Fall 2023

CS395T: Advanced Topics in Computer Networks

Unique number: 53215
Time: MW 10:30 AM - 12:00PM (Starting August 21)
Location: GDC 2.210
Instructor: Daehyeok Kim ([email protected])
Office hours: Wednesdays 4 - 5PM at GDC 6.824

We are using UT Canvas and Ed discussion for all communications.

Course overview

This is a graduate-level reading seminar on computer networking. In this course we will explore both classic and recent topics in computer networking. The objectives of this course are:

  • To understand the history of computer networking, state-of-the-art network protocols at various layers, network architectures, and networked systems.
  • To critically review research papers in computer networking and networked systems.
  • To explore research problems and investigate new ideas through a semester-long research project.

The course is structured around lectures by the instructor and paper readings/presentations by the students with open discussion. Students will form a project group (two or three students) and conduct a research project on computer networks or networked systems.

Topics

  • Network architectures
  • Inter-domain routing
  • Congestion control
  • Data centers
  • Software-defined networking
  • Programmable data plane
  • Emerging interconnects (e.g., CXL)
  • ML for networking
  • Application-layer networking (e.g., Service mesh)
  • Cellular network architecture

Course organization

Paper reading response
The reading list is posted on Canvas. You are required to post reading a response to Ed discussion by 6PM the day before the class. The response include a short summary of each paper, and your opinion of the paper.

In-class paper discussion
You will lead the paper discussion in classes. Presentation slides are optional. Your goal is to keep the discussion moving along by providing necessary context and background of the paper.

Research project
The course project is an open-ended research project, done in groups of two or three. A list of project ideas is posted in Canvas. You are required to submit a proposal and a final report. There will be a in-class final presentation.

Grading

  • Paper reading response (20%)
  • In-class paper discussion leadership (20%)
  • Research project with a final presentation and report (50%)
  • In-class participation (10%)

Course policies

Academic integrity
All material you submit in this course (reading responses, project reports, and presentation materials) must be your own. If you use someone else’s material, you must cite them properly and make it very clear which parts are your own work. If you are ever in doubt about whether something you intend to submit violates this policy, please contact me before doing so.

Excused absences and late submissions
If for any reason you need to miss class or the response deadline, please contact me as soon as possible and at least one week in advance (unless it is an emergency). We will find a way to make sure that your class participation and reading response grade won’t be affected.

Services for students with disabilities
The university is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment consistent with university policy and federal and state law. Please let me know if you experience any barriers to learning so I can work with you to ensure you have equal opportunity to participate fully in this course. If you are a student with a disability, or think you may have a disability, and need accommodations please contact Disability and Access (D&A). Please refer to D&A’s website for contact and more information: http://diversity.utexas.edu/disability/. If you are already registered with D&A , please deliver your Accommodation Letter to me as early as possible in the semester so we can discuss your approved accommodations and needs in this course.

Sharing of course materials is prohibited
No materials used in this class that are produced by the instructor or by students may be shared online or with anyone outside of the class without explicit, my written permission. Unauthorized sharing of materials may facilitate cheating. The University is aware of the sites used for sharing materials, and any materials found online that are associated with you, or any suspected unauthorized sharing of materials, will be reported to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in the Office of the Dean of Students. These reports can result in initiation of the student conduct process and include charge(s) for academic misconduct, potentially resulting in sanctions, including a grade impact.