Statement of Purpose

Abhijeet Agarwal MS in Information technology & Management

The Undergraduate program in Electronics and Communication Engineering prepared me for executing
individual projects and for further studies in the specialized areas fundamental to my preferred career
path. I intend to make a career in the field of Telecommunication and Networking. I need to acquire
further theoretical and technical knowledge, especially with a focus in the crucial areas of computer
networks and telecom switching. I believe Illinois institute of technology, Chicago to be best suited to me
for this purpose. I have spoken to my professors, seniors and colleagues about my choice of university,
and planning to apply in Illinois institute of technology, Chicago for fall 2008 session because it is
reputable for its research facilities and computing resources.

Telecommunication field is constantly evolving and churning out new and innovative ideas that cover the
gamut of applications. I came across a new course in Illinois institute of technology, Chicago
“Information Technology and Management” with a broader range of courses in Telecom and Networking
which fascinated me very much and I think this course can provide me with better resources to explore
myself and can help me in developing new ideas in the booming field on Telecom.

My under graduate curriculum gave me ample opportunities to work on various research projects. These
projects inculcated in me the scientific system of the work. During my undergraduate program I did six
projects which include two minor and four major projects. It was my inclination towards “Telecom and
Networking” which made me to take up these projects in the field related to networking. The Projects
which I did are as follows:

MAJOR PROJECTS:

1.) FM TELEPHONE TRANSMITTER.

2.) HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM.
3.) PREPAID ELECTRICITY METER.
4.) HIGH PERFORMANCE INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEM.

MINOR PROJECTS:

1.) INFRARED SWITCH.

2.) WIRELESS COMMUINCATION BETWEEN MICROPROCESSOR & PERSONAL COMPUTER.

My B.E. Final Year project on “HIGH PERFORMANCE INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEM” gives detail
idea about three different aspects of Networks:
1.) Possible vulnerabilities in Wireless Networks & Wired Networks and some basic counter
measures which are discussed in this project.
2.) Different Firewall aspects and a brief idea of technologies beyond firewall.
3.) Intrusion Detection System with its policy and different associated software.

Intrusion detection is the process of monitoring computers or networks for unauthorized

entrance, activity, or file modification. IDS can also be used to monitor network traffic, thereby
detecting if a system is being targeted by a network attack such as a denial of service attack.
There are two basic types of intrusion detection: host-based and network-based. Each has a
distinct approach to monitoring and securing data, and each has distinct advantages and
disadvantages. In short, host-based IDSs examine data held on individual computers that serve as
hosts, while network-based IDSs examine data exchanged between computers.

In a nutshell, intrusion detection systems do exactly as the name suggests: they detect possible
intrusions. More specifically, IDS tools aim to detect computer attacks and/or computer misuse,
and to alert the proper individuals upon detection. An IDS installed on a network provides much
the same purpose as a burglar alarm system installed in a house. Through various methods, both
detect when an intruder/attacker/burglar is present, and both subsequently issue some type of
warning or alert.

This project was presented as a seminar too and was appreciated both by internal and external
examiners. With marks 279/300 my project ranked in the top 5/30 projects in the Department.

I have completed my Bachelors of Engineering program in Electronics & Communication with

71.75% and ranked 15th in my class of 60 students. I also had the privilege to take trainings at
Doordarshan Kendra, India’s biggest Television channel owned by Government of India,
Prasar Bharti where I was given the opportunity to put my theoretical knowledge into practice,
especially in the areas on Telecom switching, Communication and Antennas. I also got chance
to explore myself industrially at Centre for Research Industrial Staff Performance (CRISP),
an Indo-German project on “Computer Networking” where I learn about :
Routers, Bridges, Repeaters, Switch, NIC’s, Network Hardware and Cabling.
OSI MODEL, Wireless LAN’s, IP Addresses, DHCP, Active
Directory, DNS etc.
I have done one Cisco and Hewlett Packard certification program in the “Computer
Hardware and Software” and presently doing another Cisco Certification program “CCNA”, I
am also doing one Microsoft Certification program “MCSE”.

I intend to master the current networking concepts in the rich and flexible environment of a top
university in US. This environment, I have concluded, will be idea.lly suited to realize my goals.
I am greatly impressed with the high quality of research being done on Telecom and Networks. I
would love to enrich myself in the graduate program, and ultimately make a meaningful
contribution in the ever-growing field of Telecommunication by joining some research group. In
the process I am confident of contributing significantly in the research efforts of the department.
My long-term goal is to put my footprints in the field of network based computing
environment through contribution of original ideas and translating those ideas to end applications
and products. In this endeavor, I want to contribute significantly to the human society.