MN625 - Software Managed Networks

Credit points: 20 credit points

Workload: 60 hours

Prerequisite: MN521 Network Automation

Co-requisite: N/A

Aims & objectives

This is a core unit out of a total of 12 units in the Master of Networking (MNet) course. This unit addresses the MNet course learning outcomes and complements other courses in related fields by developing students’ specialised knowledge in Software Managed Networks (SMN) architecture, design, implementation, and security strategies. For further course information refer to: http://www.mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/master-networking. This unit is part of the AQF level 9 (MNet) courses.
SMN is an emerging paradigm in computer networking that allows a logically centralized software program to control the behaviour of an entire network. Separating a network’s control logic from the underlying physical routers and switches that forward traffic allows network operators to write high-level control programs that specify the behaviour of an entire network, in contrast to conventional networks, whereby network operators must codify functionality in terms of low-level device configuration.
This unit provides students with fundamental knowledge of SMN including the history and evolution, architecture, control and data planes, switches and controllers, programming, traffic engineering, security, and the use of SMN in cloud networks and datacentres. The practical work includes the configuration and programming of OpenFlow (OF)switches and Software-Defined Network (SDN) controllers.

This unit will cover the following topics:

  • History and evolution of SMN, SDN, OF Switch, Control and Data Plane Separation
  • Current Networking Practices and the need for SMN
  • Evolution of SDN, SDN Architecture I, II
  • Software Defined Network (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
  • Distributed SDN Environments and Policy Management
  • SDN based Intelligent Security Management
     

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

  • Compare the traditional networks and Software Managed Networks (SMN) paradigm;
  • Investigate the architecture, flexibility, and scalability of Software Defined Networks (SDN) for virtualization and network management;
  • Design, configure and troubleshoot of switches, controllers, and SDN networks;
  • Evaluate security challenges in the SMN paradigm;
  • Evaluate the emerging SMN applications.

Weekly topics

This unit will cover the content below:

Week # Lecture Topics Laboratory Topics
1 Lecture 1 Current Networking Practices and the need for Software Managed Networks (SMN) Laboratory 1 Installation and testing of Mininet on Virtual Box, Compare and contrast SDN with Traditional Networks
2 Lecture 2 Evolution of SDN Laboratory 2 Mininet Walkthrough commands, Critique the evolution of SDN with examples
3 Lecture 3 SDN Architecture I Laboratory 3 MiniEdit networking scenario examples, Case Study - SDN Network analysis
4 Lecture 4 SDN Architecture II Laboratory 4 MiniEdit networking scenario examples, Case Study - SDN Network analysis
5 Lecture 5 Software-Defined Network (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Laboratory 5 Mininet's Python API examples, Case Study - SDN Controller analysis
6 Lecture 6 SDN Applications Laboratory 6 Linear topology with 2 switches and tree level 3 switches topology using Python, Case Study - SDN Controller analysis
7 Lecture 7 SDN in Data Centers Laboratory 7 Hierarchical network design using Python, Case Study - SDN Implementation analysis
8 Lecture 8 Distributed SDN Environments and Policy Management Laboratory 8 Mininet and POX controller programming, Case Study - SDN Implementation analysis
9 Lecture 9 SDN Security Laboratory 9 Openflow switches intro and useful commands /Mininet RYU controller basic commands, Case Study - SDN and Virtual Network Function (VNF) analysis
10 Lecture 10 SDN based Intelligent Security Management Laboratory 10 Topology using Openflow switches /Mininet RYU controller programming, Case Study - SDN and VNF Implementation analysis
11 Lecture 11 Cognitive SDN Laboratory 11 Opendaylight controller introduction and configuration, Case Study -SDN and data centre implementation
12 Lecture 12 SMN Future Laboratory 12 Opendaylight controller configuration, Case Study - SDN and future networks.

Assessment

Assessment Task Due Date A B Learning Outcomes Assessed
Formative Week 3 10%   a
In-Class test Week 7   10% a-b
Group report and demonstration Week 11 20%   c-e
Class participation & contribution Week 12 10%    
Final examination (3 hours)     50% a-e
TOTALS   40% 60%  

Task Type: Type A: unsupervised, Type B: supervised

Contribution and participation (10%)
This unit has class participation as an assessment. The assessment task and marking rubric will follow the Guidelines on Assessing Class Participation (https://www.mit.edu.au/about-us/governance/institute-rules- policies-and-plans/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/Guidelines_on_Assessing_Class_Participation). Further details will be provided in the assessment specification on the type of assessment tasks and the marking rubrics.

Textbook and reference materials

Note: Students are required to purchase the prescribed textbook and have it available each week in class.

Prescribed Books: 

  • D. Huang, A. Chowdhary, S. Pisharody, Software-Defined Networking and Security: From Theory to Practice, Boca Raton, FL, USA: CRC Press, 2019

Other references:

  • A. Nayyar, P. Nagrath, B. Singla, Software Defined Networks: Architecture and Applications, Wiley-Scrivener; 1st edition, 2022
  • L. L. Peterson, C. Cascone, B. O'Connor, et. al. Software-Defined Networks: A Systems Approach, Systems Approach LLC, 2021
  • V. K. Mishra, Software Defined Networks. New York, NY, USA: Momentum Press Engineering, 2019.
  • P. Raj and A. Raman, Software-Defined Cloud Centers: Operational and Management Technologies and Tools. Cham, Switzerland: Springer, 2018.

Journals

  • IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management
  • IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking
  • IEEE Transactions on Services Computing
  • IEEE Transactions on Control of Network Systems
  • IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing
  • IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security
  • IEEE Internet of Things Journal
  • IEEE Network 
  • Journal of Network and Computer Applications 
  • Journal of Network and Systems Management 
  • International Journal on Network Management
  • Journal of Cybersecurity 
  • Journal of Network and Computer Applications
  • Journal of Communications and Information Networks

The Referencing style for this unit is IEEE
 

Graduate attributes

MIT is committed to ensure the course is current, practical and relevant so that graduates are “work ready” and equipped for life-long learning. In order to accomplish this, the MIT Graduate Attributes identify the required knowledge, skills and attributes that prepare students for the industry.
The level to which Graduate Attributes covered in this unit are as follows:

Ability to communicate Independent and lifelong learning Ethics Analytical and problem solving Cultural and global awareness Team work Specialist knowledge of a field of study

Legend

Levels of attainment Extent covered
The attribute is covered by theory and practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students always play an active role, e.g. workshops, lab submissions, assignments, demonstrations, tests, examinations.
The attribute is covered by theory or practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students mostly play an active role, e.g. discussions, reading, intepreting documents, tests, examinations.
The attribute is discussed in theory or practice; it is addressed by assessed activities in which the students may play an active role, e.g. lectures and discussions, reading, interpretation, workshops, presentations.
The attribute is presented as a side issue in theory or practice; it is not specifically assessed, but it is addressed by activities such as lectures or tutorials.
The attribute is not considered, there is no theory or practice or activities associated with this attribute.