Course Outline: Advanced Telecommunications Networks
Dr. Vuong Quoc Bao
Module 1: Introduction to Advanced Telecommunications Networks
1. Overview of Telecommunications Networks
- Evolution from traditional to advanced telecommunications networks.
- Key concepts: Latency, bandwidth, quality of service (QoS), reliability, and scalability.
- Differences between traditional telecom and advanced networks.
- Case Study: Evolution of 2G to 5G networks.
2. Telecommunications Network Architecture
- Core network vs. access network.
- Types of network topologies (e.g., star, mesh, ring, hybrid).
- Key components: Base stations, routers, switches, gateways.
- Example Application: Telecom network architecture for smart cities.
3. Modern Network Protocols and Standards
- OSI vs. TCP/IP models.
- Key protocols: IPv4, IPv6, MPLS, BGP, and SIP.
- Standards organizations: IEEE, ITU-T, 3GPP, and IETF.
- Case Study: Implementation of MPLS for enterprise networks.
Module 2: Wireless and Mobile Communication Networks
1. Cellular Networks
- Architecture and operation of 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
- Radio access technologies: OFDMA, CDMA, MIMO.
- Key concepts: Handoff, cell splitting, frequency reuse.
- Case Study: 5G New Radio (NR) deployment challenges.
2. Wireless Network Technologies
- Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), WiMAX, Bluetooth, ZigBee.
- Comparing short-range (Bluetooth) vs. long-range (WiMAX) wireless technologies.
- Example Application: Wi-Fi 6E in high-density urban areas.
3. Internet of Things (IoT) in Telecom Networks
- IoT protocols: MQTT, CoAP, and LPWAN (LoRa, NB-IoT).
- IoT architecture: Edge devices, fog computing, cloud services.
- Case Study: IoT implementation in smart grid networks.
Module 3: Core Network Technologies
1. Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
- SDN architecture: Control plane, data plane, application plane.
- OpenFlow protocol and SDN controllers.
- Example Application: Traffic management in SDN-enabled data centers.
2. Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
- NFV architecture and concepts: Virtualized network functions (VNFs).
- Benefits: Flexibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness.
- Case Study: NFV deployment in cloud environments.
3. Cloud and Edge Computing in Telecom
- Distributed computing models: Cloud, edge, and fog computing.
- Role of edge computing in reducing latency.
- Example Application: Edge computing in 5G-enabled autonomous vehicles.
Module 4: Network Security in Telecommunications
1. Fundamentals of Network Security
- Common threats: DDoS, man-in-the-middle, phishing, malware.
- Security protocols: IPsec, TLS, SSL.
- Case Study: DDoS attack prevention in telecom networks.
2. Cybersecurity in Telecommunications Networks
- Encryption, authentication, and integrity in telecommunications.
- 5G security challenges and solutions (e.g., network slicing security).
- Example Application: Zero-trust model in telecom networks.
3. Privacy and Compliance
- Regulations: GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA.
- Data handling, retention policies, and user consent.
- Case Study: Privacy challenges in IoT and smart devices.
Module 5: Advanced Topics in Telecommunications (student project)
1. 6G and Beyond
- Emerging requirements and concepts: Terahertz communication, AI integration.
- Potential applications: Holographic communications, digital twins.
- Case Study: Projected use cases for 6G in real-time remote surgery.
2. Artificial Intelligence in Telecom Networks
- AI applications: Network optimization, predictive maintenance.
- Machine learning for anomaly detection and traffic analysis.
- Example Application: AI-driven automation in network operations centers (NOCs).
3. Network Performance and Optimization
- Network monitoring and performance KPIs.
- Tools and techniques for traffic engineering and load balancing.
- Example Application: Real-time traffic optimization in cellular networks.
