Communications Networks and Services

This course describes the principles of software networks, namely network function virtualization and software defined networking. To achieve this objective, the student must acquire specific knowledge and capacities: - Understand the technological and market context triggering the need of network virtualization technologies. - Know and understand the principal virtualization technologies, including virtual machines and containers. - Understand the basics of programmable data planes. - Know the principal architecture of network function virtualization. - Implement, deploy and configure in the lab a realistic network service on a virtualization platform.

KOPT1: To know and understand in depth advanced technologies in a specific field of the degree, which constitute the state of the art in the area of study, including emerging trends and recent developments. KOPT2: To interpret scientific and technical information sources to deepen knowledge in a specific area related to engineering and information and communication technologies. SOPT1: To identify, assess their technical feasibility, and apply advanced tools, methodologies, and technological solutions used in the field of the course to develop algorithms or systems that integrate cutting_edge and innovative technologies. SOPT2: To apply analytical and design methodologies to solve advanced problems in the field of the elective course, and evaluate the performance and limitations of different technological approaches, proposing improvements and alternatives COPT1: To conceive and develop projects that integrate advanced knowledge and provide innovative solutions in the field of study.

The programme is divided into four parts: FIRST PART (Introduction): - Presentation and introduction of the course. - Introduction to Software Networks. SECOND PART (Virtualization): - Introduction to virtualization. - Hypervisors. - Virtual machines. - Containers. - Hardware support to virtualization. THIRD PART (Network Function Virtualization): - Introduction and motivation. - NFV architecture. - Software architecture. FOURTH PART (Software defined networks): - Introduction to SDN. - SDN architecture and OpenFlow basics. - OpenFlow and Integration with NFV.

The teaching methodology includes: (1) Theoretical classes. Students will be provided with the learning objectives to be covered in which lecture and the specific material to prepare it (prior to the actual class). In these classes, the concepts related to the learning objectives are revised and, with the participation of the students, the acquired knowledge will be checked and strengthened interactively (POs a, j). (2) Laboratory classes in computer rooms, where students will configure network virtualization tools.