Topic outline

  • Course introduction

    Have you ever wondered what it takes to run an internet service provider network? This course tries to shed light on how service providers plan and run their networks, what techniques and technologies are used and how the networks are connected to other providers.

    During the course we introduce backbone network implementation techniques on layers L2 and L3. The main content is built around existing modern packet network technologies such as IP and MPLS. New techniques (CGE, T-MPLS) which may challenge existing techniques will be introduced in addition to the different network architectures of the trunk networks and related service architectures, data traffic control and supporting protocols.

    Another point of focus will be the study of different network mechanisms and protocols and their impact to the whole system behavior. We'll also look at the procedures for adding customers to the network and how common channel signalling is established. A big part of the course is dealing with legal and economical impacts to the network planning and provisioning the services. A short project work is also included.

    Note that the course has a compulsory pre-examination. The course lectures are organized only if 10 or more students pass the preliminary exam! If there are less than 10 students passing, an alternative method of completeing the course will be provided for the students passing the pre-examination. Please see the course syllabus for more information. Pre-exam will be arranged on 16.1.2019, 12-14, seminar hall A116 (OIH).


    From Syllabus:

    Requirements for the preliminary exam:

    Chapters 1-2 (p. 3-63) from Kalevi Kilkki's "Differentiated Services for the Internet", published by Macmillan Technical Publishing, ISBN 1-57870-132-5.

    Available from:

    https://aalto.finna.fi/Record/alli.246708

    https://www.kilkki.net/book