CS 552: Computer Networks (Spring 2026)

Computer networks are among the most influential systems ever created. Billions of users/devices communicate with each other through globally interconnected network infrastructures of wired and wireless links.

CS 552 is a graduate-level course that introduces fundamental elements of modern computer networks. The course will consist of lectures (70%) and paper readings and discussions (30%) based on HotCRP. The course will cover the popular five-layer TCP/IP model: L1 (physical layer), L2 (link layer), L3 (network layer), L4 (transport layer), and L5 (application layer). For the lecture, we will spend 60% on the lower layers (L1, L2) and 40% on the upper layers (L3, L4, L5), i.e., 60% on wireless and 40% on wired networking. For each layer, we will learn the state-of-the-art technologies including MIMO systems, medium access protocols, routing algorithms, TCP/UDP protocols, and DNS, respectively. For the paper discussions (later in this course), students are required to read/present papers and lead discussions.

Prerequisites: Students need to have some basic knowledge of Mathematics for Computer Science (e.g., Linear Algebra, Calculus, and Probability Theory), Data Structures, System Programming, and (undergraduate-level) Computer Networks.  

Recommended Textbook: James F. F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross, "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet", 9th (or any recent) edition.

Reference Textbooks:
Larry Peterson and Bruce S. Davie, "Computer Networks: A Systems Approach"

Andrea Goldsmith, "Wireless Communications"

David Tse and Pramod Viswanath, "Fundamentals of Wireless Communication"

William Stallings, "Data and Computer Communications"

Behrouz A. Forouzan, "Data Communications and Networking"

Announcements

• [03/13/2026] In-Class Exam on 3/26 (Bring your student ID!) & No Class on 3/19 due to Spring Break.

• [03/12/2026] Assignment 3's deadline has been extended to Mar. 30.

• [03/05/2026] Assignment 3 released (Due 3/23).

• [02/19/2026] Assignment 2 released (Due 3/9).

• [02/13/2026] Assignment 1 & Project Proposal
  - Assignment 1's deadline has been extended to Feb. 23.
  - Project proposal deadline has been extended to Feb. 24.
  - Leave a comment on your group member information on Piazza by Feb. 21

• [01/21/2026] The first day of class is 01/22/2026.

Instructor: Minsung Kim (website)

Email: minsungk.cs@rutgers.edu

Office: Core 313

Office Hours: Thursday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM or by appointment

TAs:

• James Park (jmp747@rwjms.rutgers.edu)

• Thomas Trieu (tt476@scarletmail.rutgers.edu)

Class: 

• Thursday 5:40 PM - 8:40 PM at Room 105, Allison Road Classroom Building (ARC  105)

Canvas: https://rutgers.instructure.com/courses/387000

Piazza: https://piazza.com/class/mkoz4lj2uat65c

Grading: 

• In-Class Midterm (30%)

• Homework/Assignments (20%)

• Project (40%)

• Participation (10%)  

Note: Homeworks/Assignments will include problem sets and/or several programming tasks (Python, Matlab, C, or C++ based) 

Policies:

Late submissions will NOT be accepted, except in emergencies, which will be considered at the instructor's discretion.

The use of AI tools, including but not limited to ChatGPT, Geminie, and Claude, for the assignments is NOT allowed. 

Copying solutions from Stack Overflow, GitHub, or any other web for the assignments is NOT allowed.

Academic Integrity: 

https://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/

https://www.cs.rutgers.edu/academics/undergraduate/academic-integrity-policy

http://nbacademicintegrity.rutgers.edu/home-2/academic-integrity-policy

https://nbprovost.rutgers.edu/academic-integrity-students