Computer System Engineering

Course Lectures

• Naming

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module revisits the classical shortest paths problem, specifically analyzing directed minor-free graphs that contain negative arc lengths without negative-length cycles. The discussion will include advanced algorithms designed for such graphs.

  We will delve into:

  • Goldberg's algorithm tailored for graphs with integer lengths.
  • Almost-linear-time solutions for planar and bounded-genus graphs.
  • Performance improvements through the use of graph separators.
• Fault Isolation with Clients and Servers

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module focuses on fault isolation in client-server architectures. We will examine techniques for ensuring that failures in one client do not impact the overall system.

  Topics include:

  • Design principles for robust client-server interactions.
  • Mechanisms for error detection and recovery.
  • Strategies to enhance system resilience against faults.
• Virtualization and Virtual Memory

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module introduces the concepts of virtualization and virtual memory, discussing their roles in modern computing environments.

  Key areas covered include:

  • The architecture of virtual memory systems.
  • Benefits of virtualization, including resource management.
  • Case studies illustrating successful implementations.
• Virtual Processors: Threads and Coordination

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module delves into the concepts of virtual processors, threading, and coordination. We will discuss how these elements contribute to efficient computing systems.

  Topics include:

  • The role of threads in process management.
  • Coordination techniques for parallel activities.
  • Designing systems for optimal thread utilization.
• Performance

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module emphasizes performance metrics and analysis in computer systems to ensure efficient operation. We will explore various methods for measuring and enhancing performance.

  Key areas of focus include:

  • Performance bottlenecks and their identification.
  • Optimization techniques to enhance system efficiency.
  • Case studies demonstrating successful performance improvements.
• Introduction to Networks

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module introduces networking fundamentals, covering essential concepts and technologies necessary for modern computer systems.

  We will explore:

  • Basic networking protocols and their applications.
  • Architecture of network systems and communication methods.
  • Case studies showcasing practical networking implementations.
• Layering and Link Layer

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module discusses the principles of layering in network design, focusing on the link layer and its significance.

  Topics include:

  • The structure and function of the link layer.
  • Layering concepts in network design.
  • Real-world examples of layering in action.
• Network Layer, Routing

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module covers the network layer and routing protocols, essential for directing data across networks.

  Key topics include:

  • Routing algorithms and their applications.
  • The architecture of the network layer.
  • Challenges in network routing and solutions.
• End-to-end Layer

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module focuses on the end-to-end layer of the network architecture, discussing its significance in communication systems.

  We will cover:

  • Functionality of the end-to-end layer.
  • Protocols used for end-to-end communication.
  • Impact of the end-to-end principle on system design.
• Distributed Naming

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module explores distributed naming systems, essential for identifying resources in a networked environment.

  Topics include:

  • Principles of naming in distributed systems.
  • Challenges and solutions in distributed naming.
  • Examples of distributed naming implementations.
• Reliability

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module addresses the concept of reliability in computer systems, focusing on ensuring consistent performance under varying conditions.

  Key areas covered include:

  • Reliability metrics and their measurement.
  • Strategies for enhancing system reliability.
  • Case studies showcasing reliability improvements.
• Atomicity Concepts

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module introduces atomicity concepts, crucial for ensuring that operations in computer systems are completed reliably and consistently.

  Topics include:

  • Definition and importance of atomicity in processing.
  • Mechanisms for achieving atomic operations.
  • Real-world applications of atomicity principles.
• Recoverability

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module covers recoverability, emphasizing strategies for maintaining system functionality after failures.

  Key areas include:

  • Techniques for data recovery and consistency.
  • Designing systems for effective recoverability.
  • Case studies demonstrating successful recovery strategies.
• Isolation

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module addresses the importance of isolation in computing systems, focusing on how to separate processes to prevent interference.

  Key topics include:

  • Isolation principles and their necessity in system design.
  • Techniques for achieving process isolation.
  • Real-world examples illustrating successful isolation.
• Transactions and Consistency

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module discusses transactions and consistency in computing, focusing on maintaining reliable operations across distributed systems.

  Key areas include:

  • Understanding transactions and their properties.
  • Strategies for ensuring operational consistency.
  • Real-world applications of transaction concepts.
• Multi-site Atomicity

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module covers multi-site atomicity, essential for maintaining reliable processes across distributed systems with multiple sites.

  Key topics include:

  • Principles of multi-site atomicity.
  • Challenges faced in achieving atomicity across sites.
  • Examples of successful multi-site implementations.
• Security Introduction

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module introduces security concepts in computing systems, focusing on the essentials of protecting data and resources.

  Key areas covered include:

  • Fundamental security principles and practices.
  • Challenges in securing systems against threats.
  • Strategies for enhancing system security.
• Authentication

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module focuses on authentication methods in computing systems, emphasizing their importance in securing user identities and data.

  Key topics include:

  • Understanding various authentication techniques.
  • Best practices for implementing authentication.
  • Real-world applications of authentication methods.
• Authorization and Confidentiality

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module discusses authorization and confidentiality, focusing on controlling access to data and resources within systems.

  Key areas include:

  • Principles of authorization in computing.
  • Strategies for ensuring data confidentiality.
  • Examples of effective authorization practices.
• Advanced Authentication

  Hari Balakrishnan

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  This module covers advanced authentication techniques, emphasizing their role in enhancing system security.

  Topics include:

  • Innovative methods for user authentication.
  • Challenges faced in implementing advanced techniques.
  • Recent trends in authentication technologies.
• Complex, Trusted Systems

  Hal Abelson

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  This module investigates complex, trusted systems, emphasizing the design and implementation of systems that require high levels of trust and reliability.

  Key areas include:

  • Design principles for trusted systems.
  • Challenges in maintaining trustworthiness.
  • Case studies demonstrating successful implementations.