BLG 632E - Next Generation Wireless Networks

Course Objectives

This is an applied course on networks. The course consists of two parts: (a) Learning about LTE Mobile network architecture, and (b) Software Defined Networking.

Course Description

In the first half of the course we will cover some aspects – architecture, mobility and security - of fixed mobile networks and their evolution from a systems perspective. The course first introduces students to the overall architecture of LTE. Students will get an appreciation of the “why” of LTE systems architecture: why is LTE architected the way it is. An overview of how a mobile registers in the network is provided. We will then cover the topic of mobility. We discuss how mobility is handled by the LTE system and then cover other approaches to mobility including new concepts of identifier-locator-separation, multipath TCP and dynamic mobility management. Lastly the concept of security will be covered.

The second half of the course will focus on Software Defined Networking. What it is and what does it enable. The key aspect of “programming the network” and centralized control will be discussed. Network virtualization and how SDN enables this will also be covered. Programming assignments in mininet will enable you to learn the above topics.

Analyzing network traffic through Wireshark and programing assignment in Python for Mininet will be part of the course. Also project for capturing and analyzing live cellular traffic via android cellular phones will also be investigated.