Network and Service Management

When retrieving content from an arbitrary platform a large number of different network entities and services are involved. Requests are forwarded via different networks being composed of access nodes, firewalls, broadband gateways, load balancers, switches, routers, and many more devices until they reach the corresponding endpoint hosting the desired content. But how is the interplay of devices and autonomous systems orchestrated in a cost-efficient but also well-performing manner, i.e., how are these networks and their devices managed and operated?

The course network management and operation will tackle these issues with specific emphasis on the following topics:
• Network management fundamentals
• SNMP and WEB-based network management
• Management aspects regarding virtualized infrastructures
• Control and data plane programmability

A. Knowledge:
1) To get a basic understanding of principles and architectures for the management of networks and networked services.
2) To get a profound understanding of SNMP and WEB-based architectures and platforms for network management.
3) To get a profound understanding of network and infrastructure virtualization
4) To understand differences with respect to control and data plane programmability and to know prominent exemplary protocols and technologies like OpenFlow and P4.

B. Skills:
1) To be able to communicate, reason and creatively think about management of networks.
2) To be able to understand and use abstract specifications for SNMP-based as well as web-based management .
3) To be able to design, implement and use virtualized networks and infrastructures.
4) To be able to program network control and data plane

The course applies a combination of traditional lectures and team-based learning methodologies and activities, including a final written exam. Lectures are combined with theoretical and practical exercises providing hands-on experience in network operation and management. Throughout the semester the students will receive feedback through readiness assurance tests (RATs), which will also contribute to the final grade. The practical exercises are mandatory and graded. Written reports must be submitted.