CPRE430 · Networking Protocols & Security

Network Protocols —
security & design.

Explored the TCP/IP protocol suite, application-layer services, IP routing, and network security through lectures and hands-on Wireshark-based labs in virtualised environments.

overview

What I
learned.

In CPRE430 I explored the TCP/IP protocol suite, application-layer services, IP routing, and network security through a blend of lectures and hands-on labs. The course emphasised critical analysis of protocol design trade-offs and practical implementation details using virtualised lab environments.

Lab exercises included packet capture and analysis with Wireshark, simulating TCP/UDP communications, extracting header fields from raw packets, and testing attack scenarios with mitigation techniques. These modules reinforced understanding of layered architectures and security considerations at each network layer.

Upon completion I gained proficiency in evaluating protocol architectures, interpreting routing tables, assessing security vulnerabilities, and designing solutions for robust, secure network infrastructures.

highlights

Key
areas.

Packet Analysis
Captured and dissected live traffic with Wireshark, extracting TCP/UDP header fields and reconstructing application-layer payloads.
Protocol Design Trade-offs
Critically analysed TCP vs UDP trade-offs, congestion control mechanisms, and reliable delivery strategies across different network conditions.
IP Routing & Tables
Configured and interpreted routing tables, studied OSPF and BGP routing protocols, and simulated multi-hop network topologies.
Attack & Mitigation
Reproduced common network attacks in controlled lab environments and implemented defensive techniques at each layer of the TCP/IP stack.

technology

Stack &
tools.

Hands-on networking labs using Wireshark for packet analysis, virtualised environments for topology simulation, and scripting for automated protocol testing.
Wireshark TCP/IP UDP IP Routing Network Security VirtualBox
View on GitHub →