On-line, Summer 2009, Starting June 15th
Instructor: Bruce Donald Campbell
Faculty, Continuing Education - RISD
Providence, RI
Research Scientist, Human Interface
Technology Laboratory
Seattle, WA
Email: bcampbel01@risd.edu
Prerequisites: None
Class Roster
DESCRIPTION
Although your computer may physically sit on your desk, it is virtually connected to a wide array of devices on an emergent global network. Web architecture is, in broadest terms, everything that allows traffic to speed along this electronic superhighway of interconnectivity. In this course, we examine the origins, design, and implementation of computer networks, and classify them by scale, protocol and connection method. Network topology, both physical and logical, is introduced, as well as the hardware (hubs, switches and routers) and protocols that allow for smooth communication and flow of data. An understanding of web architecture is critical to web designers, digital media artists, and anyone needing to learn the rules of the virtual road.
GRADING
Class participation - 40%
Written project - 40%
Homework assignment - 20%
RESOURCES
Books
There are no required books associated with this class - instead, we will use our imaginations, advanced research skills, and common sense to piece together a model for how Web architecture affects our day-to-day lives and where it might support new human-enabling features in the future.
Course Handouts and On-line Readings as identified below and in class
LINKS
OSI Model
SYLLABUS
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Date
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Topic
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Assignment
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15-21 June
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Welcome to Web Architecture
Goal: To become familiar with the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model as a common system architecture design framework that we will use often in our course to consider Web architecture compared to other possible options for future consideration. The content of this course loosely follows the ordering of model from the bottom up.
Week 1 Videos:
Welcome to Class
Who Needs An Architect?
The OSI Model
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Homework:
- Pre-test: Please write a 1000 word essay of your current understanding of Web architecture, or if you think you know nothing, admit it and let me know what you do with the Web in general. We will discuss our understanding online and debunk any myths that emerge as a level set.
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22-28 June
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Web-Enabling and Enabled-Hardware: Clients, Servers, and Connection Technologies
Goal: To identify and understand all the devices that make up the collective Web and discuss how hardware becomes Web-enabled in general.
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Week 2 Videos:
Week 1 Review Lecture
Week 2 Technical Lecture
Class Project Description
Read:
Homework:
- Project Research and Initial Design - find an interesting Web application you would like to extend to make better for your use (or design one of your own from scratch). Begin to diagram your understanding of the services necessary to implement that application. Watch the three videos for more information on the project.
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29 June-4 July
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Finding Devices and Information on the Web
Goal: To understand how Internet Addresses and Domain Name Services work to allow devices to communicate with each other and us to communicate with them. Understanding how to communicate with them lets us build upon our theoretical understanding with a physical one we can query.
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Week 3 Videos:
Class Project Description
Week 3 Technical Lecture
Multicast Overview
Read:
Homework:
- Try out a Reverse Domain Name Lookup Service.
- Create a 1000 word essay on your experience with Ping (as explained in video).
- Participate in the forum on virtual addressing techniques.
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5-11 July
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Everything You Needed to Know About Computer Networks
Goal: To get you to think broadly about the benefits of connectivity and redundancy, we discuss the physical methods to connect devices together and then focus on the abstractions that let us forget what we've learned and still be successful Web architects.
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Week 4 Videos:
Week 4 Technical Video
Week One Feedback Discussion
Read:
Homework:
Time to do the meat of your research for your class project and catch up on the Forums if you have not already done so. |
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12-18 July
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Session Management: The Process By Which We Get Things Done on the Web
Goal: To understand the concept of a session as a manageable unit of Web-based work in order to be able to begin a session, rely on a session, and end a session effectively. Levels 4 and 5 of the OSI model are a rich area for experimentation going forward with new Web services.
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Week 5 Videos:
Session Management Video
Presentation Layer Video
Read:
Homework:
- Take a look at session management for a simple on-line creative playspace: Acrobabble. How many sessions were involved in you getting an account (or signing in from Facebook)? How was session maintained for a game play?
- Time to continue your research for your class project and contribute to the Forums.
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18-24 July
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How Popular Web Applications Take Advantage of Web Architecture
Goal: By discussing existing applications in terms of the Web architecture that supports them, we can begin to creatively think about possible new applications for the benefit of us all. Hopefully, we all want to get a sense of what can be done and how hard it would be to do it.
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Week 6 Videos:
Application Layer Video
Project and Application Feedback Video
Read:
Homework:
- Finish up your projects and send them to me via e-mail (you can send file(s) or a URL to your contribution) by February 28th.
- Finish up all your class contribution by March 2nd (Grading starts on that date).
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