Descriptif

IP Networks aims at introducing some advanced topic related to Computer Networking. 

The starting point is an overview of IPv6, the new version of the Internet Protocol. The most important features of IPv6 are introduced. Particular attention is paid to IPv6 addressing and how to create an addressing plan for a network. The companion ICMPv6 protocol is also introduced, with a particular focus on its extensions for Neighbor Discovery (replacement of the old Address Resolution Protocol - ARP) and SLAAC (StateLess Address Auto-Configuration). Because one of the main issues in the deployment of IPv6 is the transition plan from IPv4, several transition techniques are studied (e.g., 6RD, NAT64, etc.).

Intra-Domain routing is the second major topic of the course. This part starts with a brief recap about intra-domain routing and the role of IGPs (Interior Gateway Protocols). An in-depth look at OSPF (Open-Shortest Path First) is then provided. First, the three main components of OSPF are illustrated, namely the Hello Protocol, the Database Synchronisation, and Link-State manipulation. Then, OSPF areas and ECMP (Equal-Cost Multi-Path) are explored.

The third major topic of the course is Inter-Domain Routing. As a start, the Internet AS organization as long as the notion of valley-free routing are introduced. Part of it is the analysis of the way different AS can have a relationship, e.g., customer-provider and peering, and how this impact routing and prefix advertisement. The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is then presented with a strong emphasis on the notion of policy routing. An in-depth discussion about the BGP decision process and how to perform Traffic Engineering by tweaking the path attributes are presented.  

All of the major topics are followed by a hands-on session in the lab, so to have a direct first-hand experience of each of the proposed topics.

The course is concluded with a seminar. The seminar is hold by an invited speaker from industrial partners. The topic depends on the guest, but usually is on either some cutting-edge technology, or an overview of the work carried out in the industry, or practical aspect of the life of a network engineer (usually not written in any book). Attendance to the seminar is mandatory.

Attendance: Lab sessions are mandatory; Classes attendance is not mandatory.

Pre-Requirements: Familiarity with the Internet Architecture and the TCP/IP Protocol Suite