Advanced Internet Technologies

Other courses in the networking ladder focus on networking concepts and mechanisms from a broad perspective. General trade-offs are discussed and investigated either theoretically or in emulated or simulated environments. But Internet has evolved for more than 30 years now and consists of a complex mix of many different and specifically optimized networking technologies.

IP, TCP and UDP play core roles in transporting packets, OSPF and BGP handle routing, and SNMP and NETCONF help out with management, however, their usage has been tweaked and adjusted to support evolving services like VoIP, video streaming or online gaming.

But how are protocols and mechanisms really implemented in the network of networks, the Internet? What is really happening when we access a video clip on a streaming platform? And which concepts are currently evolving and will potentially change the way we are currently using the Internet?

The course goes deeper into a set of current established technologies, e.g. tunneling protocols, Content Delivery Networks, Adaptive video streaming, transport protocols, network programmability and Information-centric networking.

The course contributes to almost all UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (since efficient communication/networking is a fundamental need for all non-local cooperation), but in particular to SDG 9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

A. Knowledge:

1. To get a profound understanding about reasons for and realization of network technologies used in today's Internet.
2. To get a profound understanding of evolving technologies related to network programmability and how they impact the Internet eco-system

B. Skills:

1. To be able to communicate, reason, and think creatively about the networking technologies used in the Internet.
2. To be able to identify and analyze the drawbacks of legacy protocols.
3. To be able to identify alternative solutions and to illustrate their prospects.

The course will apply a flipped classroom approach for lectures, i.e. reading material and lecture recording combined with Readiness Assurance Tests (RATs). Additionally, the course features a number of compulsory practical assignments.