CST311 - Week 39

This week completed the CST311 Intro to Computer Networking course!!! We only had a few days with a lot to get done. We read the rest of Chapter 8 in the textbook about network security. The sections covered the SSL protocol for secure TCP connections and the IPsec datagram which provides network-layer security. The last section discusses firewalls, IDSs, and IPSs which can examine packets as they enter a network and block packets based on certain criteria or just detect suspicious packet activity and create an alert for the network administrator.

My group also finished working on the programming assignment with subnet addressing in Mininet. By creating different subnets and the routes between the different devices, we were able to complete the assignment requirements of h1 pinging h2 successfully. We had our third meeting and wrapped up the project.

Lastly, I spent time reviewing the study guide, taking the Pre-Final quiz, and going over important concepts in the textbook along with example problems. I really hope I'll be able to finish studying well and get a good grade on the final exam. After the final, this course is done!

I feel that I have learned so much in the past 8 weeks. I came in knowing next to nothing about networks and now I have a grasp on all of the layers on the protocol stack and how they all work to transfer and protect packets to power our everyday activities! I really enjoyed learning this fascinating subject and am interested to see how I will use my newfound knowledge!