Spotlight on the Networking Sequence

CS460 and CS461 consider local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and metropolitan area networks (MANs). They take a layered view of networks and focus most of their attention on the physical layer, the data link layer, the network layer, the transport layer.

CS460 covers LAN hardware, LAN topology and design, and LAN protocols. It then considers the installation and management of LAN operating systems and LAN services (address management, name management, file and print sharing, account management). CS461 covers audio, voice, data and TV transmission over ATM/B-ISDN networks. It also includes coverage of the SONET signal hierarchy and Q3 standard interface model.

Both courses also devote some time to security issues.

CS462, Network Applications Development, focuses on the application layer. Specifically, it considers the design and implementation of network-based applications. It is sometimes taught in C/C++ and sometimes taight in Java.

Network Analysis and Design (CS463) provides an in-depth introduction to the techniques and tools used to design and analyze computer and telecommunications networks. It also provides an overview of issues related to network performance, including the impact on cost, reliability and security.

The syllabi for these course provide all of the information you could possibly need. Some recent examples include: CS460 and CS462.