Packet Switching Networks and Algorithms

Overview

Class Central Tips

In this course, we deal with the general issues regarding packet switching networks. We discuss packet networks from two perspectives. One perspective involves external view of the network, and is concerned with services that the network provides to the transport layer that operates above it at the end systems. The second perspective is concerned with the internal operation of a network, including approaches directing information across the network, addressing and routing procedures, as well as congestion control inside the network.

Syllabus

Frame Switching and Packet Switching

This module introduces LAN bridges and data link layer switching, and then focuses on packet switching at the network layer. It discusses datagram, one basic packet switching approaches.

Routing in Packet Networks

This module examines the other basic packet switching approach - virtual circuit, introduces basic approaches for selecting routes across the network, discusses the Bellman-ford algorithm for distance vector based shortest path routing.

Shortest-Path Routing

This module introduces the link state routing, examines the Dijkstra algorithm for shortest-path routing, and discusses the applications of the distance vector and link state routing in real Internet protocols.

Traffic Management

This module discusses packet-level traffic management operating in a short time scale, continues with traffic management at the flow level operating in a medium time scale. Common approaches including scheduling, queuing, admission control, and congestion control are discussed.