CSE 331
Introduction to Networks and Security
U. Penn. Department of Computer and Information Science, Fall 2004

Description

This course introduces basic concepts in secure network communications. The first part of the course covers the key concepts of internetworking, including basic attributes of current direct link networks, how they are connected to form an internetwork using IP, routing in internetworks, and the endpoint protocols used by hosts to exploit internetwork communication. 

The second part of the course introduces basic concepts of security such as confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It provides an introduction to cryptography including symmetric and asymmetric key schemes and digital signatures, and shows how these methods are used to construct secure communication protocols for network communication. 

The third part of the course examines the way secure communication is done in the Internet, including viruses, virtual private networks, firewalls, and security of routers. The course ends with an overview of issues and technology related to privacy and electronic commerce on the Internet.
Prerequisites

This course is for Juniors and Seniors with some experience in Java programming.  They are expected to have completed CSE 121 or 115.  Students who have taken, or are currently taking TCOM 500 should not take CSE 331.  Instead, they should consider taking CIS 551.
Textbooks

There is no required textbook for CSE331 Fall 2004.

The following books contain useful supplementary material, and much of the lecture content is derived from them (and other sources). Copies of these books will be placed on reserve in the Engineering Library.  

  • Security in Computing (3rd edition)   by Charles P. Pfleeger
  • Computer Networks: A Systems Approach (2nd edition)  by Larry L. Peterson and Bruce S. Davie
  • Applied Cryptography by Bruce Schneier

Other reading, for fun!  (Students are not responsible for learning any of the material in these books.)

  • Secrets and Lies by Bruce Schneier
  • Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
Grading Policy

Grades for CSE 331 will be based on individual homework assignments, team projects, two in-class exams, and a final exam.  The policies regarding each of these are described below.

Individual Homework (21%)

Homework assignments will be available on the web pages.  They are to be completed independently and turned in at the beginning of class on the due date.  Late homework will not be accepted without prior permission of the instructor unless there are emergency circumstances.

Team Projects (40%)

Teams will consist of two or three students.  Students are not permitted to work individually on the team projects.

More information will be available as the projects are announced.

Midterms (24%)

There will be two midterms. The first exam will cover the networking portion of the course. The second exam will cover the first half of security topics.

Final (15%)

The final exam will be given at the time and date determined by the registrar.  It will cover the security portion of the class.

Class Participation (0%)

Come to class! Ask questions! Interact with the course staff through office hours, etc. Although this will not affect your numerical score in the class, it will definitely impact your grade -- experience has shown that students that actively participate get better grades.

Regrades

Regrade requests should be sent to the TA.  Only reasonable requests will be considered.  The entire homework or exam will be regraded - this means that the score on a regraded homework might decrease.

Last Modified: September 2, 2004 4:24 PM