Computer Network Architectures and Network Management

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Credits
6
Types
Specialization compulsory (Computer Networks and Distributed Systems)
Requirements
This subject has not requirements, but it has got previous capacities
Department
AC
The goal of this course is to give a background in computer networks mechanisms and advanced concepts used in the design of protocols and network architectures. These mechanisms include protocols and a wide range of technologies either for wired networks or wireless networks. The course includes the basic principles of transmission and switching, wireless communications shared medium transmission, mechanisms and algorithms for routing, network architecture and networking, resource management and network services. Internet network evolutions and relationship among the different stakeholders. 5G Network Architecture.

Teachers

Person in charge

  • Jordi Domingo Pascual ( )

Weekly hours

Theory
4
Problems
0
Laboratory
0
Guided learning
0
Autonomous learning
8

Competences

Technical Competences of each Specialization

Computer networks and distributed systems

  • CEE2.1 - Capability to understand models, problems and algorithms related to distributed systems, and to design and evaluate algorithms and systems that process the distribution problems and provide distributed services.
  • CEE2.2 - Capability to understand models, problems and algorithms related to computer networks and to design and evaluate algorithms, protocols and systems that process the complexity of computer communications networks.
  • CEE2.3 - Capability to understand models, problems and mathematical tools to analyze, design and evaluate computer networks and distributed systems.

Generic Technical Competences

Generic

  • CG1 - Capability to apply the scientific method to study and analyse of phenomena and systems in any area of Computer Science, and in the conception, design and implementation of innovative and original solutions.
  • CG3 - Capacity for mathematical modeling, calculation and experimental designing in technology and companies engineering centers, particularly in research and innovation in all areas of Computer Science.
  • CG5 - Capability to apply innovative solutions and make progress in the knowledge to exploit the new paradigms of computing, particularly in distributed environments.

Transversal Competences

Teamwork

  • CTR3 - Capacity of being able to work as a team member, either as a regular member or performing directive activities, in order to help the development of projects in a pragmatic manner and with sense of responsibility; capability to take into account the available resources.

Information literacy

  • CTR4 - Capability to manage the acquisition, structuring, analysis and visualization of data and information in the area of informatics engineering, and critically assess the results of this effort.

Appropiate attitude towards work

  • CTR5 - Capability to be motivated by professional achievement and to face new challenges, to have a broad vision of the possibilities of a career in the field of informatics engineering. Capability to be motivated by quality and continuous improvement, and to act strictly on professional development. Capability to adapt to technological or organizational changes. Capacity for working in absence of information and/or with time and/or resources constraints.

Reasoning

  • CTR6 - Capacity for critical, logical and mathematical reasoning. Capability to solve problems in their area of study. Capacity for abstraction: the capability to create and use models that reflect real situations. Capability to design and implement simple experiments, and analyze and interpret their results. Capacity for analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

Basic

  • CB6 - Ability to apply the acquired knowledge and capacity for solving problems in new or unknown environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study.
  • CB7 - Ability to integrate knowledges and handle the complexity of making judgments based on information which, being incomplete or limited, includes considerations on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments.
  • CB8 - Capability to communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to both skilled and unskilled public in a clear and unambiguous way.
  • CB9 - Possession of the learning skills that enable the students to continue studying in a way that will be mainly self-directed or autonomous.

Objectives

  1. The main goal is to understand the basic concepts of the network architecture, the fundamental principles of network design and of the most relevant algorithms used in protocols and network functions.
    Related competences: CG1, CG3, CEE2.2, CEE2.3, CEE2.1, CB6, CB7, CTR4, CTR5, CTR6, CG5,
  2. The main goal will be achieved via discussion sessions based on selected readings. This approach fosters autonomous learning and team work skills.
    Related competences: CEE2.2, CEE2.3, CEE2.1, CB6, CB7, CB8, CB9, CTR3, CTR4, CTR6,

