SDN fundamentals & techniques

Course contents

This course covers the principles of legacy routing and Software-Defined Networking (SDN), an important cornerstone of the 5G and beyond network systems.

The course envelops theoretical and practical aspects of SDN, showcasing the different existing SDN protocols and controllers, with focus on ONOS and OpenFlow as SDN controller and SDN protocol, respectively.

The student will be shown the utilisation of Linux namespace and Linux containers, as well as the installation and configuration of Mininet and its integration with the physical network.

The network troubleshooting by leveraging the Wireshark tool will be covered. Using the latter, the student will be able to leverage OpenFlow filters integrated with Wireshark for capturing different OpenFlow messages exchanged in the network.

Finally, on this course, the student will be able to develop an SDN orchestrator that leverages the SDN technology for enabling the Service Function Chaining (SFC) concept.

Learning outcomes

• Basic knowledge on legacy networking principles
• Understanding of fundamental routing algorithms and principles
• Understanding of needs for Software Defined Networking (SDN)
• Understanding of different SDN controllers and different SDN protocols & mechanisms
• Understanding the difference between legacy networks and SDN-based networks, and their interworking
• Understanding the underlay and overlay network concepts
• Developing hands-on experience on management of SDN-enabled networks
• Developing hands-on experience on SDN ONOS and OpenAPI platforms
• Developing hands-on experience on Service Function Chaining (SFC) and SDN-based system orchestration

Course material

Lecture material (online)

Teaching schedule

• Lectures on Tuesdays at 10–12
• Course exam on Monday 11.4.2022 at 13–16

Completion methods

In-class quizzes, practical assignments and final examination.

More information in the Aalto University study guide.

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