Session F2G COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS MS GRADUATE PROGRAM Fred J. Looft1 and John Orr2 Abstract WPI offers a distinctive specialization at the M.S. level in Computer and Communications Networks (CCN) - a technical, cross-disciplinary program bridging the disciplines of Computer Science (CS) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). This program recognizes the accelerating pace of technological advances in telecommunications and computation, and the ongoing merger of these two areas. Students may pursue this specialization toward the M.S. degree in either the ECE or the CS department, based on student background and interest. In either case, the program draws extensively from both disciplines. A distinctive aspect of the program is that students are encouraged to complete a six credit hour (two course equivalent) internship instead of a thesis. This internship represents an advanced-level network engineering experience, tailored to the specific interests of the student. Each project is carried out in cooperation with a sponsoring organization and is advised by a WPI faculty member in the ECE or CS Department. Program curricular details, experience in arranging and carrying out internships, and "lessons learned" over the eight years of operation of the program are presented.
There is substantial value and meaning in the traditional majors, which should not be lightly given up. CCN students do meet all of the requirements for their major in either EE or CS, as well as the specialization requirements in CCN. The WPI CCN program grew from the conviction that expertise in acquiring, storing, processing, transmitting and interrelating disparate forms of information will be at the heart of the ECE and CS professions of the 21st century. The program was specifically designed to reside at the MS level. That allows a more sophisticated and in-depth treatment of the material than in BS programs, but still at the engineering rather than the research level as in doctoral programs. Further, it was designed to integrate the rather substantial breadth of material that comprises modern networking. Finally, the program was expected to undergo continual change and updating in order to respond to the accelerating pace of technological advances in telecommunications and computation. The CCN program is described below, including courses, typical student programs of study, and a particularly interesting and unique aspect of the specialization known as the CCN Internship.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Index Terms Masters’ Programs, Networks, Internships.
INTRODUCTION It would be difficult to overstate the importance of communications networks and information networking technology to the global economy, as well as the centrality of this discipline to most other areas of technology and to the conduct of business and an increasing percentage of the tasks of daily living. In the early 1990's at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) the faculty of the Computer Science (CS) and the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) departments recognized that there was a critical need for engineers and computer scientists trained in the software and hardware skills required to design, develop and implement the network technologies of the future. With this need in mind, the CS and ECE faculty created a specialization in Computer and Communications Networks (CCN) as a technical, cross-disciplinary program bridging Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. It should be noted that CCN is not a new major. Students major either in electrical engineering or computer science, and specialize (with a notation on their transcript) in CCN. 1 2
The CCN Program was designed to be appropriate for three types of graduate students: •
Matriculated students interested in completing the MS degree with a specialization in Computer and Communications Networks.
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Non-degree students interested in a sequence of courses to obtain a focused technical background and a certificate of graduate study; and
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Matriculated and non-degree students interested in completing one or more CCN courses while specializing in other areas of ECE or CS;
Provided that a student meets the background requirements for a course, any graduate student may register for any CCN area course. The result is that students from other disciplines may take one or more CCN courses and develop at least a working knowledge of basic networking theory and practice. Typically, students interested in this option include senior-level undergraduates anticipating a value added component to their undergraduate degree, graduate students who, while not electing to specialize in the CCN area, recognize the importance of at least a minimal background
Fred J. Looft, Worcester Polytechnic Institute,
[email protected] John A. Orr, Worcester Polytechnic Institute,
[email protected]
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Session F2G in networking as an important component of their graduate studies, and non-matriculated students from industry who are seeking a course or two that provide a background they can use to develop professionally. For students who seek to develop a more focused background in the CCN area, there are two options. First, students who have not yet started the MS degree pro gram can earn a Graduate Certificate. The Graduate Certificate program provides an opportunity for students holding undergraduate degrees to continue their study in an advanced area, with the benefit of academic advising, but without committing to a full graduate degree program. Upon completion of 4 or 5 thematically related courses in the CCN area of interest, the student is awarded a Certificate of Graduate Study. The typical student who is interested in this option is a part time student who did not have a background in networking prior to starting their professional career, but who finds himself/herself in the position of needing to know more about networks as part of the job environment, or as a result of a desire to advance into a specialty networking area. For students who already hold an MS degree in EE or CS, the Advanced Graduate Certificate program provides an opportunity to continue their studies in advanced topics in the CCN area. Students again have the benefit of academic advising, but without committing to a second MS or Ph.D. degree program. The program consists of a set of five courses, none of which were included in the student’s MS program of study. The courses may either include a breadth or a depth option and may be customized to satisfy a student’s unique needs. Upon completion of the required course work, students are awarded a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. The typical student who seeks an Advanced Graduate certificate is a part time student who has already obtained an MS degree, but who now finds the need for specialized knowledge to stay current in his/her professional career. Finally, for matriculated graduate students seeking an MS degree in EE or CS with a CCN Specialization, the basic degree requirement is 33 semester credit hours for a nonthesis degree, or 30 credits for a thesis -based degree. The courses that satisfy the selected credit hour requirement are generally distributed as follows. •
One or two mathematical foundation core courses (e.g. Probabilistic Signals and Systems in ECE or Analysis of Computation and Systems in CS, Digital Signal Processing, Deterministic Systems, Discrete Math, etc.)
