Introduction to Software-Defined Networking

The course provides an in-depth introduction to Software-Defined Networking (SDN), including programmable and virtualized networks overall and their impact in current communication networks.

Course Details

• Date: 26 January 2026 - 26 February 2026
• Host University: University of Alcal· (UAH)
• Type of Event/Mode: Online course
• Target Groups: Academic Staff, Master students, PhD students, Researchers
• Recognition: Transcript of records 2 ECTS
• Language: English
• Recruitment of Participants: Qualitative Assessment
• Number of Open Spots: 40
• Is Eligible to International Certificate: Yes

Evaluation Criteria

• 40% Academic/Professional Merit
• 30% Motivation
• 30% Language

Application Deadline

• Application Deadline: 1 December 2025

Course Content

The course covers definitions, origins, and advantages of SDN over traditional network architectures. It explores current architectures, standardization efforts, key platforms and tools, and the role of open communities. The course also presents real-world use cases in mobile, fixed, and content delivery networks, highlighting their relevance in 5G/6G environments.

Additional Topics

• Network monitoring and management
• Business models
• Future trends in research and industry, with a focus on IoT and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• The use of Machine Learning (ML) at the edge of the network and Large Language Models (LLMs) for advanced management

Prerequisites

• Knowledge about computer networks and programming languages

Content and Methodology

The lectures will be mainly online, with recorded short videos, and also synchronous sessions, in which students will be able to approach the teachers and directly ask questions. In these synchronous sessions, gamification strategies for active learning will be applied, and also flipped classroom in some parts, considering students should have checked the recorded material before. The course also contains a virtualized lab, in which the students will have to work, and conclude it with a short essay/project.

Teachers

Teachers from the University of Szeged will teach part of the sessions.

University of Tromso: A Summary

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Overview:

UiT Norges arktiske universitet (University of Tromso) is a public university located in Tromso, Norway. It is known for its focus on Arctic research and education.