Team Project IDEAS for Communication Networks: CS 3000

1. Create an interface to some RFC's -- organize a set of readings for people who wish to learn "all about" some Internet topic(s) by reading RFC's. This can be thought of as a guide to the underlying topic(s). Set things up to help people to read the material in an optimal manner. Exploit the potential of hypertext. Beforehand, do your best to discover websites that do the same kind of thing you are trying to do. Try to make your site unique in a useful way.
   
   
2. Present an overview of the best current software tools for analyzing network performance. Start with RFC 2151.
   
   
3. Install SETI Daemons on all the Sun Workstations in the Computer Science Lab, and fully document all the installation steps.
   
   
4. Explicate in detail several different forms of network transmission technology. For example, how do the leased telephone lines "work?" Also, give details about satellite communications. Explain the technology of a communications satellite.
   
   
5. Give design details on the hardware used for laser, infrared, radio, and/or microwave transmission.
   
   
6. Do a report on WDM (wave division multiplexing) and its applications.
   
   
7. Describe the design of the different kinds of "boxes" to be found at the "ends" of network links. Include explanations of how the boxes do modulation/demodulation and multiplex/demultiplex.
   
   
8. Report on error correction and detection coding in networking applications. Investigate the range of techniques in use or under investigation today. Compare and contrast. Discuss advantages and disadvantages.
   
   
9. Report on cyclic redundancy checks (CRC's). Provide insights into the mathematical properties. Why are they better for certain kinds of error detection? Develop any other interesting themes.
   
   
10. Find out all about the structure and composition of the LAN here at CSU Stanislaus. Present a description in as much detail as possible. Include maps and charts.
    
    
11. Give a presentation explaining the distributed spanning tree algorithm that ethernet bridges execute to prevent frame forwarding cycles.
    
    
12. Find out all about ADSL -- this is a a "standout" technology for local loop.
    
    
13. Find out all about cable modem technology and how it is working out for users, especially in areas where it is used heavily.
    
    
14. Get data showing the structure of the Internet worldwide and patterns of usage. Come up with analyses of the Internet -- insights.
    
    
15. Tell all about how ATM works, or some other major networking paradigm.
    
    
16. Tell all about the principles and tradeoffs involved in designing a WAN.
    
    
17. Dig up lots of information on how dynamic routing works. Explore the relationship between levels of service and routing schemes. Also, how multicasting and routing relate.
    
    
18. Present alternatives for creating a secure data network connected to the Internet. What degree of security is feasible? What measures are recommended? Include discussion of virtual private networks (VPN's -- a standout idea).
    
    
19. Describe several layered network architectures. Compare and contrast.
    
    
20. Describe all about how to set up a subnet using SLIP or PPP. How does one use ARP and routing? What are the rules for assigning a family of addresses and a netmask?
    
    
21. Describe the routing protocols now in use on the Internet, and how the routers interoperate.
    
    
22. Tell about current research in Internet routing.
    
    
23. Tell all about multicasting and the MBONE.
    
    
24. Tell all about schemes for supporting real-time streaming audio and video on the Internet.
    
    
25. Tell all about IPv6
    
    
26. Tell all about IPv6 quality-of-service features. Compare and contrast with quality-of-service features of some other networking technologies. Examples of "other networking technologies" include, but are not limited to: ATM, X.25, Frame Relay, and SMDS.
    
    
27. Tell about Internet protocol research and development. (new protocols)
    
    
28. Use a sniffer to gather a lot of packet statistics and present an interesting breakdown and analysis of traffic pattens.
    
    
29. Tell how to create and maintain an Internet firewall.
    
    
30. Create a web-based application, preferably one of use to the CS Department. (program planning tool?)
    
    
31. Set up a secondary name server.
    
    
32. Tell about how to set up POP clients and servers. Also tell about how to fight spam.
    
    
33. Report on the content of all HTTP specifications.
    
    
34. Configure a diskless workstation and its bootserver.