Objectives and competences
The objective of this course is for students to understand the operation and advantages and disadvantages of different technologies of modern fixed broadband telecommunications networks, as well as to be able to use a selected simulation tool to model and analyse performance of a new protocol.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Introduction: telecommunications development, political and regulatory factors.
• Communication networks: network structure, switching techniques, quality of service parameters.
• Voice over IP: background, speech coding, transporting voice over IP, H.323, SIP, media gateway control and the softswitch architecture, VoIP and SS7.
• Quality of service in IP networks: techniques for achieving good quality of service, integrated services, differentiated services, MPLS.
• Optical networks: SONET/SDH, WDM networks, wavelength routing optical networks, elastic optical networks.
• Multiservice networks: purpose and structure of the networks, broadband copper and optical fibre access technologies, core network technologies, software-defined networks.
Learning and teaching methods
• lectures,
• tutorial,
• computer work,
• homework assignments.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
On completion of this course the student will be able to
• technically explain the essential characteristics of circuit- and packet-switched wide-area network operation,
• apply a selected simulation tool for modelling and performance analysis of new protocols,
• summarize advantages and disadvantages of the individual technologies, as well as the differences and similarities between them regarding the relevant criteria, such as, for example, performance and reliability,
• explain, by using the established technical terminology, the types, the purpose, and the operation of important wired and optical broadband network technologies with respect to relevant protocol layers
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
• Communication skills: written reports and oral defence of lab work, writing homework assignments and midterm examinations or exam.
• Use of information technology: use of network simulation tools requiring no programming and, primarily, of a selected tool which requires programming.
• Problem solving: solving moderate network performance analysis and design problems.
Readings
• H. G. Perros: Connection-oriented Networks: SONET/SDH, ATM, MPLS and Optical Networks, Wiley, Chichester, 2005.
• R. Swale, D. Collins: Carrier-Grade Voice over IP, Third Edition, McGraw-Hill - Education, 2013.
• A. S. Tanenbaum, D. Wetherall: Computer Networks, Fifth Edition, Pearson, Boston, 2014.
• J. M. Simmons: Optical Network Design and Planning, Springer International Publishing Switzerland, 2014.
• L. Goleniewski: Telecommunications Essentials: The Complete Global Source, Second Edition, Addison-Wesley Professional, Upper Saddle River, 2007.
Prerequisits
Recommended is basic knowledge of communication networks and protocols, as well as basic knowledge of object-oriented programming.
Additional information on implementation and assessment The written exam may be substituted with continuous knowledge testing and assessment.
