Study Programmes 2015-2016
INFO0941-1  
Network measurement and monitoring
Duration :
20h Th, 60h Proj.
Number of credits :
Master in computer science and engineering (120 ECTS)5
Master in computer science and engineering (120 ECTS)5
Master in computer science (120 ECTS)5
Master in computer science (120 ECTS)5
Lecturer :
Benoît Donnet
Language(s) of instruction :
English language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
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
Learning outcomes of the course :
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.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
The course INFO0031 (Computer Network Architectures and Multimedia) is a prerequisite.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
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 of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
The course is given during the second semester.
Slides are available on the course web page. The course is given in English.
Recommended or required readings :
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.
Assessment methods and criteria :
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.
Work placement(s) :
None
Organizational remarks :
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)
Items online :
Course Web Site
The course Web site is of the highest importance as it covers slides (PDF), assignments subjects, and contact information