Course Project (30 marks)
Task 1: Choose a topic within computer networking that interests you, perform a comprehensive
review of the literature to acquire an in-depth comprehension of the selected topic. Assess the
fundamental ideas, approaches, and discoveries presented in the literature. Suggested topics
include but not limited to:
Wireless and Cellular Networks (5G/6G):
Simulation of 5G/6G cellular network protocols and architectures
Modeling of network slicing in 5G networks
Handover strategies and performance evaluation in cellular networks
Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs):
Simulation of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications
Modeling of routing protocols and strategies in VANETs
Performance evaluation of safety and non-safety applications in vehicular networks
Internet of Things (IoT):
Simulation of various IoT communication protocols (e.g., MQTT, CoAP)
Evaluating the performance of IoT networks with different topologies and scales
Energy consumption and optimization in IoT networks
Optical Networks:
Simulation of Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) in optical networks
Optical burst switching and optical packet switching simulations.
Fault tolerance and reliability analysis in optical networks
Ad Hoc and Sensor Networks:
Simulation of routing protocols in ad hoc networks (e.g., AODV, DSR)
Modeling of energy harvesting and consumption in wireless sensor networks
Mobility models and their impact on network performance in ad hoc networks
Task 2: Experiment Design and Simulations
Devise a series of experiments that tackle a particular question or hypothesis pertaining to your
selected topic. Ensure that the experiments are meticulously planned, with explicit goals and a
well-defined methodology. Select a networking simulation tool, such as:
NS-3 (Network Simulator 3)
OMNet++
Mininet
GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator 3)
OPNET Modeler
Packet Tracer
Task 3: Data collection and analysis
Execute your experiments and gather the data produced by your simulations. Analyze the data
to derive significant insights that address your question or validate/contradict your hypothesis.
Employ suitable statistical methodologies and data visualization techniques to effectively
communicate your findings.
Task 4: Technical Report
Compose a comprehensive technical report that outlines your process, experiments, and
outcomes. Ensure that the report is well-organized and encompasses the following sections:
Introduction: Provide an overview of the selected topic, its importance, state your
question/hypothesis, and provide a brief outline of the report's structure.
Literature Review: Conduct a thorough examination of existing literature in your chosen
field, identifying essential concepts and methodologies.
Experiment Design and Simulation: Describe the design of your experiments, the
simulation tool chosen, and explain the rationale behind your selections.
Results and Analysis: Present and analyze the data obtained from your experiments,
utilizing appropriate statistical techniques and data visualization methods.
Discussion: Interpret your results, discussing their implications and how they relate to
your question or hypothesis. Address any limitations of your study and propose potential
avenues for future work.
Conclusion: Summarize your findings and their significance.
References: Compile a list of all the cited sources, adhering to a recognized citation style.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation of your project will be based on the following criteria:
The literature review's relevance and depth.
The clarity and excellence of the experimental design.
The suitability of the chosen simulation tool and the rationale behind it.
The quality of data analysis and presentation.
The strength and coherence of your conclusions and discussion.
The overall organization, clarity, and quality of the technical report.