During the last decades, the common trend in communication systems is to replace dedicated hardware by software functionality running on common hardware. With the replacement of two technologies, namely circuit-switched telephony and packet-switched data networks by one single packet-switched (IP-based) infrastructure, this trend will definitely continue during the next years. Prominent examples for this trend include the replacement of fixed telephony lines through voice over IP in fixed networks and the definition of the Evolved Packet Core/EPS (better known as LTE), which consolidate the Internet Protocol (IP) as main worldwide network communication protocol. However, changes are to be expected due to IP version 4 (IPv4) address pool exhaustion in early 2011 and the resulting need to migrate to the IPv4 successor, namely IPv6.
Aim of this lecture is to build a solid foundation of IP-based telecommunications by means of lecture and practical laboratory exercises. Topics covered by the lecture include among others:
- Standardisation basics: standards, organizations, processes
- Circuit-switched and packet-switched communications: Basics, benefits and drawbacks from customer-, service provicer-, and network operator perspective.
- IP Protocol details (IPv4, IPv6, ...)
- Transport protocol details
- Domain Name System (DNS)
- Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
- IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
- H.323
Aim of the laboratory example is to demonstrate the acquired theoretical knowledge in practice and to have hands on common tools for IP network analysis and debugging (e.g., Wireshark and traffic generators). The laboratory topic is typically located in the domain of VoIP (SIP, IPv4-IPv6, traffic generators).
(NEW) 20.12.2010: Lab opening hours during holidays
The IPv6 lab will be open until (and including) 22.12.2010, between 3.01-5.01, and on 7.01.2011. Lab support is optional/best-effort during holidays.
(NEW) 20.12.2010: Lecture slides (part II)
Printed slides covering the second lecture part (IPv6, IMS) are available for purchase at the Institute during IBK secretary office hours.
(NEW) 20.12.2010: Lecture examination questions
The link to lecture related questions has been sent out via email during KW50.
3.12.2010: Lecture examination questions
A collection of lecture-related questions will be available at the end of next week, serving as a guidline for preparing the oral lecture examination
3.12.2010: Page limit lab theory submission
The theoretical Lab part is limited to at least 5 pages and at most 10 pages. Focus is on content, structuring and concept, etc.
17.11.2010: Online Availability Status Laboratory
A laboratory availability service is available online. Groups scheduled forother weekdays may use the free PCs as long as no other group (scheduled for the specific weekday) requests the PC. Website link: http://www.ibk.tuwien.ac.at/~software-vu/state.html
15.11.2010: Lecture slides
Printed slides covering the first lecture part can be purchased at the Institute during IBK secretary office hours.
15.11.2010: Laboratory Start: Monday, 15.11.2010
The Laboratory will be opened on Monday, 15.11.2010, although this day is lecture free. Admission to Laboratory through central entrance of IBK, Favoritenstraße 9-11, stair 3, 1st floor, red area.
15.11.2010: Slides preliminary lab discussion
Slides of the preliminary lab discussion, including the lab topics, are available for download at: http://www.ibk.tuwien.ac.at/lectures/software/2010/SoftwareinKommunikationsnetzenLabVorbesprechung.pdf
04.11.2010: Lab and lecture registration starts on 5.11.2010, 12:00
Registration starts on Friday. Any group has been assigned to a specific weekday, please consider this when registering. Single VU attendants (not registering as part of a larger group) please delay your registration if possible in order to not conflict with larger groups of students who wish to register all for the same group.
14.10.2010: Preliminary Discussion Slides
Preliminary Discussion Slides are available for download at http://www.ibk.tuwien.ac.at/lectures/software/2010/00-Software-VU.pdf
Start and Preliminary Discussion: Thursday, 14.10.2010
Completed bachelor studies in electrical engineering or computer sciences (exceptions possible in the case of excellent preliminary knowledge in the domain). Basic knowledge (e.g., lecture VU Datenkommunikation) and/or telecommunication basics, IP basics, basic Linux knowledge (user level), networking, etc. are pre-requisite. Programming skills are not mandatory, although definitely helpful (e.g., for modification and adaption of XML-based scripts and regular expression handling).
