72521 - Internet Routing and Trasport: Protocols and Performance

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles and management technologies commonly used in modern telecommunications networks. They will be able to evaluate the behavior of network nodes using basic performance analysis and resource dimensioning models. They will also be familiar with the main tools employed for network automation and intelligent network management.

Course contents

Module 1

NETWORK MANAGEMENT

• General principles of network management (FCAPS).
• Principles of telecommunications network softwarization.
• Modern network management protocols (NETCONF).
• Network service orchestration platforms (Kubernetes).

Module 2

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS FOR NETWORK MANAGEMENT

• Practical examples of artificial intelligence models applied to the management of modern communication networks.

Module 3

TRAFFIC THEORY

• Introduction to teletraffic theory and queueing systems.
• Applications to the analysis, dimensioning, and planning of circuit-switched and packet-switched networks.

TRANSPORT AND END-TO-END CONTROL

• Review of the TCP protocol.
• TCP flow control.
• Models for TCP connection performance analysis.

Readings/Bibliography

Study materials will be provided by the instructors throughout the course.

For further reading on traffic theory, the following textbook is recommended:

• F. Callegati, W. Cerroni, C. Raffaelli, "Traffic Engineering: A Practical Approach", Springer, 2023. ISBN: 978-3-031-09588-7.

For additional background on TCP, the following references are recommended:

• K. R. Fall, W. R. Stevens, "TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1", 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-321-33631-6.
• J. F. Kurose, K. W. Ross, "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach"

Teaching methods

Lectures and in-class practical exercises.

Assessment methods

The final assessment consists of a written examination involving problems on the dimensioning of queueing systems and the performance evaluation of the TCP protocol. This is followed by an oral examination aimed at assessing the knowledge and competencies acquired in the topics covered in Modules 1 and 2.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. Such accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination. Approval will be granted at the instructor's discretion, taking into account the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Open-source software tools for network management and protocol analysis.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Borsatti

See the website of Gianluca Davoli