Unit information: Data Center Networking in 2020/21

Unit name	Data Center Networking
Unit code	EENGM0008
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Shuangyi Yan
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Networking Protocol Principles (M), Principles of Communication Systems
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The objective of this course is to gain an understanding of network technologies, principles and control of Data Centres and Clouds as critical building blocks of Internet operation and services. This unit introduces students to:

• A systematic understanding of modern data centre networks. It covers most of the relevant technologies to implement the current data centres, including network infrastructure, hardware implementation, network protocols, network routing and other DCN technologies.
• Current DCN architectures and the latest trends of DCN design. The evolution of DCN architecture reflects the change of the dominant network traffic and the main applications in DCNs.
• Knowledge about interconnection networks, including network topology, CLOS networks, routing, and flow control.
• A brief introduction of recent DCN protocols, including data centre bridge, fibre channel.
• Three lab sessions will demonstrate the implementation of a simple DCN simulation.

On successful completion of this unit, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the key issues and building blocks of modern Data Centre networks including:

• Explain and discuss issues associated with Data Centre networking to address requirements of emerging and future internet applications
• Describe key features of intra and inter Data Centres network and its design principles
• Identify the transport technology issues associated with Data Centre networking
• Compare the main features of different network technologies (electronic and optical) and protocols for Data Centres
• Explain Software Defined Network principles
• Identify requirements and key processes of IT and Network virtualization

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the students will have a comprehensive understanding of the key issues and building blocks of modern Data Centre networks including :

1. Explain and discuss issues associated with Data Centre networking to address requirements of emerging and future internet applications

2. Describe key features of intra and inter Data Centres network and its design principles

3. Identify the transport technology issues associated with Data Centre networking

4. Compare main features of different network technologies (electronic and optical) and protocols for Data Centres

5. Explain Software Defined Network principles

6. Identify requirements and key processes of IT and Network virtualization

7. Describe features of optically switched Data Centre network and its design principles

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.

Assessment Information

All ILOs will be tested through a single timed assessment

Reading and References

Textbook: “Principles and practices of interconnection networks”, William James Dally & Brian Towles

Textbook: “IP over WDM: Building the Next Generation Optical Internet”, Sudhir Dixit, Wiley, 2003

Textbook: “Optical Network Control: Architecture, Protocols, and Standards”, Greg Bernstein, Bala Rajagopalan, Debanjan Saha, Addison Wesley, 2004

Textbook: “DWDM: Networks, Devices, and Technology”, Stamatios V. Kartalopoulos, Wiley-IEEE Press ,2002

Textbook: GMPLS: Architecture and Applications”, Adrian Farrel and Igor Bryskin, Morgan Kaufmann, 2006

Texbook: “Enabling Optical Internet with Advanced Network Technologies”, Javier Aracil, Franco Callegati, Springer, 2009