Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) are emerging networking technologies that have rapidly changed the networking industry and networking research. In this module, the core principles and architectures for next-generation networks will be covered providing students with the fundamental knowledge to design a secure network incorporating these technologies.

Software Defined Networking (SDN): SDN overview and history. SDN Architecture - Planes - data, management and control. Interfaces - northbound and southbound. Eastbound and Westbound. Network Operating System (NOS). Network abstraction. SDN Protocol specifications: (Border Gateway Protocol (BGP); Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI); OpenFlow, etc.). SDN Controllers: (Floodlight, POX, NOX, Beacon). Open source distributed controllers: (ONOS, ONIX). SDN vSwitches - Open vSwitch, Pica8, OpenFlowJ. Alternatives to OpenFlow i.e. P4 etc. Network Function Virtualization (NFV): NFV overview and history. Challenges and Opportunities. NFV Architecture - infrastructure, virtual network function and services, management and orchestration. Business models and design consideration. SDN in Edge computing architecture Role of SDN In Edge Computing SDN as a decision-maker on the Edge SDN controllers: built-in AI at the edge to eliminate network bottlenecks. Data Centre Network, Architectures & Infrastructure: Physical components of a data centre. Data centre architecture and network topologies. Server architectures. Limitations of traditional server deployments. Applications: (database, finance etc.) Requirements for modern data centres, high availability and Service Orientated Infrastructures (SOI). Software Defined Data Centre Network, Design, Networking Virtualization, Security and Sustainability: Design for flexibility and scalability: (environmental control, electrical power, flooring, fire protection, security, network infrastructure). Sustainability: (Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions). Data centre ethical and social issues. Data Centre standards; TIA/EIA-942. Case studies. Data Centre network virtualization and security. SDN, Security and Implementation Issues: Security challenges in SDN. Data plane layer security issues. Controller layer: (single point of failure, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks). Firewall and placement. Threats and vulnerabilities.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Critically discuss the evolution of networking technologies to its current evolution and vision for the future internet. Analyse the network architecture and elements for Software Defined Networks (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) on networks, including on the Edge. Design, analyse, and implement an SDN network using multiple controllers and virtual switches demonstrating the protocol operation between the architectural components in the network. Design, configure and secure a complex routed and switched data centre network leveraging next-generation networking concepts.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Value collaborative work and resolve issues within teams and groups. Identify and appreciate the ethical and social issues involved in data centre management

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: N/A

Through lectures and practical lab work using a virtualization environment this module aims to ensure that the students are knowledgeable, proactive, creative and articulate in relation to next-generation networking fundamentals, their application and security.