Special Topics in Computer Engineering

Distributed computing systems have become pervasive. From clusters to internet-worked computers, to mobile machines, distributed systems are being used to support a wide variety of applications. This course introduces key concepts and techniques underlying the design and engineering of distributed computing systems. The following are the objectives of this course:
– In-depth understanding of core concepts of distributed computing.
– Construction of applications and supporting system components by doing project work.

This course provides the broad view of network architecture and protocol at local area network and metropolitan area network (LAN/MAN). We focus on design concept of LAN/MAN with a user and operator viewpoints (e.g., cost, complexity, and performance). Topics include all the IEEE 802.x series including 802.3x (Ethernet), 802.11x (Wireless), 802.15 (Cable), 802.16x (Wibro/WiMax), 802.17 (RPR), 802.21 (MIH), etc. In addition, a virtual private network (VPN) and passive optical network (PON) are investigated.