Instructor
- Professor Edward Knightly
- Office: 3044 Duncan Hall
- Administrative assistant: Dee Rashdi, 3045 Duncan Hall
Fall 2021
Background
Topics covered are self-contained so that a background in networking is not required. An introductory probability class such as ELEC 303 (Random Signals in Electrical Engineering Systems) or STAT 310 (Probability and Statistics) is a required prerequisite.
Course Objectives
Develop knowledge and skills to design and analyze communication networks with a focus on wireless networks and performance evaluation.
Course Outcomes
Students completing the course will understand the following networking concepts:
- Wireless networking, including medium access in ALOHA, CSMA, Wi-Fi, and 5G/6G
- Physical layer and cross-layer design, including adaptive modulation and coding, channel bonding, and OFDMA
- Scheduling and fairness: max-min fairness, channel-aware scheduling
- Congestion control: fluid models, network utility maximization, TCP
- Routing: shortest path trees, Dijkstra’s algorithm, Bellman-Ford algorithm, OSPF, and BGP
- Security: public key cryptography, authentication, and secure wireless
- Traffic management: statistical multiplexing and quality of service
Students will be able to apply analytical models and simulation tools to networking problems and understand performance evaluation techniques:
- Stochastic models
- Renewal theory
- Embedded Markov chains
- Distributed convex optimization
- Graph theory
Case studies include Wi-Fi, 5G/6G, Internet of Things (IoT), and the Internet
Grading
- 30% Problem sets
- 25% Simulation assignments
- 20% Midterm
- 25% Final exam
You may discuss homework assignments with classmates, but all solutions must be original and individually prepared. Late work will be penalized at 15% of its full credit per day up to a maximum of 4 days, after which no late work will be accepted.
ELEC 539 additionally requires a research survey paper that integrates and analyzes multiple references from the research literature. The paper counts for 10% of the final grade, with the above categories correspondingly reduced.
Required Textbook
J. Walrand and S. Parekh, Communication Networks: A Concise Introduction, Second Edition. Morgan & Claypool, 2018.
Rice Honor Code
In this course, all students will be held to the standards of the Rice Honor Code, a code that you pledged to honor when you matriculated at this institution. If you are unfamiliar with the details of this code and how it is administered, you should consult the Honor System Handbook. This handbook outlines the University’s expectations for the integrity of your academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty members throughout the process.
Disability Support Services
If you have a documented disability or other condition that may affect academic performance you should: 1) make sure this documentation is on file with Disability Support Services (Allen Center, Room 111 / adarice@rice.edu / x5841) to determine the accommodations you need; and 2) talk with me to discuss your accommodation needs.
Syllabus Change Policy
This syllabus is only a guide for the course and is subject to change with advanced notice.