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One or two foundation core courses that emphasize network/IT foundations (e.g. Introduction to CCN, Advanced CCN, High Performance Networks, etc.)
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A selection of courses that are targeted at the specific interests of the student (e.g. a specialty in digital
communications, software systems, computer and system architecture, wireless networks, high performance networking, performance analysis, cryptography and data security, transmission technologies, standards and protocols, etc), and •
A 6 credit hour (two course equivalent) Internship Project unless waived and replaced with course work or a thesis
CURRICULAR DETAILS Areas of Specialization As a general overview, the CCN program prepares graduates for technical leadership positions in the design and implementation of computer and communications networks, including local- and wide-area computer networking, distributed computation, telecommunications (including voice, data and video services), wireless networking and personal mobile communications. All of the fundamental hardware and software aspects of networks are treated in the basic program: •
The seven layer ISO, and other, network models,
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Transmission media and terminals (including fiber optics, cable, and radio)
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Switching and routing methods,
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Systems modeling and performance analysis,
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Methods of distributed computation,
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Standards and protocols ,
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Impacts of the information type (voice, video, text, etc.) on optimal transmission and routing methods.
Once a student has completed the core courses, there are several specialty areas that the student can elect to focus on. These specialty areas, usually supported by specific faculty as a result of their research interests, include the following, organized by major faculty research areas. Wireless Information Networking The Center for Wireless Information Network Studies (CWINS) has been active for over 16 years in the rapidly growing area of wireless personal and data communications. The work of CWINS is quite diverse; in recent years, basic research has been conducted in channel modeling and simulation, spread-spectrum techniques, adaptive equalization, multiple-access methods, network architectures, wireless optical communications, micro strip antennas and RF circuit design. The lab has been particularly active in the measurement of indoor RF propagation. Convergent Technologies Center The laboratories in this center combine diverse expertise for the exploration of the emerging and converging technologies
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Session F2G of computing, communications and cognition. The Polaroid Machine Vision Laboratory (PMVL), and the Network Computing Applications and Multimedia (NETCAM) laboratory focus on the development of new algorithms and on moving emergent technologies into commercial, medical and defense-related applications. Projects in the NETCAM lab explore the optimization of network protocols for multimedia, distributed-object services (CORBA) and virtual-reality-based user interfaces. Research in the CTC’s PMVL has resulted in the development of efficient algorithms and new theoretical performance bounds for machine vision, automatic target recognition, and image fusion for optical, IR SAR and SONAR data. Satellite Navigation Laboratory This laboratory focuses on civilian uses of satellite systems, especially the Global Positioning System (GPS). Integrity monitoring, enhancement of precision, and extension of GPS to new uses illustrate the work of this laboratory. The laboratory encompasses work in ad hoc mobile data networks for personal navigation systems. Cryptography and Information Security (CRIS) Laboratory The CRIS Laboratory conducts research and development in cryptography and its applications, particularly focused on mobile and embedded systems. One research focus is fast implementations of the next generation of public-key algorithms such as elliptic and hyper elliptic curve schemes. Specific recent projects have included application of FPGA technology to new types of cryptosystems that allow for a fast switch of private-key encryption algorithms ("algorithm agility"). Another research focus is the integration of cryptography and data security into new communication networks, particularly those that impact the design and implementation of security protocols for wireless networks, with an emphasis on wireless LANs. CCN Courses Following is a list, with short descriptions of regularly offered CCN courses. Courses which are jointly offered by the ECE and CS departments are indicated. EE 506/CS 513 INTRODUCTION TO LOCAL AND WIDE AREA NETWORKS This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of the design of computer and communications networks, including the standard network models. EE 508. TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY This course provides an understanding of some of the major trends and issues involved in the development of U.S. telecommunications and information technology policies.
