Online Master of Science in Network Engineering

This course reviews the OSI and internet protocol models and the Linux and Windows operating system environments. It also discusses hardware and software configuration and implementations, as well as network administration operations, including IP, TCP, UDP, DNS, NFS, SMTP, IMAP, DHCP, IPsec and sendmail protocols, as well as web services. Students complete numerous hands-on assignments using open source software products that can be downloaded and used on their personal computers.

This course is an introductory graduate course on the protocol architecture of the internet, following a bottom-up approach to the protocol layers. The objective of this core course is to provide an understanding of the internetworking concepts in preparation for advanced networking courses. The first part of the course covers networking technologies such as local area networks, packet switching and ATM. The second part of the course examines the internet protocol (IP) and TCP/UDP in depth. The last part of the course is an overview of important application protocols such as HTTP, client/server computing, SMTP, FTP and SNMP.

Switching and routing architectures, protocols, and functions are explained. For switching, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Trill, Virtual LANs (VLANs), VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP), and inter-VLAN trunking are covered. For routing, static routing and dynamic routing protocols including RIP (version 1 and 2), OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, and Cisco’s EIGRP are examined. IPv4 subnetting, with and without classes, and IPv6 are analyzed. Software tools are used to simulate the operation and performance of protocols studied. A lab using switches and routers is used to provide hands-on, real world implementation of the simulated networks.

This course provides an overview of public and private telecommunications systems, traffic engineering, switching, transmission, and signaling. It also explores channel capacity, media characteristics, Fourier analysis and harmonics, modulation, electromagnetic wave propagation and antennas, modems and interfaces, and digital transmission systems. Students learn the foundations of DSL technologies, digital microwave, satellites, fiber optics and SONET, and Integrated Services Digital Networks.

This course is a comprehensive overview of cloud computing. Defined categories of compute, storage, and network are examined with emphasis on network. Application of the cloud delivery models of Infrastructure-, Platform- and Software-as-a-Service (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) to deployment models of public, private and hybrid clouds are covered. Physical and logical cloud architectures are thoroughly reviewed. Server and network virtualization using virtual machine hypervisors and virtual containers are surveyed. Data center applications of cloud technology, particularly internal and external data center network architectures, are discussed in depth. Public cloud provider implementations and cloud management are observed. Learning is confirmed and enhanced by real world case studies and labs.

Detailed discussion of Software Defined Networking (SDN), SDN applications, challenges, advantages and disadvantages. We will also cover virtualization, application details of SDN in Cloud Computing, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).

This course is a graduate-level survey of the technologies underlying network security. The first part of the course covers the principles of private and public key cryptography and describes a number of example encryption algorithms, including DES and AES. Next, the use of encryption with hash functions for digital signatures and certificates, followed by perimeter security, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, viruses, and worms. The last part of the course encompasses a number of secure protocols, including secure email, secure HTTP, IPSec, and virtual private networks. Topics that are part of general security but peripheral to network security are not covered, e.g., physical tamper resistance, security policies, digital rights management, and biometrics.

This course is a comprehensive overview of cloud engineering focusing on the use of Amazon Web Services Solutions (AWS) Architect Associate curriculum. Topics will include cloud architecting, creating a network environment, securing use and application access, and connecting networks. The AWS Well Architected Framework and the Amazon Fourteen Leadership Principles will also be covered, with guest lectures by Amazon engineers planned.

This course reviews software applications used in the automation and programmability of modern networks. Network automation protocols such as NETCONF and OpenFlow as well as platforms such as Openstack are examined. Various scripting methods including Python, awk, Bash and tcl as well as software automation tools like Chef, Ansible and Puppet are demonstrated. The software development life cycle, along with relevant software versioning tools such as Git and Subversion, are also covered. The application of network automation to Software Defined Networks (SDN) is explained. The effect of network automation on operational and financial efficiency are discussed. Current vendor applications are reviewed. Hands-on labs confirm and enhance learning of course topics. Projects and Presentations towards the end with assignments.