Contents

  1. Evolution of the Network Architecture
    Internet Design Principles.
    Key protocols and their evolution.
    Internet structure. Exchange Points.
    Economic relationships among stakeholders.
  2. Trends in the Evolution of the Network Architecture
    Naming and Addressing.
    Addressing and Routing. Mobility.
    New Network Architectures.
  3. Routing and Inter-Networking
    Routing Algorithms.
    Classless Inter-domain Routing.
    Inter-domain Routing. IDR.
    BGP. IBGP. BGP attributes. Scalability of BGP.
  4. Transport Network (Backbone)
    Optical Transport Network.
    IP over SDH.
    IP over WDM/ASON.
    IP over WDM/GbEthernet.
    MPLS.
    From MPLS to GMPLS.
    SDN.
  5. New Network and Transport Protocols
    IPv6. IPv4-IPv6 coexistence.
    Mobile IP.
    IP Multicast.
    Other IP protocols (HIP).
    Multipath TCP.
    Other Transport protocols (QUIC).
  6. Resource Management
    Quality of Service principles.
    Quality of Service and Quality of Experience (QoS and QoE).
    Integrated Services Architecture.
    Differentiated Services Architecture.
  7. 5G Network Architecture
    5G Network Characteristics. Key Performance Indicators (KPI).
    Framework for 5G networks. Core, edge and access networks.
    Virtualization technologies (NFV).
    Software Defined Networks (SDN).
    Orchestration and management. Slicing.
    5G projects and Initiatives.
    6G initiatives.

Activities

Activity Evaluation act


Evolution of the Network Architecture

Internet Design Principles. Key protocols and their evolution. Internet structure, Exchange Points. Economic relationships among stakeholders.
Objectives: 2 1
Contents:
Theory
12h
Problems
0h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
24h

Trends in the Evolution of the Network Architecture

Naming and Addressing. Addressing and Routing. Mobility. New Network Architectures.
Objectives: 2 1
Contents:
Theory
6h
Problems
0h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
12h

Routing and Inter-networking

Routing Algorithms. Classless Inter-domain Routing. Inter-domain Routing. IDR. BGP. IBGP. BGP attributes. Scalability of BGP.
Objectives: 2 1
Contents:
Theory
6h
Problems
0h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
12h

Transport Networks (Backbone)

Optical Transport Network. IP over SDH. IP over WDM/ASON. IP over WDM/GbEthernet. MPLS. From MPLS to GMPLS. SDN.
Objectives: 2 1
Contents:
Theory
6h
Problems
0h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
12h

New Network and Transport Protocols

IPv6. IPv4-IPv6 coexistence. Mobile IP. IP Multicast. Other IP protocols (HIP). Multipath TCP. Other Transport protocols (QUIC).
Objectives: 2 1
Contents:
Theory
8h
Problems
0h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
16h

Network Resource Management

Quality of Service principles. Quality of Service and Quality of Experience (QoS and QoE). Integrated Services Architecture. Differentiated Services Architecture.
Objectives: 2 1
Contents:
Theory
8h
Problems
0h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
16h

5G Network Architecture

Características de la red 5G. Indicadores clave de rendimiento (KPI). Marco para redes 5G. Redes de núcleo, borde y acceso. Tecnologías de virtualización (NFV). Redes definidas por software (SDN). Orquestación y gestión. Rebanar Proyectos e iniciativas 5G.

Theory
6h
Problems
0h
Laboratory
0h
Guided learning
0h
Autonomous learning
12h

Teaching methodology

Theoretical sessions will be complemented by discussion sessions based on assigned readings.
Studying some selected research papers will provide the flavor of research work.

Evaluation methodology

Midterm/Assignments: 25%
Discussion sessions: 25%
Active Participation in Class: 10%
Final Exam / Final project: 40%

Bibliography

Basic:

Complementary:

Previous capacities

Bachelor Degree. Admission to MIRI.
For exchange students: a basic course on computer networks is a requisite.