Module Details

Module Code: COMP8055
Title: Cloud Networking
Long Title: Cloud Networking
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: In this module, students gain practical skills in the design and configuration of virtual networks in the context of cloud Data Centre Networks (DCNs). They learn how policies can be used to control allocation of cloud DCN resources. They learn about the components and processes required for provision of cloud services.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse the structure of a cloud Data Centre Network (DCN).
LO2 Compare virtual networking standards, and describe the hypervisor, switch and router components of a virtual network.
LO3 Design and implement a virtual network including virtual switching and virtual routing components, using cloud DCN tools.
LO4 Devise and implement policies for cloud DCN management.
LO5 Describe the requirements of cloud services, and the components needed for the provision of cloud services.
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).

12702 COMP6027 Networking Fundamentals
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
Cloud Data Center Network
CDCN architectures, topologies, evolution. Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC). IPv6 (and SIIT-DC).
Virtual Networking
Layer 2/3 - role of hypervisor. L2 bridging. L2 standard & distributed switch. L3 virtual distributed router. Virtual network standards (VXLAN, NVGRE, GENEVE), comparison with VPN (IPsec, GRE). Overlay vs underlay.
Cloud Network Management
Planning, configuration, and troubleshooting. Operational tasks (automation, monitoring, logging, auditing). Managing policies for performance, scalability.
Provision of Cloud Services
Requirements of cloud services: connectivity, availability, security. Components: cloud services gateway, load balancer, virtual distributed firewall, role of hypervisor. Example of cloud service provision (e.g. VoIP).
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Assess students understanding of cloud DCN architectures and topologies, and how it relates to other components in an Software Defined Data Centre (SDDC).
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Assessment of students abilities to create, configure and test virtual networks, and use cloud DCN tools.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Written assessment covering virtual networking, cloud network management, and cloud services provision.
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 10
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Diary recording practical work on virtual network configuration and cloud DCN management.
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 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered in class. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered in class. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Gary Lee. (2014), Cloud Networking: Understanding Cloud-based Data Center Networks, Morgan Kaufmann, [ISBN: 9780128007280].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Elver Sena Sosa. (2016), VCP6-NV Official Cert Guide (Exam #2V0-641), VMware Press, [ISBN: 9780789754806].
  • Anthony Burke, Ron Fuller, Andreas la Quiante. (2017), VMware NSX 6.2 for vSphere Essentials: A Practical Guide to Implementing Network Virtualization, VMware Press, [ISBN: 9780134513409].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 5 Elective
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 5 Mandatory