CS 591R: Multicast Technologies

West Virginia University
Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

Class Information

Prerequisites: CS 453
Instructor: Todd L. Montgomery
Time and Location: T R, 8-9:15am, 105 MER-E
Syllabus in PDF

Material

Multicast, especially IP multicast, is a developing network technology that presents unique challenges both in theory and in practice. Exposure to multicast applications is becoming an oft-desired skill for working with many next generation network architectures and data distribution systems. Natural broadcast media, such as wireless and satellite, are a perfect fit for multicast and are quickly becoming central portions of data distribution architectures around the world. In this course, you will learn the theory and practice of various aspects of multicast technology. The instructor has almost 10 years experience with these various aspects of multicast deployment and theory in commercial settings.

Grading

All graded material must be done individually and in accordance with the University regulations on academic dishonesty and student code of conduct. Grades will be based primarily on a Term Project, Term Paper, and a Final Exam. In addition there is a strong possibility of a few pop quizzes given solely at the instructors discretion. For these quizzes, there will be no makeup examinations. If you provide a valid, written medical excuse, your grade will be averaged based on your other material. Term Projects may be done in a choice of languages (C, C++, Java, etc.), but some restrictions may apply. All assignments will be submitted at the start of class unless otherwise stated in class or by email. Late assignments will not be accepted. Grades will be awarded based on the following scale: 90-100 (A), 80-89 (B), 70-79 (C), 60-69 (D), less than 60 (F). You are responsible for all material presented in class, presented on the course web page, and on the class mailing list (if used).

Supplemental Texts

The class does not have any specific text. Instead, the topics will be taken from a number of texts, IETF drafts, IETF RFCs, journal papers, and conference papers. A reading list will be presented as the semester progresses. For those interested, most of the material will come from the following references.

Term Project Lists

You must pick 2 unique projects to do. One must be in the Paper List and one must be in the Programming List. The combination must be unique. No other student may do the same combination. Please sign up with me before the October 2nd class.

Paper List

Programming List

Schedule

Resources

Reading List

RFC and Internet Drafts are available at the IETF web site.
Todd L. Montgomery (revised 11.10.2004)