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6.829 Computer Networks (H)

Lecturer: H. Balakrishnan Lecturer's Rating: H. Balakrishnan 6.3/7.0 Prerequisites: 6.033, C, Perl, Tcl, time

Response rate: 54 out of 105 Difficulty: 5.2/7.0 Overall Rating: 5.9/7.0 Term Evaluated: Fall 2002

Lecturer's Comments:

None.

The class provides an overview of the current topics in computer networking: protocols, scalability, routing, robustness, and security. There is also emphasis for students to learn how to do a research project. Most students were graduate students, seniors, and MEng students in VI-2 and VI-3. A few undergraduates felt overwhelmed.

Students took this class for their interest in the subject. They found a good level of detail, with the content as expected. While many people agreed with the balance of theory and application, some felt that the theory was overemphasized.

Lecturer H. Balakrishnan (6.3/7.0, 54 responses) was universally praised for his good lecturing style, and for his knowledge of the subject matter. Students also found him enthusiastic and very clear -- "He's the most bubbly, energetic, and well-spoken I've ever seen." Students also applauded his board technique, and his ability to keep their interest. The few criticisms are that he sometimes goes a bit fast over difficult or technical details, and that he needs to speak more slowly. Additionally, his abbreviations caused a little confusion.

TA N. Feamster (5.2/7.0, 41 responses) was praised for being very helpful. Students found him willing to answer questions and on top of the material.

TA T. Nightingale (5.2/7.0, 34 responses) was also helpful, and good at tutorials.

TA J. Strauss (4.7/7.0, 33 responses) received positive comments, but negative comments as well. Several students thought he was impatient and not helpful, sometimes answering questions tersely.

The problem sets were very long, taking on average 17 hours each. However, they were helpful for learning the material. Students felt they were difficult, and involved some grunge work. Several students remarked that the problem sets assume some prior knowledge in networking and explore concepts not discussed in class. Students also complained that solutions needed to be distributed sooner. One common suggestion was that problems sets should be shorter and more frequent. Almost all students collaborated to some extent and found it helpful. Bibles were rarely used.

There was a design project that many students felt was a good experience. It was very long and open ended. A few students found it difficult and time consuming. Feedback was sometimes sparse, and narrowing the scope for the project was difficult. Additional structure would have helped, such as more check points.

The lecture notes were widely praised. They were comprehensive and well written, and the lectures that had corresponding notes were much easier to understand. However, most students complained that not every lecture had notes.

Grades in 6.829 are based on 3 problem sets (25%), 2 quizzes (30%), participation (5%), and a project (40%).

The exams were difficult and a little long for an hour. Students felt that they were graded fairly, but didn't adequately test one's grasp of the material. A few students complained about multiple choice sections.

The most common advice is that students should have sufficient time to spend on this class. Because of the open-ended nature of the class, students who spend more time get more out. Several students suggested to study for the exams by doing the readings and thinking about them.