CS 5700 — Fundamentals of Computer Networking
4 semester hoursGraduateLectureusually offered: fall, springBostonOakland, CAOnlinePortland, MaineSeattle, WASilicon Valley, CAVancouver, CanadaHybridOnlineTraditional
Studies network protocols, focusing on modeling and analysis, and architectures. Introduces modeling concepts, emphasizing queuing theory, including Little’s theorem, M/M/1, M/M/m, M/D/1, and M/G/1 queuing systems. Discusses performance evaluation of computer networks including performance metrics, evaluation tools and methodology, simulation techniques, and limitations. Presents the different harmonizing functions needed for communication and efficient operation of computer networks and discusses examples of Ethernet, FDDI, and wireless networks. Covers link layer protocols including HDLC, PPP, and SLIP; packet framing; spanning tree and learning bridges, error detection techniques, and automatic repeat request algorithms; sliding window and reliable/ordered services; and queuing disciplines including FQ and WFQ. Introduces flow control schemes, such as window flow control and leaky bucket rate control schemes, and discusses congestion control and fairness. Requires knowledge of probability theory.
Offering history
| Term | Sections | Enrolled | Capacity | Full | Open seats/section |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | 4 | 194 | 244 | 80% | 12.5 |
| Spring 2024 | 4 | 224 | 245 | 91% | 5.3 |
| Summer A 2024 | 1 | 5 | 32 | 16% | 27.0 |
| Fall 2024 | 7 | 211 | 313 | 67% | 14.6 |
| Spring 2025 | 6 | 225 | 253 | 89% | 4.7 |
| Summer A 2025 | 1 | 13 | 30 | 43% | 17.0 |
| Fall 2025 | 3 | 128 | 150 | 85% | 7.3 |
| Spring 2026 | 2 | 89 | 120 | 74% | 15.5 |
Snapshots from scheduled scrapes — not live seat availability. "Full" can exceed 100% when sections over-enroll.
Meeting times
Share of recent sections by weekday: M 13% · T 7% · W 12% · Th 9% · F 9%
Common patterns: async (63% of sections), R (8% of sections), M (6% of sections), MW (6% of sections), F (6% of sections), W (5% of sections) — in patterns, R means Thursday
Professors
Fall
- Ali Sharifian Attar (58% of students) · reviews
- Sarita Singh (16% of students) · reviews
- Lama Hamandi (10% of students) · reviews
- Mais Nijim (5% of students) · reviews
Spring
- Ali Sharifian Attar (33% of students) · reviews
- Mais Nijim (16% of students) · reviews
- Maryam Tanha (15% of students) · reviews
- Sarita Singh (14% of students) · reviews
Summer A
- Alden Jackson (72% of students) · reviews
- Maryam Tanha (28% of students) · reviews
Percentages are each professor's average share of the season's enrolled students in recent terms.
Unlocks
Courses that list CS 5700 in their prerequisites.
Links
Official catalog (CS course descriptions) · Student reviews on RateMyHusky · All CS courses · Plan it at numap.app