Module: Broadband Networks

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Broadband Networks
Module Code	EE552 (ITS) / EEN1002 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Electronic Engineering
Module Co-ordinator	-
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Array

Description

Advances in fibre communications, together with the growth of demand for multimedia and other networking services, has created a demand for the implementation of broadband networks. This module is intended to equip students with a deep understanding of the issues involved at layers two to four in implementing broadband networks using packet switching protocols. Prior exposure to elementary probability theory and a working knowledge of basic programming sufficient to write simulation code is assumed

Learning Outcomes

1. evaluate competing packet switching technologies to support a range of applications
2. numerically evaluate delay and packet loss in router/switch buffers
3. evaluate the performance of switches and multiplexers by computer simulation
4. describe the architecture of a broadband network supporting Quality of Service, including its control plane protocols
5. evaluate competing architectures for the design of high-throughput packet switches

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Lecture	36	No Description
Assignment Completion	44	No Description
Assignment Completion	44	No Description
Independent Study	108	No Description
Independent Study	108	No Description
Total Workload: 376

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Module Content
The module emphasis is on how Quality of Service can be supported in networks. It considers data and media stream packetisation, theoretical bounds on the performance of switches and routers, router and switch architecture, modelling of buffers, delay and loss in network equipment, Quality of Service guarantees and enforcement, and QoS routing. Indicative topics: Types of networks - circuit-switched, packet-switched, connection-oriented, connectionless, single-rate, multi-rate. Framing, time slots, headers. Evolution of networks - the telephone network, the Internet, local area networks. The move to broadband networks. Quality of Service in networks. Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) vs. IP vs. MPLS. The ATM protocols:physical layer, ATM layer, adaptation layer. Source models, statistical multiplexing, multiplexing gain. Admission control. Access control. Leaky Bucket algorithm. Available Bit Rate in ATM. Weighted Fair queuing. Electronic packet switches. Single stage vs multi stage. Throughput of multi-stage switches. Deflection routing. Ideal circuit switch and packet switches compared. Head-of-line blocking. Output-buffered switches. Large-scale switches. Discrete-time queuing theory. Kendall's notation. Probability generating functions - definition and properties. PGFs of some distributions. Arrival processes. Batch arrivals. The Geo[x]/D/1 queue. Numerical calculation of moments and probabilities. Queuing model of output-buffered switch. Queuing model of input-buffered switch. Throughput of input-buffered switches. Numerical calculation of loss probabilities. Routing protocols supporting QoS.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Project	Two assignments, involving computer simulation of switches or multiplexers	25%

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category -

Indicative Reading List

Keshav, S,: 0, "An Engineering Approach to Computer Networking," AddisonWesley, 1997. Schwartz, Mischa, "Broadband Integrated Networks", Prentice Hall, 1996 Reference Texts: De Prycker, M., "Asynchronous Transfer Mode: Solution for Broadband ISDN", 3rd ed., Ellis Horw,
Arnold O. Allen: 0, Probability, statistics, and queueing theory, 0120510510
by Giovanni Giambene: 2005, Queuing theory and telecommunications, Springer, New York, 0387240659
Robert B. Cooper: 1990, Introduction to queueing theory, CEEPress Books, Washington, D.C., 0941893030

Other Resources

None