Module Descriptor School of Computer Science and Statistics

3 per week

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

NS3LO1 Describe the basic characteristics, structure and operation of wired and wireless networks.

NS3LO2 Identify appropriate architectural models, systems strategies and use cases for a range of modern network concepts.

NS3LO3 Reason about the challenges and impediments that new, disruptive networking paradigms encounter, as well as their appropriate application.

NS3LO4 Implement solutions to key challenges in modern network architecture, e.g., scalability, cost effectiveness and energy efficiency.

NS3LO5 Implement solutions to key challenges in the wireless space e.g. mobility, interference, energy consumption.

NS3LO6 Assess the operation of medium access protocols in contemporary wireless standards for local and wide area networks, and Internet of Things, and discuss co-existence between different types of systems.

This module aims to provide both a theoretical and practical understanding of modern and next generation networking and systems concepts, principles, practices and technologies. Contemporary and emerging wired and wireless network systems are targeted.

Students will be exposed to a variety of system platforms, architectures, protocols, and algorithms, with a strong focus on key design principles and practices e.g. performance, scalability, mobility, virtualization.

The module also aims to highlight some of the relevant ongoing research and innovation in the space taking place within Ireland and internationally.

Specific topics addressed in this module include:

1. Contemporary and emerging fixed telecommunication network architecture and systems:
1. Fixed telecom operator network architectures
2. Optical networking and transmission technology
3. Next generation fixed access network technologies (latest copper and fibre access technologies)
2. Contemporary and emerging wireless network architecture and systems:
1. Wireless channel impairments and mitigation techniques, overview of wireless networks
2. Mobile architectures: LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A-PRO
3. Wireless local area networks: IEEE 802.11, HetNet and small cell deployments, mmWave
3. Convergence of mobile and fixed architectures: backhaul, fronthaul, midhaul and protocol convergence
4. Multi-service networks and quality of service assurance
5. Next generation software-defined network (SDN) controlled systems
6. Recent trends in wireless networking
1. Cognitive radio self-organising networks and spectrum sharing
2. 5G and Internet of Things

• Wireless Networking, Understanding Internetworking Challenges,  J. L. Burbank, J. Andrusenko, J.S. Everett, W.T.M. Kasch, Wiley, 2013.
• QOS-Enabled Networks: Tools and Foundations, 2^nd edition, Miguel Barreiros, Peter Lundqvist, Wiley, 2016.
• Optical Networks: A Practical Perspective, 3^rd Edition, R. Ramaswami, K. N. Sivarajan, G. H. Sasaki, Morgan Kaufmann, 2010

Annual Assessment:

• Exam: 70%
• Coursework: 30%

Assessment in the Supplemental session will be based on 100% exam.