EE 514. FUNDAMENTALS OF RF AND MW ENGINEERING This introductory course develops a comprehensive understanding of Maxwell’s field theory as applied to highfrequency radiation, propagation and circuit phenomena. EE 530/CS 530. HIGH PERFORMANCE NETWORKS This course is an in-depth study o f the theory, design and performance of high-speed networks. EE 532. DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS: MODULATION AND CODING Studies various modulation techniques and coding schemes, binary and M-ary signaling, basic modulation techniques: PSK, FSK, PAM, QAM and MSK. Timing and phase recovery. EE 533. ADVANCES IN DIGITAL COMMUNICATION Methods for ISI reduction: linear, decision feedback, pass band and fractionally spaced equalizers; maximum likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE). EE 535. TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES This course introduces the principal technologies used to implement the physical networking layer. EE 537/CS 577 ADVANCED COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS This course covers advanced topics in the theory, design and performance of computer and communication networks. EE 538. WIRELESS INFORMATION NETWORKS Overview of wireless information networks, radio propagation modeling, Modulation techniques, antenna diversity and sectorization, adaptive equalization, multirate transmission and multiamplitude phase modulation. EE 539S. MOBILE DATA NETWORKING This course presents the principles of wireless data communications by introducing the state-of-the-art network architectures, standards and products, and explaining the key factors in evolution of this. EE 578/CS 578 CRYPTOGRAPHY AND DATA SECURITY This course gives a comprehensive introduction into the field of cryptography and data security classical algorithms serve as an example. EE 579R. ADVANCED CRYPTOGRAPHY This course provides deeper insight into three critical areas of cryptography: analysis and the implementation of cryptoalgorithms, advanced protocols, and modern attacks against cryptographic schemes.
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Session F2G EE 579S. COMPUTER SECURITY This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of computer security, security architectures and their impact on computers.
Information Base (MIB) to improve the performance of the management framework. The objective was to retrieve management information more efficiently once an SNMP request was processed.
EE 579T. Network Security This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of network security; network architectures and protocols and their impact on security are examined
Secure Point-to-Multipoint Communications - This internship developed a security management device for a point-to-multipoint communications system. The system used the cellular network and (somewhat modified) cellular phones to allow group members to securely communicate with one another. The security manager software managed user information as well as generating and distributing cryptographic key material.
EE 581/CS 533 MODELING AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF NETWORKS AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS Methods and concepts of computer and communication network modeling and system performance evaluation. Other, special topics courses, are offered on a less regular basis depending on anticipated student enrollment and faculty availability.
THE CCN INTERNSHIP PROJECT A unique aspect of the CCN Specialty in CS/ECE is the opportunity for the student to complete an in-depth project demonstrating the ability to apply and extend the material studied in their course work. Students have the option of completing a practice-oriented internship or a researchoriented thesis. The internship represents a high-level network engineering experience, tailored to the specific interests of the student. Each internship is carried out in cooperation with a sponsoring organization, and must be approved and advised by a WPI faculty member in the CS or ECE department. Internships may be proposed by a faculty member, by an off-campus sponsor or by the student. The internship must include proposal, design and documentation phases, and generally includes implementation and testing. In addition to regular site visits to review student progress, at the end of an internship a student must prepare a report describing the internship activities, and make a presentation before a committee including the faculty advisor and a representative of the sponsoring organization. Examples of internships that have been completed include the following. Packet Blaster - The Packet Blaster project is a functional network tester based on the next generation smart hub technology. The purpose of the device is to test a new high speed FDDI and Ethernet card. The previous functional tester was only capable of delivering one frame at each port of a card at a time. The new system allowed all ports to be tested at full speed simultaneously. Management Framework - One of the most commonly used protocols for exchanging the management information in a network is the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The goal of this project was to analyze different data structures that could be used to replace or support an existing binary tree representation of the Management
Verilog Simulation of Fast Ethernet Switch - The purpose of this project was to complete a Verilog HDL simulation of a 100Mbps Ethernet switch. Specific intern tasks included becoming familiar with the simulation environment, generating a new "Platform Simulation Environment Guide", and simulating the fast Ethernet switch. During the simulation study several bugs were found and fixed. The final task was to verify the correctness of all switchboard busses to insure data integrity, no missed connections and full functionality. Wireless/Cellular Network Planning - A key component in the cost of a cellular network is the number of cell sites. For this internship project, a plan was created for determining which cell sites could be turned off or removed from service as the load of a cellular service area decreases. Factors considered in the selection of sites included area covered, location of adjacent sites and loading on a particular site. This internship project directly addressed the issue of what happens if the number of users of a cellular system decreases. In this case, the fixed costs of the system remain relatively constant since the cell sites are already in place and need to be maintained.
