Advanced Networking

6 EC

Semester 2, period 4

5384ADNE6Y

Owner Master Security and Network Engineering
Coordinator dr. Chrysa Papagianni MSc
Part of Master Security and Network Engineering, year 1
Links Visible Learning Trajectories

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

The course provides an advanced overview of computer networks, with emphasis on TCP flow control and congestion control. We study the evolution of TCP and the main enhancements introduced to improve performance. The course then covers network programmability and virtualization, including SDN, NFV, and P4, as well as key technologies for modern networks such as MPLS, EVPN/VXLAN and optical networking. We also examine wireless and mobile networking, focusing on 4G, 5G, and early 6G concepts. Finally, we discuss clean-slate and next-generation Internet architectures (e.g., SCION) and evaluate their motivations and design tradeoffs.

Study materials

Other

  • Lecture notes, online material and pointers to books will be provided during the course.

Objectives

  • The student can identify recent advances in networking
  • The student can apply transport layer protocols
  • The student can explain the principles of network programmability and virtualization and the problems they address.
  • The student can apply network programmability and virtualization.
  • The student can explain the basic architecture and key concepts of optical and mobile networking.
  • The student can explain the basic principles of clean slate architectures
  • The student can design an integrated network combining protocols from all layers
  • The student can collaborate to design and setup of a complex network infrastructure
  • The student can present their network to students and researchers

Teaching methods

  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Lecture
  • Fieldwork/excursion
  • Presentation/symposium
  • Seminar
  • Self-study

Two days of two hour lectures and four hour practical lab exercises per week.

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Zelfstudie

168

Attendance

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.

    • Additional requirements for this course:

    Absence needs to be communicated to the course coordinator.

    Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    9 (90%)

    Tentamen

    		Must be ≥ 5, Mandatory

    1 (10%)

    Presentation Grade

    The final exam is open-book (you may use notes, papers, and other course materials).

    The course includes labs (pass/fail).

    You must pass the labs to be eligible to pass the course.

    Inspection of assessed work

    The manner of inspection will be communicated via the lecturer's website.

    Assignments

    Home assignments (Presentation) are made in groups of two.

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Additional information

    Recommended prior knowledge: Having followed the course InterNetworking and Routing in the same track.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. Chrysa Papagianni MSc