This class focuses on the advanced analysis of data center cloud computing and virtualization including the design and implementation of a private cloud environment and integration with public cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS). This includes implementation using industry leading software applications including VMWare, Openstack and OpenDaylight or related products. Second, the internal and external data center networks design and implementation are examined. Application of MST, MPLS and DMVPN as well as advanced routing protocol topics of BGP, OSPF and IS-IS to data center networks are examined in detail. Network automation using Python, Ansible and related software packages are introduced. Data center network security is discussed. The student will demonstrate mastery of classroom material in numerous laboratory exercises using actual software and hardware discussed in class.

This course will explore DevOps is a movement which has emerged as a set of solutions to address reoccurring problems which limit an organization’s ability to deliver solutions and grow in an increasingly competitive market. DevOps and associated software including Git, Ansible, Chef, Vagrant, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform. DevOps extensions of DevSecOp and NetDevOps will also be covered. Lecture material will be supplemented with labs.

This is a comprehensive course in the fast-developing field of wireless mobile/cellular and personal telecommunications. Topics include mobile/cellular communications; frequency allocations; base station site selection; cellular structures; channel trunking; analog cellular signalling; handover; data over cellular; multipath fading; diversity reception; modulation techniques; speech coding; digital cellular design, including GSM and TDMA; spectral efficiency considerations; spectral management and regulations; roaming; and current world systems and standards. Topics on personal communications include basic concepts and terminology for PCS; PCS technology; design based on CSM, TDMA, and CDMA; spectrum sharing with other services such as FSM; PCS standards; intelligent networks for PCS; global challenges for PCS; third-generation wireless, number portability, and roaming; and satellites in wireless. Prerequisites: EETS 7301, and ECE 5370 or ECE 7370, or permission of the instructor. This course is primarily for the telecommunications program but can also be very useful for ECE students who plan to specialize in this field.

This course examines the MPLS protocol and its applications in networks. Introduces the basics of MPLS and MPLS traffic engineering, DiffServ QoS, and network survivability. Investigates Layer 2 and Layer 3 MPLS virtual private networks. Covers MPLS management, access networks, MPLS Transport Profile, and Generalized MPLS. Prerequisite: EETS 7304.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the background, protocols, standards, and issues related to Internet telephony. Describes the changing telecommunications environment that motivates the transition from today’s telephone network to voice over IP and strategies being used by companies and individuals to implement VoIP. Covers the umbrella protocol Session Internet Protocol and its partner, Session Description Protocol. In addition to SIP and SDP, H.323, RSVP, RTP, DNS, TRIP, ISUP, and SS7 are covered. Issues include emergency services, security, mobility, and quality of service. On-campus students - and off-campus students with high-speed Internet access - have access to SIP lab equipment. Prerequisite: EETS 7301 or permission of instructor.

This course focuses on third generation systems, wireless data, and emerging wireless systems and technologies. Covers the IMT2000 requirements, proposals, and evolution path for CDMA and TDMA technologies toward 3G. Detailed study of radio access network for the GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, and CDMA2000, as well as core network evolution. Also, Mobile IP, WAP, and second-generation wireless data systems such as CDPD and SMS. May include LMDS, WILL, indoor systems, cordless phones, and WLAN.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to various transport layer protocols, especially focusing on wireless networks. The course begins with a study of various traffic scenarios in different elements of a wireless network, then looks at various applications using 3G, and finishes with a discussion of methods for performance monitoring and network testing. Prerequisite: EETS 7316 (formerly EETS 7306).

This is a comprehensive course on IP switching and QoS management technology, protocols, and applications. Prerequisite: EETS 7301 or consent of instructor.

This course is a graduate-level survey of the technologies underlying network security. The first part of the course covers the principles of private and public key cryptography and describes a number of example encryption algorithms, including DES and AES. Next, the use of encryption with hash functions for digital signatures and certificates, followed by perimeter security, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, viruses, and worms. The last part of the course encompasses a number of secure protocols, including secure email, secure HTTP, IPSec, and virtual private networks. Topics that are part of general security but peripheral to network security are not covered, e.g., physical tamper resistance, security policies, digital rights management, and biometrics.

