Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Network Management and Software Defined Networks

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Jing Fu

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: jing.fu@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities:
The knowledge and technical skills acquired from completing the courses EEET2368 - Network Fundamentals and Applications, and EEET2290/EEET2291 - Network Engineering, are expected in order to complete this course. 

You should have programming experience in C++. 

Programming experience in Python and experience with virtual machines and other virtual networking environments is desirable but not mandatory, especially to complete the laboratory exercises in this course. 


Course Description

This course is designed for telecommunications engineers working with telecommunications carriers and suppliers of hardware and software infrastructure that supports the provision of telecommunications services to clients.

This course introduces the pillar concepts of network management and Software Defined Networks (SDN) focusing in wired and wireless networks. The course also focuses on SDN as a new approach to designing, building and managing networks. SDN approaches are based on the concept of separating the network’s control and data plane to make it easier to optimize each one independently. In the SDN domain the functionalities of the network devices are not fixed therefore the network administrator can set it up using APPs.

To develop and test student’s scientific skills (conceptual and technical) you will observe and undertake experiments in SDN environments where you will benefit from briefings and feedback from supervising tutors.  


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the program:

  • MC234P25

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.  


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

CLO1 Explain advanced principles, concepts, and operation of Software Defined Network management systems. 
CLO2 Extrapolate solutions to SDN management issues utilising advanced theoretical and technical reasoning. 
CLO3 Construct Software Defined Networks using a systems engineering approach for communication networks. 
CLO4 Critically evaluate SDN predicated and actual implementations from technical and theoretical perspectives. 
CLO5 Communicate expert findings and solutions effectively through written reports to an engineering audience. 
CLO6 Critically self-reflect on improving technical and team dynamic performance through accountability, professional and ethical conduct.


Overview of Learning Activities

The course provides you with an introduction to network management and software defined networking principles and practice including innovations affecting network design and operation of network devices. In the lectorials, you will engage in a discussion with the lecturer on the following topics:

  • Programming with Python for Networking
  • Review of Traditional Networks Architecture
  • Software Defined Network Architecture
  • Software Defined Network Controllers
  • Software Defined Network OpenFlow Protocol
  • Network Virtualization
  • Cellular Network Architecture
  • Network Management Maintenance Security
  • SNMP and TNM Protocols
  • Wireless Network Management

During the labs, you will use SDN-base controllers and network switches to perform required setting-up and configurations based on python and Linux systems. At the completion of each lab, you are required to write a brief reflective report of the lab activities and their significance.

During the lectorials, you will be organised in groups for performing exercises based on relevant topics of SDN.


Overview of Learning Resources

Pre-recorded videos, current research literature, laboratory manuals and bespoke resources will be used as required and as appropriate, given the wide variety of material and references.

Prescribed References:

  • G. Chen, Q. Kong, "Integrated Telecommunication Management Solutions", IEEE Press, New York 2000
    SDN: Software Defined Networks, Thomas D. Nadeau, Ken Gray, O’Reilly Media, eBook ISBN 978-1-4493-4229-6

Recommended References:

  • Prof. Nick McKeown, Stanford: "How SDN will Shape Networking"
  • Prof. Scott Shenker, Berkeley: "An attempt to motivate and clarify Software-Defined Networking (SDN)"


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory performance and reports, 30%, CLO1, CLO3, CLO4 and CLO6
Assessment Task 2: Test, 10%, CLO1 and CLO2
Assessment Task 3: Test, 30%, CLO1 and CLO2
Assessment Task 4: Research project, 30%, CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO5 and CLO6

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.