Students
ITEC850 – Network System Design
2015 – S1 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Ian Joyner
Damian Jurd
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
COMP347
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will focus on the design of network systems such as routers, switches, and virtual machines for building and managing large scale communication networks. Students will learn the applied theoretical and technological principles in network systems design such as packet processing and classification, lookup algorithms, and switching fabrics. The unit will systematise and further develop this knowledge of network systems in the area of cloud computing and virtualization. Students will gain a thorough understanding of cloud computing concepts such as datacentre design, network virtualization for systems and network devices. Students will also learn about the security issues that cloud deployments experience, and how these are addressed.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Analyse different designs of network systems such as routers, switches, and virtual machines for design and managing large-scale networks.
- Analyse different strategies for packet processing, classification, lookup algorithms, and switching fabrics.
- Apply theoretical and technological principles in network system design.
- Demonstrate competence at analysis, synthesis, design, and evaluation of proposed network technologies.
- Apply detailed knowledge of the design of cloud computing and virtualization of compute, storage and network nodes to data centre design with an emphasis on network function virtualisation, overlay networks and software defined networks.
- Classify potential vulnerabilities in cloud computing applications and apply appropriate modifications to address these vulnerabilites.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | 20% | Week 7 |
| Assignment 2 | 30% | Week 12 |
| Examination | 50% | After last lecture |
Assignment 1
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%
Assignment 1 will apply to material taught in first four weeks of the course.
Students will analyse implementations of routers and switches in order to maximize throughput and minimize latency with different queuing, switching fabrics, and discard strategies in a number of different scenarios. Also analysis of different packet processing, classification, and lookup algorithms for the optimisation of transfer of packets through nodes.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse different designs of network systems such as routers, switches, and virtual machines for design and managing large-scale networks.
- Analyse different strategies for packet processing, classification, lookup algorithms, and switching fabrics.
Assignment 2
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 30%
Assignment 2 will apply to material taught from week 5 onwards.
Students will leverage their knowledge of data center design and cloud computing to design a cloud based application with an emphasis on network design and security.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply theoretical and technological principles in network system design.
- Demonstrate competence at analysis, synthesis, design, and evaluation of proposed network technologies.
- Apply detailed knowledge of the design of cloud computing and virtualization of compute, storage and network nodes to data centre design with an emphasis on network function virtualisation, overlay networks and software defined networks.
- Classify potential vulnerabilities in cloud computing applications and apply appropriate modifications to address these vulnerabilites.
Examination
Due: After last lecture
Weighting: 50%
The final examination will consist of questions based on the lecture material, tutorial problems and assignments. The examination will be closed book, three hours long and held in the end of session examination period.
All learning outcomes will be assessed in the final examination, which will cover the entirety of the lecture material.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse different designs of network systems such as routers, switches, and virtual machines for design and managing large-scale networks.
- Analyse different strategies for packet processing, classification, lookup algorithms, and switching fabrics.
- Apply theoretical and technological principles in network system design.
- Demonstrate competence at analysis, synthesis, design, and evaluation of proposed network technologies.
- Apply detailed knowledge of the design of cloud computing and virtualization of compute, storage and network nodes to data centre design with an emphasis on network function virtualisation, overlay networks and software defined networks.
- Classify potential vulnerabilities in cloud computing applications and apply appropriate modifications to address these vulnerabilites.
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Each week you should attend the class which is three to four hours. For details of days, times and rooms consult the timetables webpage.
The first four weeks will be mainly foundational material covered in lectures and readings and discussion. The second part of the course will have two hours of lecture and two hours of practical depending on the content for the week.
Please note it is to your benefit to attend most of the classes, prepared to participate in discussions, ask and answer questions, and provide perspectives from your own background and workplaces.
Resources to assist your learning
Digital recordings of lectures are available as Echo360 through iLearn login. These are provided for review material and in case of missing lectures. Recordings should not be relied upon and copyrighted material may be omitted.
iLearn is used for out-of-class communication as well as forums where active discussion of issues is encouraged. iLearn can be found at can be found at http://learn.mq.edu.au. You are encouraged to review iLearn weekly and to do background reading before each class.
Textbook
The textbook for ITEC850 is:
Kai Hwang, Jack Dongarra, Geoffrey C. Fox., Distributed and Cloud Computing: From Parallel Processing to the Internet of Things Paperback – October 17, 2011
References
Tannenbaum, A. S and Wetherall, J., Computer Networks, Fifth Edition. Pearson (Prentice Hall)
Stallings, W., Data and Computer Communications, Ninth Edition. Pearson (Prentice Hall)
Comer, D.E., Internetworking with TCP/IP, Sixth Edition. Pearson
Comer, D.E., Network Systems Design using Network Processors. Pearson (Prentice Hall)
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Grading
At the end of the semester, you will receive a grade that reflects your achievement in the unit
- Fail (F): does not provide evidence of attainment of all learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; and incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.
- Pass (P): providessufficient evidence of the achievement of learning out comes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; and communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.
- Credit (Cr): provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental conceptsin the field of study and the ability to apply these conceptsin a variety of contexts; plus communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.
- Distinction (D): provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and conceptsin relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.
- HighDistinction (HD): provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application.
In this unit, your final grade depends on your performance in each part of the assessment. For each task, you receive a mark that combines yourstandard of performance regarding each learning outcome assessed by this task. Then the different component marks are added up to determine your total mark out of 100. Your grade then depends on this total mark and your overall standards of performance.
In particular, in order to pass the unit, you must
- Have performed satisfactorily in the internal (assessment) components of the course.
- Have satisfactory performance in the final examination.
This means that you may fail the unit if you do not submit satisfactory submissions for the assignments and do not perform satisfactorily in the exam.
Department of Computing expectations are that students have to perform satisfactorily in the final exam as well as in their internal work/assignments.
Obtaining a grade higher than a Pass(P) in this unit will require a student to obtain (in addition to the above):
- the required total number of marks(Credit - 65, Distinction - 75, High Distinction - 85).
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse different designs of network systems such as routers, switches, and virtual machines for design and managing large-scale networks.
- Analyse different strategies for packet processing, classification, lookup algorithms, and switching fabrics.
- Apply theoretical and technological principles in network system design.
- Apply detailed knowledge of the design of cloud computing and virtualization of compute, storage and network nodes to data centre design with an emphasis on network function virtualisation, overlay networks and software defined networks.
- Classify potential vulnerabilities in cloud computing applications and apply appropriate modifications to address these vulnerabilites.
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Examination
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply theoretical and technological principles in network system design.
- Demonstrate competence at analysis, synthesis, design, and evaluation of proposed network technologies.
- Apply detailed knowledge of the design of cloud computing and virtualization of compute, storage and network nodes to data centre design with an emphasis on network function virtualisation, overlay networks and software defined networks.
- Classify potential vulnerabilities in cloud computing applications and apply appropriate modifications to address these vulnerabilites.
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 2
- Examination
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate competence at analysis, synthesis, design, and evaluation of proposed network technologies.
- Classify potential vulnerabilities in cloud computing applications and apply appropriate modifications to address these vulnerabilites.
Assessment task
- Assignment 2
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Demonstrate competence at analysis, synthesis, design, and evaluation of proposed network technologies.
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Examination
Changes from Previous Offering
ITEC850 2015 is substantially different from previous years. Previously ITEC850 looked extensively at mobile networks, which is now covered by ITEC851 and operation and management of computer networks. ITEC850 now examines the design and implementation of computer networks at a detailed level as described in the new learning outcomes.