CS 737 - Wireless Networks

Syllabus Spring’11

Instructor: Vinod Namboodiri

Email: Vinod.Namboodiri@wichita.edu
Office Hours: MW 3:30-5PM at 210 Jabara Hall or by appointment

Teaching Assistant: Gautham V. Reddy

Email: vishwanath.mudemela@gmail.com

Catalog Description:
Covers topics ranging from the physical layer to the application layer in the wireless and mobile
networking field. Explores physical layer issues, and medium access control, routing,
and transport protocols in various technologies like wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11), wireless sensor
networks (IEEE 802.15.4), radio frequency identification (RFID), among others. Imparts general
knowledge about these wireless technologies and gives an overview of selected ongoing
research related to energy-efficiency, security, throughput, and more. Prerequisite: CS 736 or
equivalent.

Pre-Requisite Expectations:
Any prior undergraduate or graduate networking course would suffice for networking
background. At the beginning of this course, the student should have adequate background in
the following areas:
Apply basic probability theorems (IME 254/ STAT 460)
Analyze and design computer networking algorithms and protocols (CS 464 or CS 736)
Some programming experience would be useful. The course will require basic knowledge of
Unix for simulation exercises. Those without a Unix background will have a chance to learn it
along the way, but it would be useful if you have spent some time with Unix beforehand.

Recommended Textbook:
Ad Hoc Wireless Networks: Architectures and Protocols by C. Siva Ram Murthy and B.S. Manoj.

We will rely on lecture notes and research papers for most topics. The recommended textbook
provides a more thorough treatment of each topic.

Reference Textbooks:
Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet by James F. Kurose and
Keith W. Ross.
The Art of Computer Systems Performance Analysis: Techniques for Experimental Design,
Measurement, Simulation, and Modeling by Raj Jain.
Data Networks by Dimitri Bertsekas and Robert Gallager, 2nd ed.
Wireless Communications & Networks by William Stallings, 2nd ed.
Course Objectives:
After passing this course, the student will have demonstrated the ability to do the following:

Be able to describe operation basics and application scenarios of various wireless

technologies like Wireless LANs, Wireless Sensor Networks, Radio Frequency Identification
Devices, and Cellular Technologies.
Apply the NS2 simulator towards analyzing the performance of various wireless networking
protocols
Critically analyze existing protocols in above mentioned technologies and propose
enhancements

Topics Covered:
Networking Review (1 Week)
Wireless Technologies Overview (1 Weeks)
Physical Layer Characteristics (1 Week)
Medium Access Control (3 Weeks)
Routing (2 Weeks)
Transport Layer and Security (2 Weeks)
Quality of Service (1 Week)
Energy Management (1 Week)
Miscellaneous Current Topics (2 Weeks)

Course Grade Weights:

Test 1 30%
Test 2 30%
Final 30%
Simulations 10%

Exam Dates:
Test1 February 28 (in-class)
Test2 April 11 (in-class)
Final May 9 (in-class)
Simulator Details: Students will learn the NS2 simulator and then complete assignments
related to various concepts learnt during the course. Accounts will be provided for students on
the CS Labs in Jabara Hall with NS2 installed. Students have the option of remotely logging into
these machines to do their work as well. The TA can also provide assistance for those wishing to
install a Linux version of NS2 on their own machines. These assignments will be graded, and
questions on simulator usage and results can be tested in tests.

Computer Account Security and Use

Each student should practice proper security measures on his or her computer account. Never
give your password to anyone. Allowing others access to a class account or to files and
directories is the same as giving them the information directly and will be dealt with in like
manner. Any trouble with an account should be referred to the instructor as soon as possible.
When a program has been submitted, save your final version until after the program has been
graded, just in case some problem occurs and the grader needs a fresh copy of your submitted
work.

General Policies
o Extensive use of blackboard will be made to hand out assignments, providing class
notes, and communicate information during the course. It is your responsibility to
check your @wichita.edu email addresses to receive selected class announcement, and
ensure your mailbox is not full.
o All home works and other submissions must be submitted by the indicated deadline.
Submissions after the deadline will not be graded. Exceptions will require a valid and
documented reason. There will be no make-ups for home works.
o Tests can be made up only with valid, documented reason, and prior notification.
o The final exam will be held on the date advertised. Leaving the university early for the
subsequent break will not be accepted as a reason to give a make-up exam. It is your
responsibility to plan your travel accordingly.
o Academic Honesty: Please refer to the university’s academic honesty policy. While it is
encouraged to interact with your colleagues, your submissions must be only your own
work. Issues of academic dishonesty will be dealt with severely.
o Giving or receiving aid from others during exams or copying homework and programs
will result in failing the course, with no exceptions granted.

__________________________

The instructor reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the syllabus, schedule of class meetings, and assignments if
necessary.