ECE 642:   Design and Analysis of Computer Communication Networks
Fall 2001, ENT 174
Thursdays 4:30-7:10pm

Course Description:  
This course covers modeling and analysis techniques for the performance evaluation of modern computer
communication networks.  The course covers basic concepts in queueing analysis, simulation modeling, 
and network modeling, with applications to the performance analysis of communication networks.  Specific
topics include single server queues, queueing networks, loss networks, computer simulation methodologies,
deterministic network analysis, traffic models, and statistical multiplexing.

Prerequisites:  ECE 542 and ECE 528

Who should take the course:
   The course is intended for students majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science,
or a related field at the intermediate to advanced graduate level.  The course is provides a  foundation for
students wishing to pursue research on the design and performance analysis of communication networks.
Students should have a strong background in applied probability and random processes, as well as the ability
to program in MATLAB and a general-purpose programming language such as C or C++.

Textbook:  A set of class notes will be made available to students.

References:  The following reference books will be put on reserve in the library.
    1.  Data Networks, 2nd edition, by D. Bertsekas and R. Gallager, Prentice-Hall, 1992.
    2.  Telecommunication Networks:  Protocols, Modeling and Analysis, by M. Schwartz, Addison-Wesley, 1987.
    3. Queueing Systems, vol. 1:  Theory, vol. 1:  Computer Applications, by L. Kleinrock, Wiley, 1975, 1976.

Instructor:  Brian L. Mark
                    ST2: Room 245
                    tel: 703-993-4069,  fax: 703-993-1601
                    email: bmark@gmu.edu
                    Office Hours:  Thurs. 7:30-8:30pm or by appointment

Grading:  Mini-Project = 25%, Midterm = 30%, Final Exam = 45%.

Schedule:
Aug. 30           Introductory Teletraffic Theory 
Sep. 6             Introductory Teletraffic Theory
Sep. 13           Introductory Teletraffic Theory
Sep. 20           Introductory Teletraffic Theory
Sep. 27           Advanced Queueing Theory 
Oct.  4            Advanced Queueing Theory
Oct. 11           Advanced Queueing Theory
Oct. 18           Advanced Queueing Theory
Oct. 25           Midterm
Nov. 1            Advanced Queueing Theory 
Nov. 8            Queueing and Loss Networks
Nov. 15          Queueing and Loss Networks
Nov. 22          Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 29          Queueing and Loss Networks
Dec. 6            Queueing and Loss Networks / Review

Homework Assignments:  
  Weekly homework assignments will be given, but not graded.  However, students should make every
effort to complete the assignments as preparation for the midterm and final exam.  Sample solutions will
be posted (but look at these only after making a sincere effort on the homework problems!).

 Midterm Exam:  Thurs. Oct. 25, 2001 (in-class)
  Midterm covers course material up to and including the M/G/1 queue.  You are allowed to bring two sheets
(8.5" by 11") of notes and a calculator.  The midterm will test the ability to solve quantitative questions similar
to the homework problems.  You are advised to study the lecture notes, homework problems/solutions, as
well as the relevant parts of the class notes.

Mini-Project:
  A mini-project involving simulation and computation will be assigned and graded.

Final Exam:   4:30-7:15 pm on Thursday, December 13 (in class)

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last updated:  Nov. 28, 2001