Objectives and competences
The objective of this course is for students to know and understand the basics of the structure, operation principles and development directions of modern fixed telecommunications networks, and to be able to use a standard simulation tool for network performance analysis.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Evolution of telecommunications services, networks, and technologies.
• Circuit switching: legacy telephony, control signalling, optical transport networks.
• Packet switching: types of packet switching, IP packet switching, software-defined networks.
• Quality of service in communications networks: quality of service parameters and requirements, evaluation approaches, packet scheduling, integrated and differentiated services, MPLS.
• Security in communications networks: network security threats, security and criptography, network security protocols.
• Converged fixed communications networks: all-IP networks, network structure, broadband access wired and optical technologies, VoIP transport and signalling protocols, fixed-mobile convergence.
Learning and teaching methods
• lectures,
• tutorial,
• lab work,
• homework assignments.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
On completion of this course the student will be able to
• explain the development directions and the basics of structure and operation of modern fixed telecommunications networks,
• to configure and analyze the operation of VoIP private branch exchange and terminal equipment with help of literature,
• use basic mathematical expressions and simulation for network performance analysis.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
• Communication skills: lab work report writing, manner of expression at midterm examinations or written examination and homework.
• Use of information technology: use of communications equipment, use of a network simulator.
• Calculation skills: performance of basic calculations regarding network performance.
• Problem solving: communications equipment configuration and operation analysis, network performance analysis with help of simulation.
Readings
• L. Goleniewski: Telecommunications Essentials: The Complete Global Source, Second Edition, Addison Wesley Professional, 2007.
• A. S. Tanenbaum, D. Wetherall: Computer Networks, Fifth Edition, Pearson, Boston, 2011.
• R. Swale, D. Collins: Carrier Grade Voice over IP, Third Edition, McGraw-Hill Education - Europe, 2013.
• A. Leon-Garcia, I. Widjaja: Communication Networks: Fundamental Concepts and Key Architectures, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill, Boston, 2004.
• J. F. Kurose, K. W. Ross: Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, Seventh Edition, Pearson, Harlow, 2017.
Prerequisits
Recommended is basic knowledge of digital communications and computer networks.
Additional information on implementation and assessment The written exam may be substituted with continuous knowledge testing and assessment.
