75493 - Protocols And Architectures For Space Networks M

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the students know the elements for the analysis and design of applications and telecommunication services based on next-generation networks and Internet protocols, for both mobile and wired devices. Students also know the basis of the business models which exploit the above applications and services.

Course contents

Challenged networks
Definition of “challenged networks”. Challenges: long delays, significant losses, intermittent connectivity, network partitioning. Examples: Interplanetary Internet, satelllite networks (GEO and LEO), emergency networks, underwater networks, communications in areas not covered by ordinary TLC networks (extreme environemnts), tactical networks, etc.
The DTN architecture
Description of the DTN architecture (RFC 4838).
The Bundle Protocol
Description of the Bundle Protocol v7 (RFC 9171) with differnces with respct to v6 (RFC 5050). Lab activities: use of Unibo-BP and DTNME (NASA MSFC) bundle protocol implementations. Use of the DTNperf tool.
Application of the DTN architecture to the satellite networks
Characteristics of satellite networks based on Geostationary (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constallations. Lab activities: example of application of the DTN architecture to GEO and LEO systems.
Application of the DTN architecture to Interplanetary Internet
Characteristics of Interplanetary networks. The LTP protocol. Lab activities: examples of application of the DTN architecture to IPN systems.

Readings/Bibliography

IETF RFC 4838 e RFC 9171. A few technical papers selected by the Professor. A few presentations by the Professor or by other DTN experts.

Teaching methods

Lessons (50%) and lab activities (50%, mainly on the students'PCs).

All students are required to attend Modules 1 and 2 on safety rules in teaching environments, available at the following link:

[https://outlook.office.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=Ez122Te1xBnDnkZ6mAqqUPYpJXCCWWu1LeSkDxP4immeIyJZiWXaCAFodHRwczovL2VsZWFybmluZy1zaWN1cmV6emEudW5pYm8uaXQv].

Assessment methods

Written test (open questions or quizzes) followed by a compulsory verification (on student's or professor's PC) of student's ability in carrying out the lab activities seen during the course. This exam has a binary result (pass/failure). Answers in Italian or French are allowed under students' request.

Exams in December, January, February, June-July and September.

The assesment (pass/failure) is based on the results of the written test and on the ability of the student to carry out simple experiments on DTN networks, by using the same virtual testbed used during the course.

Teaching tools

Lab activities will be based on the use of Virtualbricks (virtual testbeds manager). This program (Linux only), preconfigured virtual testbeds and disk images are open sofware and can be downloaded from:
http://cnrl.deis.unibo.it/software.php

In alternative to Virtualbricks, the students with a Mac can use a tebed based on Docker images. The related sofware can be downloaded from:

https://gitlab.com/unibo-dtn-docker-environment

Office hours

See the website of Carlo Caini