42027 Software Defined Networks

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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Electrical and Data Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): ((32524 LANS and Routing OR 49202 Communication Protocols) AND 32547 UNIX Systems Programming)
Anti-requisite(s): 41905 Software Defined Networks

Description

The rapid rise in internet traffic and services introduced a tremendous amount of pressure on telecommunication network providers. The rate of progress in network technologies has been recognised as slow to keep up with the emerging data demands. Consequently, both industry and academia have been working on new solutions for networking technologies, which can provide long term scalability and extensibility. Software Defined Networking (SDN) is a new framework, which is believed to be the answer to the above need. SDN has already made an impact in data centres and enterprise networks and it is seen as a key technology to improve performance and extensibility both at core and access side of networking technologies. Consequently, there is a significant demand from the Industry for network engineers with SDN skills. This subject introduces students to SDN and programming SDN applications. Students learn the major concepts in SDN, Network Function Virtualisation (NFV), and learn to develop applications over leading SDN controllers through hands-on labs and exercises.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1.	Design, program, simulate and implement Software Defined Networking applications. (C.1)
2.	Differentiate and evaluate Software Defined Networking Architectures, Controller Environments, Application Programming Interfaces and Platforms. (D.1)
3.	Use tools for modelling Software Defined Networks. (D.1)
4.	Use case scenarios to explain Network Function Virtualisation technologies, applications and benefits. (D.1)
5.	Present project investigation, design and implementation to technical and lay audience. (E.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating autonomously within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

Students enrolled in the Master of Professional Engineering should note that this subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies:

1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is a combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory activities. The classes involve active learning where the students will work collaboratively in a project assignment and in practical activities such as working in weekly hands-on labs.

Lab tasks are designed for students to work individually in a process of observation, application and demonstration followed by evaluation and feedback. Feedback is provided during every lab session and also once the lab reports are marked. The assessment tasks are designed to support learning. Through participating in quizzes and hands-on practical labs and a collaborative assignment, students receive feedback to enhance their learning experience. Students are encouraged to provide feedback to their peers. Lecturer feedback is available at all times. Students are expected to attend all timetabled lab classes.

Content (topics)

Introduction to SDN
SDN Architectures
SDN Controllers and Switches
Mininet emulation Environment
Zodiac OpenFlow Switch
SDN Southbound Protocols
Linux Virtual Network Topology Creation
Network Function Virtualisation
SDN and NFV Application and Scenarios
Introduction to Python Networking

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Lab Exercises

Intent:	The lab presentations will provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to develop SDN scripts and applications and record keeping strategies.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1
Type:	Laboratory/practical
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	30%

Assessment task 2: Quizzes

Intent:	The quiz will assess the student’s knowledge about the theoretical aspects of the subject.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1
Type:	Quiz/test
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	50%

Assessment task 3: SDN Advanced Project

Intent:	The student will work on an SDN project assignment, where they will apply the skills learnt in class as well as their own research in SDN to develop and demonstrate an SDN application.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1
Type:	Project
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.