CS Online Learning Journal

  This week in CST-311, we learned about operational security in computer networks, specifically about the role of firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) in protecting networks from external threats. Firewalls act as the first line of defense, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules, and ensuring that only authorized communications pass through. We learned about the different types of firewalls, including packet filtering, stateful inspection, and application layer firewalls, and how they can be configured to secure various network layers and services. Additionally, we learned about the concept of demilitarized zones (DMZs), where firewalls are used to segment public facing servers from the internal network, adding an extra layer of protection. Besides firewalls, we also covered intrusion detection systems that monitor network traffic in real time to detect and respond to suspicious activities. IDS can be network based or host based, and they

  This week in CST-311, we learned about the Link Layer in networking, which is the interface between the physical transmission of data and higher level protocols. Understanding the basics of the link layer and its importance in facilitating reliable communication between directly connected nodes. Then we learned about error detection and correction techniques, including parity checks, checksums, and cyclic redundancy checks (CRC), which are essential in ensuring data integrity across unreliable transmission media. Also, we learned about multiple access links and protocols, such as ALOHA, CSMA/CD, and CSMA/CA, which manage how multiple devices share a single communication channel and avoid collisions. This week also introduced us to switched local area networks (LANs), specifically link layer addressing and the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP). We covered how ARP resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses within a local network, enabling communication at the link layer. Additionally, we e

  As a passionate computer science student at CSUMB, I specialize in Python, Java, and C#, with experience in game development using Unity and 3D modeling with SolidWorks. My recent projects, including an educational app built in Android Studio and a linear regression tool for exam score prediction, reflect my ability to combine technical and creative skills to solve real-world problems. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to innovative projects in game development and computer graphics, where I can apply my technical expertise and passion for creativity.

  This week in CST-311, I learned about two main approaches to structuring the network control plane: per-router control (traditional) and logically centralized control, also known as Software Defined Networking (SDN). We learned about algorithms used in networking such as link-state algorithms, where each router has complete information about the network's topology, and distance vector algorithms, where routers exchange information iteratively with their neighbors. We learned about the differences between static and dynamic control, with static systems changing slowly over time and dynamic systems updating more frequently. Additionally, we covered intra-AS and inter-AS routing, highlighting protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) for intra-domain routing and BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) for inter-domain routing. Intra-AS routing is used within autonomous systems, while inter-AS routing is used for communication between different autonomous systems. We also covered SDN, whe