There are various new areas of research in the field of computer networks. First you have to decide that computer networks field is wired based or wirelless based.
Some latest topics are as follows:
Ad hoc Networks
1. Vehecular Ad hoc networks
2. Wireless sensor networks
3. Body sensor networks
4. Underwater sensr networks
5. Space netwokrs
You will check security issues, rouitng issues at MAC or network layer, etc. Hope this answer will help you.
Network security issues involve maintaining network integrity, preventing unauthorized users from infiltrating the system (viewing/stealing sensitive data, passwords, etc.), and protecting the network denial of service attacks. In order to address these issues you will check Steganography, Cloud-Based Security, Key distribution, Key management
In routing issues, loss of speed and data integrity due to poor transmissions. While every network is prone to performance issues, large networks are especially susceptible due to the additional distance, endpoints, and additional equipment at midpoints. In order to enhance routing in computer networks you will check enhancement of routing protocols in order to increase network performance and also check host Identification issues.
I agree with M A H Khan regarding research opportunities in Computer networking areas. Perhaps 5G, IoT, Big data and Cloud Networking are examples of hot research topics in recent years.
Your question is very vast. In computer networks you can work either software or hardware. If you have interest in communication technologies among the users, you should study IEEE 802 and see the remaining challenges in such as 802,22 (WRAN), because the network depends on cognitive radio technology which contains lots of challenges.
I suggest you must decide which direction you feel yourself are need. GOOD LUCK
Your question is very vast. In computer networks you can work either software or hardware. If you have interest in communication technologies among the users, you should study IEEE 802 and see the remaining challenges in such as 802,22 (WRAN), because the network depends on cognitive radio technology which contains lots of challenges.
I suggest you must decide which direction you feel yourself are need. GOOD LUCK
Regarding routing, the most recent research line is "Social-based Routing". In this paradigm, social ties between mobile phone owners are exploited to route messages in the mobile network.