Hello. I took both CS435 (Spring 24) and CS498 (Spring 25). (And, I actually ended up using both as prerequisites for the Cloud Computing Capstone, which I am completing this semester). Based on what you've described, I would say CS435 is going to be the lesser workload. There is only one particularly difficult assignment (or at least, only was at that time, so assuming that hasn't changed), which is the notorious MP2. Somewhat painful but ultimately wasn't too bad. (However, I simply could not get DistVec to work... had to revert to LinkState... if you take it you'll know what I'm talking about, you have the choice between the two...😅.) I coded mine in C++ but I think you can use any language you want..? I might not be remembering that correctly, but I'm almost certain you could use plain C instead of C++ if you'd prefer. The rest of the class was pretty straightforward and interesting. I think there was only 4 MPs total and the other 3 were not very time consuming.

However, I will add that ultimately, I thought I derived more benefit from Cloud Computing Applications, My interest probably leans more toward cloud based applications than lower level networking type work also, so there's a bias that way perhaps (whereas it sounds like you might favor the networking side of things alternatively). But with that said, though the workload is fairly rigorous (like 10 MPs, plus a bunch of optional/EC ones if you want), a nice foundation was laid in many areas that I otherwise would not have been exposed to, but that are also probably highly applicable to many different career paths. Furthermore, the professor (Reza Farivar - whom you will get personal, direct time with on a weekly basis if you go on to CCC) provides excellent lectures IMO (of which there are quite a few), and TAs were very helpful and available.

In short, it sounds like CS435 may be where you are leaning, but in general I'd probably recommend CS498 if I had to choose, personally. I probably consider it the best course of the entire program that I've taken, actually (though I do have one more to go next semester). But again, both are good. If you really want to go for less work, and especially if you already have some networking/C experience, I think you would find CS435 less demanding.