaffer 101 (or nearby):
Tutorial for midterm exam
- Oct 21: Midterm exam
(in ps and pdf)
- Oct 22-23: Overlay networks for wireless systems
(in ps and pdf)
- Oct 28-30: Distributed data management I - Hashing
(in ps and pdf)
- Nov 4-6: Distributed data management II - Caching
(in ps and pdf)
- Nov 11-13: Peer-to-peer systems I
(in ps and pdf)
- Nov 18-20: Peer-to-peer systems II
(in ps and pdf)
- Nov 25-27: Distributed data management III
(in ps and pdf)
- Dec 2-4: Sensor networks
(in ps and pdf)
- Dec 9: Open discussion
- Dec 18: Software project due
Assignments
- Assignment 1
(in ps and pdf)
and its solution
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 2
(in ps and pdf)
and its solution
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 3
(in ps and pdf)
and its solution
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 4
(in ps and pdf)
and its solution
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 5
(in ps and pdf)
and its solution
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 6
(in ps and pdf)
Only the first problem has to be solved. You have time till Wed, Nov 6.
- Assignment 7
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 8
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 9
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 10
(in ps and pdf)
Assignments will be posted here every Wednesday, and their solutions have to
be submitted till the following Wednesday, 1 pm.
At most two people are allowed to work together on an assignment, but
there has to be a separate submission for each person.
Please indicate on your submission with whom you collaborated
to solve the assignment (if any). Also, please write your name and the
course (348 or 448) for which you registered clearly on your submission.
If you have questions about what is allowed and what not, please read the
ethics code of the department or the guide to
Academic Ethics for
Undergraduates.
Miscellaneous
Office Hours
- Christian Scheideler: Mon 5-7 pm, Wyman Park 403
- Chris Riley (TA): Tue 3:30-4:30 pm, Wyman Park 401
Christian Scheideler
Last modified: Wed Sep 11 2002