600.348/448: Theory of Network Communication
Fall Term 2003
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 posted below.
- Sep 8-10: Network flows I: Shortest paths
(in ps and pdf)
last updated 09/17/03
- Sep 15-17: Network flows II: Single-commodity flows
(in ps and pdf)
last updated 09/24/03
- Sep 22-24: Network flows III: Multi-commodity flows
(in ps and pdf)
last updated 09/24/03
- Sep 29 - Oct 1: Network theory
(in ps and pdf)
- Oct 6-8: Routing
(in ps and pdf)
- Oct 13: Fall break
- Oct 14-15: Scheduling
(in ps and pdf)
- Oct 20: Midterm exam
(in ps and pdf)
- Oct 21-22: Hashing
(in ps and pdf)
- Oct 27-29: Caching
(in ps and pdf)
- Nov 3-5: Supervised overlay networks
(in ps and pdf)
- Nov 10-12: Overlay networks for searching
(in ps and pdf)
- Nov 17-19: Overlay networks for name service
(in ps and pdf)
- Nov 24-26: Overlay networks for wireless systems
(in ps and pdf)
- Dec 1-3: Sensor networks
(in ps and pdf)
- Dec 8: 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)
- Assignment 6
(in ps and pdf)
and its solution
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 7
(in ps and pdf)
and its solution
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 8
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 9
(in ps and pdf)
- Assignment 10, due Dec 3
(in ps and pdf)
- Further assignments will be posted here...
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 is not, please read the
ethics code of the department or the guide to
Academic Ethics for
Undergraduates.
Software
Code for the elementary Spheres Simulation Environment:
Code for the advanced Spheres Simulation Environment:
Miscellaneous programs:
Writing and compiling C++ Code
- Linux/Unix/Mac OS: use, for example, the gcc or g++ compiler
- Windows: install, for example, the free compiler Dev C++
- For information about the C++ language follow this link.
Office Hours
- Christian Scheideler: Mon 5-7 pm, Wyman Park 403
- Abhishek Chitlangia: Tue 5-6 pm and Fri 10-11 am, NEB 227
Christian Scheideler
Last modified: Mon Aug 18, 2003