CSC/ECE 576 Connection-Oriented Networks


Topics related to connection-oriented packet network architectures, such as: frame relay, the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), and generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS), signaling protocols, and related quality-of-service issues. 3 credit hours

Prerequisite		CSC/ECE 570
Course Objectives		In this course, we examine various dominant connection-oriented networks. The emphasis is on the motivation and overview of such technologies, and on the technology aspects, such as the data plane and control plane architectures. The following topics are examined: SONET, ATM, MPLS, Quality of Service, Congestion Control and Traffic Management, Switching and scheduling in connection oriented networks, Optical Wavelength-Routed Networks and GMPLS, Access Networks (DSL, cable, PON), Special topics such as Wireless access, SIP and IMS/NGN.
Course Requirements		HOMEWORK: Four homework assignments with problems from the textbook EXAMINATIONS: An in-class midterm and a final exam SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: N/A SIMULATION PROJECTS: Two simulation assignments in general corresponding to the ones found in the textbook LABORATORY: We conduct laboratory exercises in MPLS using emulated and real routing equipment in EBII. The laboratory setting is completely virtualized via the NC State “Virtual Computing Lab” (VCL), which allows both local and distance students to reserve the equipment and use it remotely on their personal computer.
Textbooks		Connection-Oriented Networks: SONET/SDH, ATM, MPLS, Optical Networks, by H.G. Perros, Wiley 2005. ISBN: 0-470-02163-2
Computer and Internet Requirements		NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers that are generally used for courses. Those specifications can be found here: http://www.ncsu.edu/it/compspecs/ Engineering Online recommends that your computer meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, internet bandwidth, disk capacity) will be more likely to properly display the video content of Engineering Online courses. Windows: Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2003, or Windows Vista Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor 512 MB RAM 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater Sound output and speakers Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 or later, Firefox 2.0 or later, or Google Chrome 1.0 Windows Media Player 9.0 or later Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses) Adobe Acrobat Reader Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more) Mac OS X: Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later G4 processor 512 MB RAM 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater Sound output and speakers Safari 2.0.4 (or later) or Firefox 2.0 (or later) Silverlight (viewers may be prompted to install this when first viewing a presentation) Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses) Adobe Acrobat Reader Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more) NOTE: The Flip4Mac plug-in causes problems when viewing Mediasite presentations and should be disabled. Linux: Playback of Mediasite presentations on Linux is accomplished via the Moonlight Project, an open source implementation of Microsoft Silverlight. For more installation on the installation and configuration of Moonlight, please visit http://www.go-mono.com/moonlight/. The compatible operating systems and browsers are listed on this page. Microsoft Media Pack for Moonlight Adobe Reader for Unix Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)
Instructor		Dr. Michael Devetsikiotis, Professor Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Engineering Bldg II, room 3060, Box 7911 NCSU Campus Raleigh, NC 27695 Phone: 919-515-5253 Fax: 919-515-5523 EMail: mdevets@ncsu.edu Web Site: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~mdevets