This course focuses on the systematic process of network design. The course explains the process of gathering network requirements and covers data flow analysis and the selection of network architectures. Also, addressing and routing, network management, network performance criteria, and security and privacy architecture selection methods. These techniques are merged to create a complete network design framework. Prerequisite: EETS 7304 or permission of instructor.

This course covers integration of network protocols including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS, VLAN, VPN/DMVPN, IPsec and MACsec, STP and Trill, VoIP and methods of Quality of Service (QoS) in advanced networks. Concurrently, the requirements for an extensive and realistic network will be analyzed, designed, then simulated using software tools; and finally installed, operated, and tested using actual network equipment. Prerequisites: EETS 7304, EETS 8303, and EETS 8304.

This is a comprehensive course in the important issues in telecommunications network management. Overview of the underlying principles – operation, administration, maintenance, and provisioning – that are often the most expensive and labor-intensive aspects of telecommunications. Includes different paradigms for network management such as the Internet Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP, SNMPv2) and the Open System Interconnection Common Management information protocol. Covers the object-oriented modeling approach such as the ITU-T Telecommunications Management Network and Bellcore’s Information Networking Architecture. Also, implementation issues of architectural concepts into network products and systems such as the translation from ISO Guidelines for the Definition of Managed Objects into C++. Network simulation, configuration, fault, security, accounting, performance management, and the quality of service concepts. Addresses drivers for network management and its traditional practice, as well as future needs, and includes case studies in Intelligent Network and Synchronous Optical Network. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor, plus knowledge of one high-level programming language, preferably Pascal, C, or C++.

This course discusses the operation of the following network types: Synchronous Optical Network, Synchronous Digital Hierarchy, and Optical Transport Network. Also, optical core and access network configurations. Introduction to WDM network elements, and control and management of optical networks, plus an overview of network survivability using optical technologies. Covers future optical technologies, including photonic packet switching. Students use simulation software in laboratory experiments to analyze the performance and operation of optical networks. Prerequisite: EETS 7304 or permission of instructor.

This course is an introduction to communication in modulation systems in discrete and continuous time, information content of signals, and the transition of signals in the presence of noise. Also, amplitude, frequency, phase and pulse modulation, and time and frequency division multiplexing. Prerequisite: ECE 3360 and ECE 3372.

This course is an introduction to fundamentals of probability, probability distributions, and statistical techniques used by engineers and physical scientists. Topics include basic concepts and rules of probability, random variables, probability distributions, expectation and variance, sampling and sampling distributions, statistical analysis techniques, statistical inference estimation and tests of hypothesis, correlation and regression, and analysis of variance. Prerequisite: Knowledge of calculus required.

This course is an introduction to economic analysis methodology. Topics include engineering economy and cost concepts, interest formulas and equivalence, economic analysis of alternatives, technical rate-of-return analysis, and economic analysis under risk and uncertainty. Credit not allowed for both EMIS 2360 and EMIS 8361. Prerequisite: Knowledge of introductory probability and statistics.

This course is an introduction to and overview of financial and managerial accounting for engineering management. Topics include basic accounting concepts and terminology; preparation and interpretation of financial statements; and uses of accounting information for planning, budgeting, decision-making, control, and quality improvement. The focus is on concepts and applications in industry today.

This course develops an understanding of corporate financial decisions for engineers. Topics include cost of capital, capital budgeting, capital structure theory and policy, working capital management, financial analysis and planning, and multinational finance. Prerequisite: EMIS 8361 or a knowledge of time value of money.

This course explores ways to manage technology and technical functions from a pragmatic point of view, to keep from becoming technically obsolete as an individual contributor, and to keep the corporation technically astute. Explores the management of technology from three distinct viewpoints: 1) the management of technology from both an individual and a corporate perspective, 2) the management of technical functions and projects, and 3) the management of technical professionals within the organization. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in engineering.