King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
College of Computer Sciences and Engineering
Computer Engineering Department

 Local and Metropolitan Area Networks (COE 541)
 
 

Course Objectives: This course introduces methods of performance analysis for local and metropolitan area networks (LANs). The effect of performance requirements on the design of LANs is considered, and standard LAN architectures, protocols, and performance analysis are examined in depth. Emphasis is placed on performance analysis of representative multi-access procedures.

Course Description: Protocols and network architectures. Data flow in queues: M/M/1, M/M/1/K, M/M/c/c, M/G/1 queueing models and examples. LANs: Technologies, performance measures. Basic access protocols: Fixed assignment, ALOHA, idealized central control. Random access networks: Slotted ALOHA, CSMA, CSMA/CD.  LAN and MAN performance modeling and analysis. Internetworking examples of LANs and MANs. Case studies. Emerging LAN/MAN technologies.

Pre-requisite: COE 540 or consent of the Instructor.

Course Outline

  1. Data communication (Chapters 1-2). (7 lectures), 
  2. Protocols and network architecture: ISO Reference Model, Standard, and examples (external reference). (2 lectures)
  3. Data flow in queues: M/M/1, M/M/1/K, M/M/c/c, M/G/1 queueing models and examples (Chapter 3). (7 lectures)
  4. LANs: Technologies, performance measures (External reference). Basic access protocols: Fixed assignment, ALOHA, idealized central control. (Chapters 5-6) (7 lectures)
  5. Random access networks: Slotted ALOHA, CSMA, CSMA/CD. (Chapter 5 and 9). (7 lectures)
  6. Polling networks: Performance analysis, adaptive polling (Chapter 7). (6 lectures)
  7. Ring networks: Token ring, slotted ring, register insertion ring. (Chapter 8). (6 lectures)
  8. Recent and future directions in research: Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, switched-based LANs,  Wireless LANs, integrated voice, data, video networks (external reference). (3 lectures)