CCN PROGRAM TRENDS - LESSONS LEARNED Following is a summary of major observations regarding the operation of the CCN program: •
The CCN program has been very popular with students and applicants since its introduction.
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Based on student response, it appears that the existence of the CCN program has been a significant factor in graduate student applications, particularly for part-time students and foreign students.
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Only a small percentage (approximately 10%) of students indicating an interest in CCN complete the requirements and receive the CCN transcript designation.
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The relatively small completion rate for the CCN designation is not seen as a significant problem since this designation is subsidiary to the requirements for the MS degree in EE or CS.
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Session F2G •
The Internship opportunity has been an important feature of the program, but has had both positive and problematic aspects which are described in more detail below.
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Continuous course and program updating has been necessary as the information technology state of the art has advanced.
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To some extent, the popularity of CCN indicates that a large percentage of the activity in the ECE profession is currently involved in “computer and communications networks” in a substantial way.
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The number of students interested in our cryptography courses has increased significantly over time. Many also elect to complete a thesis (MS) in the cryptography area, and at the Ph.D. level a significant number of applicants are interested specifically in the cryptographic area of the CCN program.
The following observations relate specifically to the Internship aspect of the program: •
The Internship concept appears to be educationally sound based on a review of the projects conducted.
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Appropriate topics which are academically valid and of interest to both students and sponsors appear to exist in sufficient numbers.
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The internship is particularly attractive to foreign graduate students, providing U.S. corporate experience as well as academic credit.
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The internship is difficult to construct for part time students. The WPI rule is that a student can not receive credit for any activity the student is paid for. This creates a dilemma for part time students who, mostly likely, are already working full time and are seeking to complete an internship that in some way complements their full time job.
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Availability of internships from corporations varies drastically with the economy – a “feast or famine” situation in which it is difficult to guarantee the availability of an internship. This is a particularly frustrating aspect of the internship requirement since, currently (spring, 2002) there are many more students seeking internships than companies willing to sponsor projects.
as they saw their own companies move toward network/IT projects, or sought to improve their skills in anticipation of a job change. The most significant impact of the "previous experience" trend is that many recently admitted students are asking that the internship project be waived as a result of previous industrial experience. Since both the ECE and CS departments had previously decided that this requirement could be waived with documentation of relevant industrial experience, these students are required to take two additional courses approved by the department’s Graduate Program Committee in lieu of the CCN internship. A second trend is that the CS and ECE faculty are finding that it is extremely difficult to find any CCN internships for students because of the downturn in the communications industry. Even well established larger companies who have traditionally supported one or more Interns have not been forthcoming with projects or support for the program in the past year. Interestingly, in spite of the difficulty of finding internship projects, the specialization continues to be in high demand with the majority of the recent full and part time applicants to the graduate school specifying that they are seeking an MS or Ph.D. in CS or ECE with a specialization in Computer and Communications Networks. In fact, the success of the program has had a significant impact on the hiring of faculty in both departments, as well as the types and topics of special topics courses that are currently offered.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS In the judgment of the faculty, the goals of the CCN program have been met: the graduates are prepared for positions of technical leadership in the design, implementation and management of computer and communications networks. The close coordination between the ECE and CS departments has been beneficial for both students and faculty, and has had positive implications beyond the CCN program. The Internship remains both a major feature of the program, and a major implementation challenge, the future of which is not entirely certain.
Perhaps the most recent trend in the CCN program is that a large majority of full and part time students electing the CCN specialization and are already working in a CCN area as part of their job environment. By contrast, when the CS and ECE departments first offered the CCN specialization, the vast majority of the students did not have a background in any networking area, and were for the most part full time students with minimal work experience. In addition, the majority of the part time students were also not familiar with networking / IT issues, and were primarily seeking retraining 0-7803-7444-4/02/$17.00 © 2002 IEEE November 6 - 9, 2002, Boston, MA 32 nd ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference F2G-26
