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M-TECH in Computer Networks at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Computer Networks at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal Bhopal?
This M.Tech Computer Networks and Information Security program at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal focuses on advanced concepts in network design, security protocols, and secure system development. India''''s burgeoning digital economy and critical infrastructure demand skilled professionals capable of building and defending robust network architectures. This program distinguishes itself by integrating both offensive and defensive security strategies within a comprehensive networking curriculum, addressing the dual challenges of connectivity and cyber resilience.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a background in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Electronics and Communication, seeking entry into specialized networking and cybersecurity roles. It also caters to working professionals aiming to upskill in advanced network security, digital forensics, or cloud security domains. Graduates looking to contribute to India''''s growing cybersecurity landscape and develop secure digital solutions will find this program particularly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India as Network Security Engineers, Cyber Security Analysts, Network Architects, Penetration Testers, and Security Consultants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 5-8 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 15-25 lakhs. The curriculum aligns with industry certifications like CCNA Security and CEH, providing a strong foundation for professional growth in Indian and multinational IT firms.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Network Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding core networking concepts, including TCP/IP stack, routing protocols, and data communication principles. Use online labs and simulators to practically implement network configurations, solidifying theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Cisco Packet Tracer, Wireshark, NPTEL courses on Computer Networks, GeeksforGeeks network tutorials
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for roles like Network Engineer or Security Analyst, enabling efficient troubleshooting, robust network design, and effective security implementation.
Master Programming for Networks and Security- (Semester 1-2)
Develop strong programming skills (Python, C/C++) for scripting network automation tasks, implementing cryptographic algorithms, and developing custom security tools. Actively participate in coding challenges focused on network and security problems.
Tools & Resources
HackerRank, LeetCode, Python''''s Scapy library, C/C++ socket programming guides
Career Connection
Essential for developing custom security solutions, automating network management, and excelling in roles requiring software-defined networking and cybersecurity expertise.
Engage in Peer Learning and Study Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form collaborative study groups with classmates to discuss complex topics, solve theoretical and practical problems together, and prepare for examinations. Teaching concepts to each other helps reinforce understanding and identify knowledge gaps.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Teams, Google Meet for virtual sessions, Departmental common rooms for discussions
Career Connection
Enhances communication skills, fosters collaborative problem-solving in teams, and exposes students to diverse perspectives, all vital for professional success.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Industry Certifications and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Complement academic learning with industry-recognized certifications like CCNA Security, CompTIA Security+, or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to gain practical, job-relevant skills. Attend workshops by industry experts to stay updated on emerging technologies.
Tools & Resources
Official certification guides, Online training platforms like Cybrary and Udemy, Local cybersecurity conferences
Career Connection
Directly translates to job readiness, providing tangible proof of hands-on abilities and often serving as a prerequisite for specialized security roles in Indian companies.
Undertake Specialised Mini-Projects and Research- (Semester 3)
Identify a niche area within computer networks or information security (e.g., IoT security, blockchain applications, network forensics) and execute mini-projects. This serves as a stepping stone and practical application platform for the final dissertation.
Tools & Resources
GitHub for project version control, Academic papers from IEEE/ACM, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Builds a practical portfolio, demonstrates initiative, and develops specialized expertise, making you a more attractive candidate for R&D and specialized roles.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Actively attend webinars, seminars, and networking events organized by the department, professional bodies like CSI or ISACA. Connect with MANIT Bhopal alumni and professionals in your field on platforms like LinkedIn.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional networking events, Alumni mentorship programs
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, provides valuable industry insights, and can lead to potential job referrals, which are crucial for navigating the competitive Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Dissertation Research- (Semester 4)
Select a dissertation topic that addresses a current industry problem or offers a significant contribution to the field of computer networks and information security. Aim for publishable quality work and rigorously apply research methodologies under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (Scopus, Web of Science), LaTeX for professional thesis writing, Academic mentors and research labs
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases advanced problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and independent research capabilities, highly valued in R&D roles, academia, and top-tier tech companies.
Master Interview and Communication Skills- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in mock interviews, group discussions, and technical presentation sessions organized by the career counseling cell. Refine your resume and cover letter to highlight your specialization, project work, and relevant skills.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling cell services, Alumni network for mock interviews, Online resume builders and interview preparation platforms
Career Connection
Crucial for converting technical expertise into successful placements, particularly for roles in leading Indian and multinational companies seeking skilled professionals.
