CSCD 439/539
Network Topics - Wireless Networks and Security

Room:  CEB 227
Time:  M, W 2:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor:  Carol Taylor
Office: CEB 315 Phone: 359-6908
Office Hours: Tues 1:00 - 2:00

Text: No official text - Assigned readings

Topics
In this overview course we will cover the following topics: 802.11 and all the flavors, differences from wired networks, Wireless Hardware, Setting up a Wireless network, Security in Wireless such as WEP, 802.1X, 802.11i, Wireless Threats, Cracking WEP. In addition to the 802.11 standard, we will also cover Bluetooth, WiMAX and the emerging 3G cellular technologies (as time permits).

Important Links
Course Notes and Reading
Assignments
Relevant Links
Research Paper Information
Survey Paper Guidelines
Example Survey paper - Ross Anderson
Example Survey paper Student - P2P Systems
Paper Ideas
Project Information
Project Ideas
New!!! Grad Student Assignment

Course Format
This will be both a lecture-based course, with student discussion and some demos and hands-on activities.
We will be reading and discussing papers ... there are no great books that includes both wireless and security. Where possible, we will do some in-class demos and lab activities to illustrate the wireless and wireless security concepts.

Grading
There will be at least one paper or project which will involve a presentation and some smaller assignments related to the reading and hands-on activities. There will be several small programs to illustrate concepts but this is not considered a programming class. One midterm and one non-comprehensive final will be given.

Philosophy
Since this is a graduate/senior level course I expect you to do a lot more in taking charge of your learning and participating in class. Readings will be discussed and ideas shared in the group. I don't expect to be talking all the time but want you to contribute your views.We will have in-class exercises from time to time.

The topic of Wireless Networks and how to secure them is highly relevant since everyone is increasingly moving to wireless devices. It is predicted that wireless networks will take over the world in the next few years. We should learn as much as we can about this rapidly changing field.


End Syllabus