Course syllabus

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Network Architecture and Performance

ETSN10, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2020/21
Decided by: PLED C/D
Date of Decision: 2020-03-30

General Information

Main field: Communication Systems.
Compulsory for: MWIR1
Elective for: C4-ks, D4-ns, E4-ks, I4-pvs
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The course gives a deep understanding of the principles of network construction from a performance aspect. The course comprises two main components, investigation and dimensioning of networks through mathematical modelling and simulation as well as fundamental network architecture types. The course covers both public and local access network constructs such as 3G/LTE as well as WLAN, Ad-Hoc and Mesh networks, Internet of Things, etc. Furthermore, the course covers performance issues such as queuing behaviour, congestion control and performance engineering. The course covers both theoretical aspects through modelling as well as practical studies through a system design project.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Explain the operation of the network protocols and algorithms covered in the course
• Describe the different network architectures covered in the course
• Explain the network models covered in the course and describe key results drawn from them such as fundamental performance bounds
• Give reasons for the design choices made in existing network protocols, algorithms and architectures, with reference to system performance
• Describe current research problems and directions in networking

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Choose appropriate protocols and algorithms for a given network system
• Create and analyse models of networks for the purpose of performance analysis
• Analyse network performance using theoretical tools covered in the course such as stochastic processes and queueing theory
• Perform statistical analysis on experimental or simulation data and draw conclusions about the performance of the system studied
• Design network systems from a specified scenario and performance goals
• Find information in the scientific literature within the course's field of knowledge

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Compare and contrast different network protocols, algorithms and architectures and give their relative advantages and disadvantages
• Evaluate network systems and identify their performance goals and constraints
• Evaluate the reliability and significance of experimental or simulation data
• Evaluate the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of different methods for modelling, analysing, and testing network performance
• Critically evaluate information in the scientific literature within the course's field of study

Contents

The course gives a deep understanding of principles, functions and techniques that form the foundation of communication networks with an emphasis on wireless communication systems. In particular, the course covers these functions' behaviour and performance based on the stochastic nature of the data streams in modern communication networks.

The course covers both public systems (3G, LTE) and technologies for wireless local networks (WLAN, Ad-Hoc, and mesh networks). The course gives an understanding of how these systems integrate more and more, advantages and disadvantages as well as problems and their solutions in connection with this integration. The courses also discusses current and future trends in network systems such as Internet of Things and Tactile Internet, and the enabling technologies being developed for them.

The course structure contains lectures and exercises, as well as a lab on network simulation and data analysis. Further, students will complete a group-based system design project.

The course is divided into the following modules:

• Review of probability, stochastic processes and basic computer networking
• Medium access control using reservation schemes and random access schemes
• Network architectures for licensed and ulicensed spectrum
• Modelling for performance analysis
• Traffic management: queueing systems and congestion and flow control

The following systems and technologies are covered:

• WLANs
• Ad-hoc, mesh and sensor networks, and routing protocols designed for such networks, including geographic routing
• Internet of Things
• Cellular systems (GSM, UMTS, LTE and a discussion of 5G)
• MAC protocols: ALOHA, CSMA, 802.11 (WiFi), including the Bianchi model of 802.11
• Congestion and flow control techniques such as Random Early Detection, token bucket schemes
• Queueing disciplines such as priority queueing, weighted fair queueing, class based queueing
• TCP flow and congestion control and retransmission strategies

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U,3,4,5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: The course assessment is divided in two sections, a written exam and a project assignment. The grade of the course is based on the written exam.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Parts
Code: 0118. Name: Examination.
Credits: 5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written exam.
Code: 0218. Name: Project.
Credits: 2,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Accepted project. Contents: Performance analysis and simulations of networked systems

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: Basic knowledge in communication systems corresponding to ETS052/EITF45 Computer Communication or ETS150 Data Communication. Basic knowledge in statistics and probability theory.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: ETS190, ETSN01

Reading list

• Conference and journal papers.
• Sadiku, Matthew N. O. and Musa, Sarhan M.: Performance Analysis of Computer Networks. Springer, 2013, ISBN: 978-3-319-01645-0.

Contact and other information

Examinator: Björn Landfeldt, bjorn.landfeldt@eit.lth.se
Course coordinator: Emma Fitzgerald, emma.fitzgerald@eit.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.eit.lth.se/course/etsn10