Module Details

Module Code: COMP9078
Title: Next Generation Networks
Long Title: Next Generation Networks
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Recent advancements in Software Defined Networking (SDN), Network Virtualisation (NV), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), cloud, edge/fog computing are changing the way the network and service operators design their underlying infrastructure and deploy and manage applications and network services giving rise to the next evolution in networking. In this module the core principles, architectures, security for network generation networks will be covered providing students with the fundamental knowledge to design and secure a data centre network incorporating these technologies.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically discuss the evolution of networking technologies to its current evolution and vision for the future internet.
LO2 Analyse the network architecture and elements for Software Defined Networks (SDN) and Network Function Virtualisation (NFV) networks.
LO3 Design, analyze, and implement an SDN network using multiple controllers and virtual switches demonstrating the protocol operation between the architectural components in the network.
LO4 Critically discuss and design the physical and networking infrastructures for a modern data centre.
LO5 Build, configure and secure a complex routed and switched data centre network leveraging next generating networking concepts.
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.
Basic knowledge of programming and networking is required.
 
Indicative Content
Next Generation Networks
Background of next generation (programmable) networks, technologies for software based networks, flexibility through software based networks in network domain (data centre network, mobile network, wide area network, and access networks) and network planes (data and control plane), cognitive network management through machine learning.
The Future Internet
The Future Internet and its main driving forces. Service Aware Networks and Network Aware Services, Network Virtualisation approaches and history - VLANs, Middle-Boxes, Traffic monitoring and analysis for future Internet, Overlay networking, active network, SDN, FlowVisor, RouteFlow. Network virtualisation projects and testbeds, Tactile Internet, Internet of Things, Named Data Networking (NDN), Information Centric Networking (ICN), Energy Internet.
Software Defined Networking (SDN)
SDN overview and history. SDN Architecture - Planes - data, management and control. Interfaces - northbound and southbound. Eastbound and Westbound. Network Operating System (NOS). Network abstraction.SDN Protocol specifications: Border Gateway Protocol (BGP); Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI); OpenFlow. OpenFlow versions. Virtual Network Embedding Problem. SDN Controllers - Floodlight, POX, NOX, Beacon. Open source distributed controllers - ONOS, ONIX. Eventually consistently problem. Brewer's CAP Theorem. SDN vSwitches - Open vSwitch, Pica8, OpenFlowJ. Alternatives to OpenFlow i.e. P4 etc.
Network Function Virtualisation (NFV)
NFV overview and history. Challenges and Opportunities. NFV Architecture - infrastructure, virtual network function and services, management and orchestration. Business models and design consideration. Standardisation, projects and implementations. Research challenges. Service chaining. OPNFV Platform Architecture. The OPNFV Community labs and IOVisor.
Data Centre Network: Architectures & Infrastructure
Physical components of a data centre. Data centre architecture and network topologies. Server architectures, stand-alone, blades, stateless, clustering, scaling, optimisation, virtualisation. Limitations of traditional server deployments; modern solutions. Applications; database, finance etc. Requirements for modern data centers, high availability and Service Orientated Infrastructures (SOI). Modern data centre use case studies.
Data Centre Network: Design, Networking Virtualization, and Security
Design for flexibility, scalability, environmental control, electrical power, flooring, fire protection, security, network infrastructure. Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Data Centre Networking fit out (e.g. Top of Rack, End of Row, PUE etc). Data Centre standards; TIA/EIA-942. Structured cabling standards, fibre and copper cabling characteristics, cable management, bandwidth requirements, I/O connectivity. Redundant Layer 2 and Layer 3 designs. Case studies. Data Centre network virtualizaiton and security.
SDN: Security and Implementation Issues
Security challenges at Northbound, southbound, eastbound and westbound interfaces. Data plane layer security issues. Controller layer - single point of failure, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Firewall and placement. Threats and vulnerabilities. SDN Protocol specifications: Border Gateway Protocol (BGP); Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI); OpenFlow. OpenFlow versions. Components of an OpenFlow Switch. Flow and group tables. Rule matching. Action handling. Table misses. Counters, metering and metadata.
Future Research Directions
Future research direction topics related with future Internet, data centre networks, and network virtualization, SDN in wireless networks, SDN in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), SDN in Smart Grids. Named Data Networking (NDN), Information Centric Networking (ICN).
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
In this project the student will be given a topic relevant to the vision of future Internet to critically analyse and discuss future research directions. Then design, analyze and implement a SDN/NFV network and critically assess the performance and security challenges.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
An example project would be to design a data centre physical and networking infrastructure based on customer requirements or using a case study as an example. Then build, configure and manage a data centre to ensure it operates securely and efficiently.
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 to support content delivered. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent student learning. 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 to support content delivered. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent student learning. 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
  • Paul Goransson, Chuck Black, Timothy Culver. (2016), Software Defined Networks: A Comprehensive Approach, 2nd. Morgan Kaufmann, [ISBN: 9780128045558].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Ron Fuller, David Jansen, Matthew McPherson. (2013), NX-OS and Cisco Nexus Switching: Next-Generation Data Center Architectures, Cisco Press, [ISBN: 9781587143045].
  • Tim Szigeti, David Zacks, Matthias Falkner, Simone Arena. (2018), Cisco Digital Network Architecture: Intent-based Networking for the Enterprise, Cisco Press, [ISBN: 9780134724010].
  • William Stallings. (2015), Foundations of Modern Networking: SDN, NFV, QoE, IoT, and Cloud, Addison-Wesley Professional, [ISBN: 9780134175393].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • N. McKeown, T. Anderson, H. Balakrishnan et al.. OpenFlow: enabling innovation in campus networks, ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communication Review, Vol. 38, Issue 2.
  • Chowdhury, N. M., Boutaba, R. Network virtualization: state of the art and research challenges, Network virtualization: state of the art and research challenges, 47(7).
  • Mubashir Husain Rehmani, Alan Davy, Brendan Jennings, Chadi Assi. (2019), Software Defined Networks based Smart Grid Communication: A Comprehensive Survey, IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials, vol. 21, no. 3.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KCLDC_9 Master of Science in Cloud Computing 2 Mandatory