Computer Networks

College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Fall 2025
Monday 10:00 - 12:25, Room 318, Building 4
Monday 13:25 - 15:50, Room 304 Lab

Instructor

Kai Bu	Email: kaibu@zju.edu.cn
Office: Room 503 Zetong Building	Office Hour: by appointment

Thank you for studying Computer Networks with me.
You are strongly encouraged to read Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces as well.
Hope we could enjoy this course in more of that way.

Teaching Assistants

Yue Han	Email: zjhanyue@zju.edu.cn
Runing Yang	Email: yrn@zju.edu.cn
Office: Room 503 Zetong Building	Office Hour: by appointment

Course Objective

The main task of this course is to study the basic theory and professional knowledge related to computer networks. From the perspective of network architecture, network principles and related fundamental concepts and methods in digital communication, internetworking and advanced protocols are introduced in this course. Some significant functions and relative protocols in network architecture together with recent developments of network and their technologies are also introduced. Students can get familiar with fundamental computer network principles and basic knowledge of the field through the course learning. And a thorough understanding of commonly used network and network security technology can be obtained with intimate knowledge of network architecture, functional principles and various of network protocols (especially that of TCP/IP).

Textbook

Computer Networks, Sixth Edition, Andrew Tanenbaum, Nick Feamster, and David Wetherall. Pearson, 2020.

Prerequisites

Computer Organization, Assembly Language, Computer Programming

Grading (tentative)

5%	Class participation & performance
10%	Assignment
25%	Lab OR Research
10%	Quiz
50%	Final exam: 10:30 - 12:30, January 16, 2026.

Resources

Computer Networks, by Prof. David Wetherall, University of Washington