Programme des cours 2015-2016
INFO0941-1  
Network measurement and monitoring
Durée :
20h Th, 60h Proj.
Nombre de crédits :
Master en ingénieur civil en informatique, à finalité 5
Master en ingénieur civil en informatique, à finalité 5
Master en sciences informatiques, à finalité5
Master en sciences informatiques, à finalité5
Nom du professeur :
Benoît Donnet
Langue(s) du cours :
Langue anglaise
Organisation et évaluation :
Enseignement au deuxième quadrimestre
Unités d'enseignement prérequises et corequises :
Les unités prérequises ou corequises sont présentées au sein de chaque programme
Contenus du cours :
Internet measurement is a relatively new field, but is playing a key-role in providing crucial, fundamental knowledge about Internet infrastructure (e.g., topologies, routing, etc.), traffic, and performance (e.g., loss, delay, bandwidth, etc.). This course will discuss 
  • the design requirement and challenges in measuring and modeling the Internet.
  • the existing measurement methodologies (how/where/when to measure).
  • the latest measurement results.
We will also explore how Internet measurements enable the design and enhancement of a large set of applications, among others: optimizing peer-to-peer file-sharing system, capacity planning and traffic engineering, network management and trouble-shooting, detecting network abuse and intrusions, etc. 
We will study the fundamental algorithmic principles related to these topics, address the limits of algorithmic practicability, and discuss when heuristics should be employed.  The course is made of a few theoretical lessons given by the teacher, of talks given by students and seminars given by external people.
The structure of the course is as follows:
  • Introduction
  • Chapter 1: Mathematics for Network Measurements
  • Chapter 2: Tools for Network Measurements
  • Chapter 3: MPLS
  • Chapter 4: Middleboxes
  • Chapter 5: Geolocation
Acquis d'apprentissage (objectifs d'apprentissage) du cours :
The course purpose is to expose students the state of the art regarding Internet measurements. In this course, students will see
  • different statistical tools for analyzing and modeling network measurements
  • techniques for measuring the network (passive vs. active).
  • several use cases of network measurements (MPLS, middleboxes, geolocation)
Further, the course is also an introduction to scientific research. Therefore, through scientific papers readings and reviews, students will learn to formulate/define a research problem, to synthesize ideas.
Finally, students, through a data analysis project, will learn to understand/interpret measurement results.
Savoirs et compétences prérequis :
The course INFO0031 (Computer Network Architectures and Multimedia) is a prerequisite.
Activités d'apprentissage prévues et méthodes d'enseignement :
The course is not only theoretical. Students are supposed to actively participate during lessons.
Several lessons will be animated by external experts (from academia and industry).
Students will also participate in several assignments.
Mode d'enseignement (présentiel ; enseignement à distance) :
The course is given during the second semester.
Slides are available on the course web page.
The course is given in English.
Lectures recommandées ou obligatoires et notes de cours :
Lessons and topics tackled during the semester are (mostly) based on the following book:
  • M. Crovella, B. Krishanmurthy. "Internet Measurement: Infrastructure, Traffic, and Applications". Wiley Ed. 2006
Buying this book is not mandatory. However, it might be interesting to supplement lessons with the reading of several chapters of this book.
Modalités d'évaluation et critères :
Students will be graded only through various assignments. The grades will be assigned as follows:
  • Assignment 1: paper readings and presentation. 50% of the final grade.
  • Assignment 2: data analysis. 40% of the final grade.
  • Assignment 3: paper review. 10% of the final grade.
If required, a student will be able to improve his grade by presenting an optional oral exam. This exam will consist of a discussion about topics tackled during the course, as well as a discussion about the student's assignments.
In case of failure in June, the student will be able to present, in August/September, an oral exam. This exam will consist of a discussion about topics tackled during the course, as well as a discussion about the student's assignments.
Stage(s) :
None
Remarques organisationnelles :
The course is given during the 2nd semester
Contacts :
Professor: Benoit Donnet (benoit.donnet@ulg.ac.be) -- Office 1.15 (B28)
TA: Yves Vanaubel (yves.vanaubel@run.montefiore.ulg.ac.be) -- Office R.85a (B28)
Notes en ligne :
Course Web Site
The course Web site is of the highest importance as it covers slides (PDF), assignments subjects, and contact information