The architectures of networks and service delivery platforms are subject to an unprecedented techno-economic transformation. This trend, often referred to as Network Softwarization, will yield significant benefits in terms of reducing expenditure and operational costs of next generation networks. The key enablers are Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Cloud Native Function Virtualization (CNF), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Cloud Computing (mainly Edge Computing).
This course will cover the principle of Network Softwerization by introducing and detailing the concepts of SDN, NFV, and Cloud Computing (focusing on the IaaS model and Edge Computing). Besides covering the theoretical aspects, the course will provide an overview of the enabling technologies and how combining these concepts will allow for building flexible and dynamic virtual networks tailored to services, e.g., SDN controllers, Kubernetes, NFVO, and containers.
Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures and lab. sessions.
- 4 lectures
- 10 labs: NOS using POX and Python, Virtualization technologies, Kubernetes, Cloud-native Network Function, and orchestration using NFVO.
Course Policies: Attendance to Lab sessions is mandatory.
- Publication: SHENKER S. (UC Berkeley). Software-Defined Networking at the Crossroads. Standford, Colloquium on Computer Systems Seminar Series (EE380), 2013.
- Publication: KREUTZ D., RAMOS F., VERISSIMO P., ROTHENBERH C., AZODOLMOLKY S., UHLIG S. Software-Defined Networking: A Comprehensive Survey. in IEEE Surveys & Tutorials on communications.
- Book: NADEAU T. D., GRAY K. SDN: Software Defined Networks. O’Reilly, 2013, 384p.
This course requires knowledge of networking, computing, and computer programming.
- Software Defined Networking: Concepts, Network Operating System (NOS), Northbound API (ex. REST), Southbound API (ex. OpenFlow.
- Cloud and Edge Computing: IaaS, multi-tenancy, link and node virtualization, OpenVswitch (OVS), Edge Computing.
- Network Function Virtualization: ETSI architecture, Virtual Network Function (VNF) concept, Orchestrations.
- Cloud-Native Function Virtualization: Kubernetes, Dockers, etc.
Learning Outcomes
- Be able to program a network using a NoS (SDN controller).
- Be able to design a virtual network architecture.
- Be able to deploy a Kubernetes-based virtual platform.
- Be able to orchestrate and manage Cloud Native Virtual Function.
Number of hours: 21 hours, including 4 lectures and 10 lab sessions
Evaluation:
- Lab. reports and attendance (50% of the final grade)
- Written exam (50% of the final grade)
