The course revolves around the main topic next-generation Data Centers (DCs) and all the network and systems technologies behind them, in which manufacturers and integrators are strongly investing. In addition, the course includes a practical laboratory component in which students develop a real solution based on one of the technologies or processes commonly found in a data center.
The course is mainly based on expert talks addressing topics related to data centers. Therefore, students will have direct contact with industry and will update their knowledge on the most cutting-edge technologies currently available. There will be no traditional lectures nor a final exam (provided the requirements to waive it are met).
Titular Professors
To be able to follow the course at an appropriate pace, it is recommended to have previously taken and passed the subjects Local Area Networks (49063 / 49A63) and Interconnection of Data Networks (GI003 / GIA03). It may also be helpful to have taken and passed Networking Laboratory (TL002) and Computer Network Technologies (CCNA) (TL003).
The course aims to provide the student with an applied view of the principles, technologies and criteria for network management and planning in Data Center (DC) environments, developing the ability to understand the architectures, routing mechanisms, quality of service and sizing criteria associated with these environments. Likewise, it aims to promote the analysis and design of network solutions adapted to specific requirements, as well as the understanding of emerging technologies linked to virtualisation, automation and programmability, contributing to the development of relevant technical competences for professional practice in the field of network infrastructures and advanced communication services.
The course is divided into two clearly differentiated parts:
- Technologies in a Data Center (DC). Technologies, architectures, and processes in a data center, taught through external expert lectures. Based on the acquired knowledge, a data center design will be carried out.
- Network virtualization, automation, and programmability. Concepts and frameworks for device programming delivered in workshop (laboratory) format.
The course syllabus is structured as follows:
BLOCK 1. Data Center Design
1.1. Networks
1.2. Cloud systems
1.3. Storage systems
1.4. Virtualization
1.5. Specific solutions
1.6. Firewalls and security systems
BLOCK 2. SDN & DevOps
2.1. Introduction to SDN & DevOps
2.2. Automation solutions for network management
To reinforce theoretical content, the following practical activities are included:
- Data center design project.
- VMware laboratory session.
- DevOps & SDN laboratory session.
The course Network Management and Planning includes the following learning activities:
- External expert lectures. Lectures given by professionals in the data center sector, covering topics such as data center networks and architectures, security, storage, virtualization, and network programmability and automation.
- Practical Case Study. Based on the knowledge acquired from the lectures and other information sources, students design a data center meeting specific requirements. The work is carried out in groups of two students and must be defended to the professor and classmates.
- Network programmability workshop. A guest company conducts workshops to teach the fundamentals of network programmability through practical exercises.
The course assessment is carried out through continuous assessment, based on the following activities:
- Attendance and participation in sessions with external talks: 10%
- Technical Report of the practical case on DPC design: 40%
- Presentation of the developed practical case: 20%
- Programmability workshop (SDN & DevOps): 30%
To pass the course, it is necessary to obtain a minimum grade of 4 out of 10 in each of the sections and achieve a final grade equal to or higher than 5 out of 10.
The course does not include midterm tests or an ordinary exam. Students who do not reach the required minimum in any of the sections or do not pass the final grade must take the extraordinary examination period in July, with a final exam covering the entire course.
The following will be assessed:
- The understanding of the fundamental concepts related to the architectures, technologies and services specific to Data Centers.
- The ability to analyse technical requirements and translate them into coherent and justified network design proposals.
- The technical adequacy of the Technical Report, taking into account the rigour of the analysis, the proposed sizing, the selection of solutions and the overall coherence of the DC design.
- The ability to apply planning, routing, quality of service and security criteria in the resolution of the practical case.
- The quality of the oral presentation of the practical case, including clarity of exposition, structure of the discourse, justification of the decisions taken and the ability to respond to questions or observations.
- Active and well-founded participation in sessions with external talks, especially through relevant questions and contributions.
- The correct application of basic concepts and tools of virtualisation, automation and network programmability in the practical workshop.
- Conceptual and terminological rigour in the use of the language specific to the field of networks, DCs and programmability.
- Clarity, coherence and correctness in the presentation of solutions, both in written and oral format.
One of the most relevant parts of the course is the self-learning component, in which students focus on searching for information following the guidelines provided by the different speakers in their talks. Some of the key concepts covered include:
- Network architectures in data centers.
- Communication technologies in data centers.
- Storage technologies in data centers.
- Service provisioning in data centers.
- Cloud computing and virtualization.
- Data center interconnection.
- Data center security.
Additional bibliography will be provided by the speakers themselves in each of their presentations.