Communication Protocols and Internet Architectures

Harvard Extension School

CSCI E-40

Section 1

CRN 14296

View Course Details
Networks are now too large, complex, and diverse to be built on an ad hoc basis. This course provides a structured approach to the design, analysis, and implementation of networks and protocols. We study various protocols, including TCP/IP, WWW/HTTP, e-mail/SMTP, domain name system (DNS), routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, and BGP) and autonomous systems (AS), virtual network protocols (VXLAN), delay-tolerant network protocols (DTN), and the IEEE 802 LAN protocol suite. In each case, the protocol's functions and the underlying reference model are discussed in detail. LAN architecture and design, network security and encryption, and the design and analysis of both private networks and the internet are presented. The course discusses new areas of work, including low latency network design, cloud network architecture, gigabit wireless networks, protocols for the Internet-of-Things (IoT), software-defined networks (SDN), and network functions virtualization (NFV).

Instructor Info

Len Evenchik, SM

Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University


Meeting Info

M 5:50pm - 7:50pm (9/2 - 12/20)

Participation Option: On Campus, Online Asynchronous or Online Synchronous

In online asynchronous courses, you are not required to attend class at a particular time. Instead you can complete the course work on your own schedule each week.

Deadlines

Last day to register: August 28, 2025

Additional Time Commitments

Required sections to be arranged.

Prerequisites

Programming or networking experience; a basic understanding of the principles of communication protocols.

Notes

Students can attend in person on campus, participate live online at the time the class meets via web conference, or watch the recorded video asynchronously. Recorded sessions are typically available within a few hours of the end of class and no later than the following business day. See minimum technology requirements.

All Sections of this Course

CRN Section # Participation Option(s) Instructor Section Status Meets Term Dates
35748 1 Online Asynchronous Leonard Evenchik Open Jun 23 to Aug 8
24033 1 Online Asynchronous Leonard Evenchik Open Jan 26 to May 16
14296 1 On Campus, Online Asynchronous, Online Synchronous Leonard Evenchik Open M 5:50pm - 7:50pm
Sep 2 to Dec 20