ECE8990 Distributed Computing Systems

From Ece

Introduction

This course covers a wide range of advanced topics related to distributed computing systems research. The goal of the semester will be to introduce the student to the topic at a level advanced enough that you could immediately pursue graduate-level research in the field by reading (and understanding) research papers and exploring new ideas. We will cover the basic role of operating systems, such as address spaces, and multi-threading. The class will also cover both fundamental and advanced concepts in communication, client-server model, code migration, naming, locating entities, synchronization, replication and consistency, fault tolerance, and security issues in distributed computing systems.

Class Time and Location

TR 12:30-1:45pm

Simrall 250

Instructor

Sherif Abdelwahed

Associate Professor

Office hours: come by at any time; call or e-mail ahead to confirm I'm available.

Textbooks

• A. Tanenbaum and M. V. Steen, Distributed Systems: Principles and Paradigms, Prentice Hall, 2nd edition, 2007 (required).
• G. Coulouris, J. Dollimore, and T. Kindberg, Distributed Systems: Concepts and Design, Addison Wesley; 4th edition, 2005 (optional).

Syllabus

• Goals and Properties of Distributed Systems (DS). Types of DS.
• Architectures. Client-Server Model. Peer-to-Peer Systems. Bit-torrent.
• Processes. Multhithreading in clients and servers. Server Clusters and Distributed Servers.
• Virtualization. Virtual Machine Monitors.
• Code Migration.
• Communication. Layered Protocols. Remote Procedure Calls (RPC).
• Message-Oriented Communication. Data Streams. Multicasting.
• Naming. Flat Names. Resolving names in DHT peer-to-peer systems. Locating (mobile) entities.
• Name Spaces. Name Resolution. The Domain Name System (DNS)
• Clock Synchronization. Logical Clocks: Lamport's Clocks and Vector Clocks.
• Distributed Mutual Exclusion Algorithms. Election Algorithms.
• Replication. Data-Centric Consistency Models.
• Client-Centric Consistency Models. Replica Management.
• Consistency Protocols.
• Fault Tolerance: Basics, Process Resilience, and Reliable Client-Server Communication.

Grade Determination

Assignments - 50%

Final test - 30%

Presentation - 20%

Grading Scheme

A: 100-90

B: 89-80

C: 79-70

D: 69-60

F: 59-0

Attendance Policy

You are required to attend all classes. Late assignments will not be accepted. .

Prerequisites

The course assumes familiarity with basic software/hardware systems and concepts including operating systems, communication networks, data structures and algorithms, as well as working knowledge of Java and C/C++.

Lecture Slides

Available at myCourses

Academic Support

In compliance with and in the spirit of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic accommodations are made for any student with a documented disability. Students should register with the Office of Student Support Services in Montgomery Hall at (662) 325-3335 as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion and comply with their policies. Any student who believes they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Student Support Services If Student Support Services has a prescribed course of action for you with regard to this class, please visit me during office hours so we can make the proper arrangements.

Academic Integrity

Mississippi State University has an approved Honor Code that applies to all students. The code is as follows:

"As a Mississippi State University student I will conduct myself with honor and integrity at all times. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the actions of those who do."

Upon accepting admission to Mississippi State University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor Code. Students will be required to state their commitment on examinations, research papers, and other academic work. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the MSU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor Code. For additional information please visit: http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/1207A.html