CS 756, Performance Analysis of Computer Networks

Syllabus: CS 756, Performance Analysis of Computer Networks

Sections 001/002

Spring 2003

Wednesday 7:20pm -- 10:00pm, ST 126

ST 126

Prof. Yih (Ian) Huang
Office: ST2 Room 443
Office hours: 1:00pm -- 3:00pm Wednesday
Email: huangyih@cs.gmu.edu

Syllabus

Internet-based Course Delivery

For the NET section (Section 002), the distance education software we will be using again this year is called Network EducationWare (NEW). It consists of a collection of open source tools, integrated using software developed at GMU. You can learn more at http://netlab.gmu.edu/NEW. At present the NEW client runs only on Windows computers (Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP). It provides the instructor's voice and graphics in real time, and has an option for video if you have high-capacity Internet service such as cable modem or DSL. If you have a microphone that works with your computer's sound setup you can ask spoken questions during class, even with only a dialup connection.

Please note that we are moving to NEW version 3 this year. You will need to install the software even if you have the previous version installed.

Before you attend a class over the network, you will need to install the NEW client software and check that (1) it works on your computer and (2) your Internet connection is good enough to support real time class delivery. To be good enough, it does not have to be high capacity; 56k modem service is good enough. But it must not be overloaded at class time or the sound delivery will be unacceptable. Because the Internet carries more load in afternoon and early evening, you need to test at those hours. If the sound quality is poor, you have the option to use a dial-up connection to GMU (703-426-2468) with your GMU username and password (as used on OSF1). The software is available (including a recorded introduction that runs on the client and can be used to test your Internet connection). If you have trouble with the installation, look on the webpage http://netlab.gmu.edu/disted under "Help/FAQs". You also will find a button on that page to get the password you will need with the NEW system. The password will then be sent to your GMU email account.

Section 001 students are also encouraged to intall NEW and obtain passwords, giving you accesses to class recordings.

Importance Notice: NET section students must attend midterm and all project presentations on campus.

Class Handouts

Class handouts will be available in two formats, postscript and PDF. If your PC cannot read neither formats, you must install one of the following:

Overhead Slides, Handouts, Assignments