227-0575-00L Advanced Topics in Communication Networks (Autumn 2020)
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2020 |
| Lecturers | L. Vanbever |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Abstract | This course covers advanced topics and technologies in computer networks, both theoretically and practically. It is offered each Fall semester, with rotating topics. Repetition for credit is possible with consent of the instructor. In the Fall 2020, the course will cover advanced topics in Internet routing and forwarding. |
| Learning objective | The goals of this course is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the existing and upcoming Internet routing and forwarding technologies used in large-scale computer networks such as Internet Service Providers (e.g., Swisscom or Deutsche Telekom), Content Delivery Networks (e.g., Netflix) and Data Centers (e.g., Google). Besides covering the fundamentals, the course will be “hands-on” and will enable students to play with the technologies in realistic network environments, and even implement some of them on their own during labs and a final group project. |
| Content | The course will cover advanced topics in Internet routing and forwarding such as: - Tunneling - Hierarchical routing - Traffic Engineering and Load Balancing - Virtual Private Networks - Quality of Service/Queuing/Scheduling - IP Multicast - Fast Convergence - Network virtualization - Network programmability (OpenFlow, P4) - Network measurements The course will be divided in two main blocks. The first block (~10 weeks) will interleave classical lectures with practical exercises and labs. The second block (~4 weeks) will consist of a practical project which will be performed in small groups (~3 students). During the second block, lecture slots will be replaced by feedback sessions where students will be able to ask questions and get feedback about their project. The last week of the semester will be dedicated to student presentations and demonstrations. |
| Lecture notes | Lecture notes and material will be made available before each course on the course website. |
| Literature | Relevant references will be made available through the course website. |
| Prerequisites / Notice | Prerequisites: Communication Networks (227-0120-00L) or equivalents / good programming skills (in any language) are expected as both the exercices and the final project will involve coding. |