Program Overview

Introduction to ITC572 Software Defined Networks

ITC572 Software Defined Networks is an emerging and innovative networking paradigm that allows the management and control of the behavior of networks through centralized software. This subject introduces the fundamentals of Software Defined Networking (SDN), including architecture, abstractions of layers in terms of control and data plane, and use-cases and applications.

Subject Outlines

The subject will cover the concept of separating the networks control plane from the underlying data plane, such as physical routers and switches responsible for forwarding the actual traffic. It will also look at how network operators can become more flexible in their management of complex and disjointed network functions, including routing, traffic engineering, resource control, and security. Hands-on practice and application will be provided to students, preparing them for real-world SDN implementation.

Availability

The subject is available in Session 2, with 60 students enrolled. It is offered online and at the Wagga Wagga Campus.

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The subject is one session in duration.

School

The subject is offered by the School of Computing and Mathematics.

Enrolment Restrictions

The subject is only available to postgraduate students.

Assumed Knowledge

Students are assumed to have completed ITC542 and ITC558.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Explain and discuss the basic concepts and architecture of SDN
• Compare and contrast conventional networking approaches and SDN
• Critically evaluate the pros and cons of applying SDN in WAN and data centers
• Analyse and apply implementation of SDN through Open Flow Switches
• Apply SDN programming concepts using Python
• Implement, troubleshoot, and debug SDNs through hands-on illustrations

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

• Introduction to SDN (A paradigm shift in networking)
• Abstraction of layers in terms of control plane and data plane
• Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
• Open Flow Concept and Implementation
• SDN Controllers
• Programming SDNs
• SDN Applications through use cases
• Hands-on Labs on SDN