Module Details

Module Code: COMP8059
Title: Cloud Infrastructure
Long Title: Cloud Infrastructure
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: Cloud infrastructure is a term used to describe the virtual infrastructure that can be delivered or accessed via a network and typically refers to the delivery model in cloud computing known as Infrastructure as a Service. This module provides a detailed introduction to cloud infrastructure and in particular examines how compute virtualisation and storage have transformed the IT datacentre in building complex IT environments.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify and describe the challenges and latest trends in data centre virtualisation.
LO2 Analyse and describe the architecture and components of an Intelligent Storage System (ISS).
LO3 Justify the implementation of a range of storage solutions to enable business continuity.
LO4 Discuss the requirements for implementing network access to storage in virtualised data centre environments.
LO5 Design and create a virtual data centre environment.
LO6 Manage and troubleshoot a virtual data centre environment.
LO7 Evaluate the basics of securing the virtual data centre.
LO8 Design, partially implement and report on a small scale cloud infrastructure project.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
The Evolution and challenges of Data Centres
The evolution of computing infrastructures and architectures from stand-alone servers to rack optimised blade servers, unified computing systems (UCS) & virtual data centre (VDC). How server, desktop & network virtualisation along with cloud computing reduce data centre footprint, environmental impact and power requirements by driving server consolidation.
Intelligent Storage System
Components and benefits of the Intelligent Storage System.
Storage Backup & Recovery
Business Continuity measurement, terminologies, and planning. Backup design, architecture, topologies, and technologies in SAN and NAS environments. Local and Remote replication using host and array-based replication technologies such as Synchronous and Asynchronous methods. Data archival; Content Addressed Storage (CAS) elements, storage, and retrieval processes.
Storage Networking in Enterprise Virtualised Environments
Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) architecture, Storage Area Network (SAN) attributes, components, topologies, connectivity options and zoning. FC protocol stack, addressing, flow control, and classes of service. Networked Attached Storage (NAS) components, protocols, IP Storage Area Network (IP SAN) iSCSI, FCIP and FCoE architecture. Network scalability with distributed switches.
Data Centre Virtualisation
Provision, monitoring and management of a virtual data centre and multiple enterprise-level virtual servers, storage environment and virtual machines through software management interfaces.
Managing Virtual Environments
Monitoring, optimisation and troubleshooting; includes servers, storage, networking and virtual machines. Introduces concepts such as migration methodologies, high availability, redundancy and disaster recovery, scalability and scheduling.
Security
Securing the hypervisor, virtual machines and virtual network. Protecting the management environment. Storage strategy and governance; security and regulations. Designing secure solutions; the considerations and implementations involved. Storage security framework and various security domains. Security implementation in SAN, NAS, and IP-SAN networking.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Virtualisation & storage short answer questions exam assessing the theoretical elements of the module.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 5,6
Assessment Description
Cloud Infrastructure skills exam. In this assessment the student may be expected to design, create, troubleshoot and manage a virtual data centre environment.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6,7,8
Assessment Description
Report on a small scale cloud infrastructure project. This includes analysis, design and implementation.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 4.00 4
Lab Contact Cloud Infrastructure Labs. Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student work and study. Every Week 6.00 6
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 8.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 4.00 4
Lab Contact Cloud Infrastructure Labs. Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student work and study. Every Week 6.00 6
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 8.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Nick Marshall, Grant Orchard, Josh Atwell, Scott Lowe. (2015), Mastering VMware vSphere 6, 1st. Sybex, [ISBN: 9781118925157].
  • John A. Davis, Steve Baca, Owen Thomas. (2013), VMware vSphere Design, 2nd. Sybex, [ISBN: 9781118407912].
  • EMC 2012. Information Storage and Management, 2nd. John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 9781118094839].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Mickey Iqbal. (2010), IT Virtualization Best Practices: A Lean, Green Virtualized Data Center Approach, MC Press, [ISBN: 9781583473542].
  • Ulf Troppens, Rainer Erkens, Wolfgang Mueller-Friedt, Rainer Wolafka, Nils Haustein. (2015), Storage Networks Explained, 2nd. Wiley, [ISBN: 9788126557424].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KCLCO_8 Higher Diploma in Science in Cloud Computing 2 Mandatory
CR_KINDD_9 Master of Science in Technical Communication 1 Elective
CR_KIDDE_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Technical Communication 1 Elective