ECE 416Advanced Topics in Networking
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Engineering
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 2 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
This course introduces advanced topics in networking with a focus on applications and wireless technologies. Topics include cellular networks (2G, 3G, 4G and beyond), applications (Domain Name System [DNS], Simple Mail Transfer Protocol [SMTP], Post Office Protocol [POP], Internet Message Access Protocol [IMAP], Hypertext Transfer Protocol [HTTP]) and socket programming, Content-centric networks (content delivery networks, peer-to-peer protocols, data centres, etc.), protocols for multimedia applications (Session Initiation Protocol [SIP], Real-time Transport Protocol [RTP], RTP Control Protocol [RTCP]), emerging technologies (Internet of Things, sensors, software defined networks), policy issues (network neutrality, who controls the Internet?).
Prerequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- ECE358 - Computer Networks (0.50)
- Students must be in level 4A or higher
- Enrolled in H-Computer Engineering, H-Electrical Engineering, or H-Software Engineering
- Must have completed the following:
Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- CS456 - Computer Networks (0.50)
Leads to
No course lists it as a requisite.
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 4671 | 0 / 148 | MW 17:30–18:50 Jan 22 17:30–18:50 Feb 12 17:30–18:50 Mar 12 17:30–18:50 Apr 2 17:30–18:50 |
| LEC 701 | 1880 | 48 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
| LAB 201 | 4969 | 0 / 148 | Online or by arrangement |
| TUT 101 | 4672 | 0 / 148 | M 19:00–19:50 |
Reviewed on UW Flow
83% liked it70% easy70% useful
From 6 ratings and 1 comment on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
Unlike ECE 358, this course dealt with higher-level networking concepts. I not only found it useful for software engineering, but enjoyable and easy. Would definitely take again.
Apr 2021 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
10 posts and comments in 10 threads mention ECE 416, November 2015 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Winter 2022
ECE 416-Recording 1 point, 0 comments
Winter 2021
ECE416 0 points, 0 comments
Software engineering vs Computer engineering 8 points, 17 comments
“What exactly is the difference between the two? Ideally I want to work/study in either the software or robotics sector and I’m not sure what I should be applying for next year. …”
u/a2xia: “… Hardware Systems), computer architecture (ECE 429, ECE 423), internet networking (ECE 358, ECE 416), communication systems (ever wonder how AM/FM radio works? …”
Fall 2020
ECE 416 (Advanced Topics in Networking) as a TE 3 points, 0 comments
Spring 2020
ECE Students who picked ECE over CS, why? 0 points, 23 comments
u/a2xia: “TL;DR: Go to CS, if you really want to dabble in hardware, take the CS+Digital Hardware Option. 4th year CE here, ECE is a very broad field that's more than just generic "software and hardware". …”
u/a2xia: “… Networks - ECE 358, 416 cover networking concepts. …”
Winter 2020
What ATEs to take for SE students 1 point, 2 comments
u/sarcasticImouto: “Anyone have any opinions on the following courses? CS486, ECE457B, ECE409, CS458, ECE418, ECE 416, or ECE454”
DC Wifi 4 points, 6 comments
“Anyone know why the wifi is always so shit in DC? Every time I have class here I can’t do anything on my computer because I can’t connect to eduroam and I ain’t tryna hotspot myself.”
u/superuwu1000: “… As someone who has taken ECE 416 Advanced Topics in Networking and received a 94.8% in it as well as an offer from Rogers after graduating, it really blows my mind that people aren't more considerate towards the IT department at UWaterloo. …”
Winter 2017
Easiest ECE Technical Electives 10 points, 19 comments
“Hello. I have seen many upper year ECE guys post here. Can someone recommend me the easiest technical electives they have taken. I need to not fail out 4th year :(”
u/transpiercer: “ece 416 was the easiest for me, free 90”
Fall 2016
What are the easiest ATEs for Software Engineering Students? 3 points, 3 comments
u/uobhsarp: “… 488 Introduction to Computer Graphics ECE Courses ECE 409 Cryptography and System Security ECE 416 Higher Level Network Protocols ECE 418 Communications Networks ECE 423 Embedded Computer Systems ECE 429 Computer Architecture ECE 454 Distributed Computing ECE 455 Embedded …”
Fall 2015
How to go from QA to nice CE job? 3 points, 10 comments
“Hey, sorry if this question has been asked before, but I can't find any relevant posts/info. So I've had one IT/help desk job and now I'm going into a QA term. …”
u/blaster009: “Systems programmers are relevant everywhere. As a systems researcher, I alternate between working on low-level kernel modifications / operating systems stuff, and distributed key-value stores that …”
u/Frozen-Placenta: “i don't believe ECE students can take these courses, but the department does offer some equivalents: ECE 358 and 416 (networks) ECE 458 (security) not quite sure about the other two, but here are the rest of the courses …”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them