[ILUG] Whatever happened to real computer scientists?

[Paul Jakma]

On Wed, 26 Apr 2006, Thomas Bridge wrote:

> The main theory involved with networking protocols is understanding 
> the OSI layer model and the difference in the various type of layer 
> 3 routing protocols.

> This doesn't need to be taught as part of a degree - any CCNA is 
> who more than merely a certification monkey has this.

To administer them, sure.

But deeper than that and you need stronger knowledge of the theory - 
theory in the mathematical sense, not "OSI layer model" and 
"differences between routing protocols" sense (which is practical 
application - not theory).

To work on routing software and improve existing protocols, you need 
an appreciation at least of certain algorithms (Dijkstra, 
Bellman-Ford). To /further/ the state of routing protocols, you 
*definitely* will need a good appreciation of graph theory.

> A year ago I found myself administering and designing a very large
> network that ran CLNS, and it was the theory that I'd learned that
> helped

You didn't learn theory though, least not in the sense I understand 
it (and, I think, not the sense Kevin meant).

regards,
-- 
Paul Jakma	paul at clubi.ie	paul at jakma.org	Key ID: 64A2FF6A
Fortune:
QOTD:
 	"East is east... and let's keep it that way."