Develop a Professional Online Presence- (Semester 4)
Curate a professional LinkedIn profile, showcasing your projects, certifications, research papers, and technical skills. Create a GitHub portfolio of your coding projects and contributions to open-source initiatives.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, GitHub, Personal website/blog
Career Connection
Increases visibility to recruiters, demonstrates proactive engagement, and provides tangible evidence of your skills and expertise to potential employers in the competitive Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech./B.E./M.Sc./MCA or equivalent in appropriate discipline with a minimum of 6.5 CPI or 60% of marks in aggregate (For SC/ST candidates 6.0 CPI or 55% marks in aggregate).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 68 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCCN-101 | Advanced Computer Networks | Core | 3 | OSI and TCP/IP Model, Network Layer Protocols, Routing Algorithms (OSPF, BGP), Transport Layer Protocols (TCP, UDP), Quality of Service (QoS), Network Management |
| PCCN-102 | Data Communications | Core | 3 | Data Transmission Fundamentals, Analog and Digital Modulation, Multiplexing and Spreading, Error Detection and Correction, Switching Techniques, LANs, WANs, Wireless Basics |
| PCCN-103 | Computer Architecture | Core | 3 | CPU Organization, Pipelining and Parallelism, Memory Hierarchy, I/O Organization, Multicore Architectures, Vector Processors |
| PCCN-104 | Data Structures and Algorithms | Core | 3 | Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees and Graphs, Sorting and Searching Algorithms, Algorithm Analysis, Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms |
| PCCN-105 | Data Networks Lab | Lab | 2 | Network Simulation Tools (NS-2/3), Router and Switch Configuration, Network Traffic Analysis with Wireshark, Socket Programming, Network Monitoring Tools |
| PCCN-106 | Algorithms Lab | Lab | 2 | Implementation of Data Structures, Sorting and Searching Implementations, Graph Traversal Algorithms, Dynamic Programming Problems, Algorithm Efficiency Analysis, Problem Solving with Algorithms |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCCN-201 | Advanced Operating Systems | Core | 3 | Distributed Operating Systems, Process and Thread Management, Distributed File Systems, Distributed Shared Memory, Security in Operating Systems, Cloud OS Concepts |
| PCCN-202 | Network Security & Cryptography | Core | 3 | Symmetric Key Cryptography, Asymmetric Key Cryptography, Hash Functions and Digital Signatures, Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems, VPN and SSL/TLS, Wireless and Web Security |
| PCCN-203 | Wireless Networks | Core | 3 | Wireless LANs (802.11), Mobile IP and Ad-hoc Networks, Wireless Sensor Networks, Cellular Networks (GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G), Satellite Networks, Bluetooth and ZigBee |
| PCCN-204(A) | Cloud Computing | Elective | 3 | Cloud Service Models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), Virtualization Technologies, Cloud Deployment Models, Cloud Security and Privacy, Big Data in Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Overview |
| PCCN-204(B) | Soft Computing | Elective | 3 | Fuzzy Logic Systems, Artificial Neural Networks, Genetic Algorithms, Neuro-Fuzzy Systems, Swarm Intelligence, Machine Learning Basics |
| PCCN-205 | Network Security & Cryptography Lab | Lab | 2 | Implementation of Cryptographic Algorithms, Firewall Configuration, VPN Setup, Network Penetration Testing Tools, Vulnerability Scanning, Digital Forensics Tools |
| PCCN-206 | Wireless Networks Lab | Lab | 2 | Wireless Sensor Network Simulation, Ad-hoc Routing Protocol Implementation, Mobile IP Configuration, IoT Device Communication Protocols, Wireless Security Analysis, Bluetooth and RFID Experiments |
| PCCN-207 | Socio-Ethical Impact of IT | Humanities & Social Sciences | 2 | Digital Divide and IT Policy, Cyber Ethics and Online Behavior, Privacy and Data Protection, Intellectual Property Rights in IT, Social Media Impact, AI Ethics and Responsibility |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCCN-301(A) | Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems | Elective | 3 | IDS/IPS Architectures, Signature-based Detection, Anomaly-based Detection, Honeypots and Honeynets, Alert Correlation and Management, Evasion Techniques |
| PCCN-301(B) | Advanced Database Management Systems | Elective | 3 | Distributed Databases, Object-Oriented Databases, NoSQL Databases, Data Warehousing and Data Mining, Database Security, Big Data Technologies |
| PCCN-302(A) | Internet of Things | Elective | 3 | IoT Architecture and Components, IoT Protocols (MQTT, CoAP, HTTP), Sensors, Actuators, and Gateways, Edge and Fog Computing, IoT Security and Privacy, IoT Applications and Case Studies |
| PCCN-302(B) | Cyber Forensics | Elective | 3 | Digital Evidence Acquisition, Chain of Custody, Forensic Imaging and Analysis, Disk, Network, and Mobile Forensics, Incident Response Procedures, Legal Aspects of Cyber Forensics |
| PCCN-303(A) | Blockchain Technology | Elective | 3 | Cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin, Distributed Ledger Technology, Smart Contracts (Ethereum), Consensus Mechanisms, Blockchain Platforms, Blockchain Applications |
| PCCN-303(B) | Machine Learning for Security | Elective | 3 | Supervised and Unsupervised Learning, Deep Learning Basics, Anomaly Detection, Malware Detection, Threat Intelligence, Adversarial Machine Learning |
| PCCN-304 | Dissertation Part I | Project | 4 | Problem Identification and Formulation, Extensive Literature Review, Research Methodology Design, Initial System Design/Prototype, Data Collection and Analysis Techniques, Technical Report Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCCN-401 | Dissertation Part II | Project | 21 | Advanced Implementation and Development, Experimental Design and Evaluation, Results Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Publication and Presentation of Work, Future Scope and Research Directions |
