Communications Networks and Services

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the fundamentals of the main switching technologies used in communications networks, along with the algorithms and protocol architectures that allow to exploit them in an efficient way. The student will learn the internal architecture of different types of switches, with particular emphasis on packet switches, including design alternatives for the internal interconnection network, fabric, buffers and basic algorithms for packet classification and scheduling, route lookup and queue management. Upon these elements, concepts of traffic engineerin will be described, including fast rerouting and QoS that are essential for the design and management of communications network services. KNOWLEDGE: - Basic operating principles of packet switching and circuits. Other alternatives: cells, messages and burst switching. - Internal architecture and algorithms used in simple packet switches (shared memory, shared bus, centralized vs. distributed processing, routers with switching fabric) and complex (knock-out, banyan, batcher-banyan, benes). - Main route lookup techniques. - Concepts required to implement Quality of Service in a packet switch and their associated protocols (classification, planning and queue management). - Label switching, segment routing and IP integration, their applications in Traffic Engineering, protection and implementation of virtual private network service. CAPACITIES: Specific: - Analyze and compare design alternatives of a switch. - Switch dimensioning - Identify and troubleshoot routers. Performance analysis. - Analyze the scalability of label switching networks. - Set various parameters of traffic control in a switch, QoS aspects of routers in a packet network to support different traffic classes and / or service. VPN configuration. - Perform traffic engineering calculations. General or skills: - Overview about the different mechanisms implemented on switched networks applying the knowledge acquired. - Ability to work as a team to solve the proposed work, distributing the workload to deal with complex problems and access to technical literature and understand it, and the information required to know the details of a particular configuration. - Contact with technologies widely used in networks and telecommunications operators and enterprises. ATTITUDES: - Proactive collaboration with partners and in learning the technologies.

CB1: Students have demonstrated possession and understanding of knowledge in an area of study that builds on the foundation of general secondary education, and is usually at a level that, while relying on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting edge of their field of study. CB2: Students are able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competences usually demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem solving within their field of study. ECRT1: Ability to learn and acquire autonomously the requisite new knowledge for design, development and utilization of telecommunication systems and services. ECRT12: Knowledge and use of the concepts of network architecture, protocol and communications interfaces. ECRT13: Ability to differentiate the concepts of network access and transport, circuit switching and packet switching networks, fixed and mobile networks as well as systems and applications of distributed networks, voice services, audio, data, video and interactive services and multimedia. ECRT14: Knowledge of network and routing interconnection methods as well as the basics of network planning and sizing based on traffic parameters. ETEGISC2: Ability to apply techniques on which telecommunication networks, services and applications are based in fixed environments as well as mobile, personal, local or long distance, with different bandwidths, including telephone, radio broadcasting, television and data, from the point of view of transmission systems. RA1: Knowledge and Understanding. Knowledge and understanding of the general fundamentals of engineering, scientific and mathematical principles, as well as those of their branch or specialty, including some knowledge at the forefront of their field. RA5: Applications. Graduates will have the ability to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems, conduct research, and design engineering devices or processes. These skills include knowledge, use and limitations of materials, computer models, process engineering, equipment, practical work, technical literature and information sources. They must be aware  of all the implications of engineering practice: ethical, environmental, commercial and industrial. RA6: Generic competences. Graduates will have the generic skills necessary for engineering practice, and which are widely applicable. First, to work effectively, both individually and as a team, as well as to communicate effectively. In addition, demonstrate awareness of the responsibility of engineering practice, social and environmental impact, and commitment to professional ethics, responsibility and standards of engineering practice. They must also have knowledge of business and project management practices, as well as risk management and control, and understand their limitations. Finally, have the capacity for continuous learning.

This is a basic course of introduction to switching in communications networks, where the basic technologies that allow to design, configure and operate the nodes of a communications network. The programme has the following modules: 1. Introduction to the different types of switching techniques in communication networks. 2. Architectures for packet switches and algorithms involved. Route lookup. 3. Elements of quality of service in packet switches. 4. Switching in core networks. Label switching and Segment Routing: Technology and Applications: Traffic Engineering, Fast Recovery and Virtual Private Networks. 5. Interconnection networks

The teaching methodology will include: (1) Lectures, which will present the knowledge that students should acquire. To facilitate their development, students will receive lecture notes and key reference texts will allow them to complete and examine those issues which are most interested. (2) laboratory classes where students will practice designed to reinforce the theoretical content taught in different teaching sessions using practical examples. (3) Resolution of exercises by the student that will serve to assess their knowledge and acquire the necessary skills. (4) Sharing of the answers to the exercises and joint correction should serve to consolidate knowledge and develop the ability to analyze and communicate relevant information to solve problems.