Network Systems Architecture
From Comp519
Network Systems Architecture - COMP 519 / ELEC 519
- Spring 2009 - M/W/F, 2:00-2:50pm, Room DH 1046
- Instructor: Jeffrey Shafer, shafer <at> rice.edu
- http://comp519.cs.rice.edu/
We have come to expect that our computers will constantly be able to access a variety of systems and services across the world. In this class, we will study the architectures of the network systems that are needed to make this a reality. The emphasis will be on the design and implementation of the network systems that compose modern wired networks, from local area networks to the Internet. We will explore the roles that user-level applications, operating systems, network interfaces, switches, and routers play in the communication process. The course will consist of lectures, tutorials, and projects.
Projects
A major component of the class is the design and implementation of a functioning IP router based on the NetFPGA platform. NetFPGA is a reconfigurable device that provides the basic building blocks of a router, including 4 Ethernet ports, memory, and processing capabilities. But, it leaves the details of the implementation up to you! Groups will be assembled based on student preferences. Each group will be responsible for implementing both the software and hardware components of a router's design, but individual students may choose to focus on either area.
Pre-Requisites
- Students choosing to focus on the software design of the IP router projects are encouraged to register for COMP 519 and are expected to have experience with C programming and network software (COMP 221 or equivalent).
- Students choosing to focus on the hardware design of the IP router projects are encouraged to register for ELEC 519 and are expected to have experience with Verilog hardware design for FPGAs (ELEC 326 or equivalent).
