OVERVIEW

The course provides advanced knowledge of cloud and edge computing infrastructures and platforms, with particular emphasis on network programmability architectures, operational mechanisms, and automated management principles. It introduces the paradigms enabling the softwarization and virtualization of communication networks and analyses their role in the evolution of mobile systems towards 5G and beyond. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical examples and laboratory activities aimed at developing both conceptual understanding and hands-on skills.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims at introducing advanced knowledge on the anatomy and the operations of cloud/edge computing infrastructures and platforms (with a special focus on networking aspects) as well as their relation to Network Function Virtualization and Software Defined Networking technologies, in order to finally achieve a deep understanding of 5G and beyond radio mobile networks and their programmability capabilities. The topics will be presented through a mix of theory and applicative examples and experimental laboratories.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of modern cloud-native communication infrastructures and their integration with next-generation mobile networks. Particular attention is devoted to cloud and edge computing platforms, Software Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), network orchestration, network slicing, and the programmability of 5G and beyond systems.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• understand the architecture and operation of cloud and edge computing datacenter infrastructures;
• explain the principles and benefits of SDN and NFV technologies;
• analyze the design and deployment of virtualized network services;
• understand cloud-native approaches for communication networks;
• describe the architecture and key functionalities of 5G and beyond mobile networks;
• evaluating the benefis of modern Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN technologies)
• analyze network slicing, service orchestration, and edge computing solutions;
• evaluate the role of programmability and automation in next-generation networks;
• configure and experimentally validate cloud, edge, and programmable networking solutions through laboratory activities.

PREREQUISITES

Students are expected to have a basic background in computer networking and Internet protocols. Fundamental knowledge of computer programming and Linux-based environments is recommended but not necessary.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of:

• traditional lectures covering theoretical concepts and technological foundations;
• analysis of real-world case studies and deployment scenarios;
• guided laboratory activities focused on cloud and edge platforms, SDN controllers, NFV environments, containerized applications, and 5G network technologies.

Teaching materials, laboratory instructions, and supplementary resources will be made available through AulaWeb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course addresses the following topics:

Cloud and Edge Computing

• Cloud computing architectures and service models.
• Virtualization technologies and resource abstraction.
• Containers and cloud-native platforms.
• Edge and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC).
• Resource management and orchestration.

Software-Defined and Virtualized Networks

• Software Defined Networking principles and architectures.
• Data plane and control plane separation.
• OpenFlow and programmable networking paradigms.
• Network Function Virtualization concepts and architectures.
• Virtualized network functions and service chaining.
• Management and orchestration frameworks.

Cloud-Native Networking

• Microservice-based architectures.
• Container orchestration platforms.
• Service meshes and network observability.
• Automation and Infrastructure as Code.

5G and Beyond Mobile Networks

• Evolution of mobile communication systems.
• 5G architecture and service-based core network.
• Radio access network fundamentals.
• Network slicing.
• Edge-enabled mobile services.
• Orchestration and automation of mobile network services.
• Open RAN concepts and network programmability.
• Emerging trends for Beyond-5G and 6G systems.

Laboratory Activities

• Deployment of virtualized network functions.
• SDN controller configuration and experimentation.
• Cloud-native networking exercises.
• Container orchestration and service deployment.
• Experimental 5G service scenarios and network slicing demonstrations.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Course material on Aulaweb  (https://www.aulaweb.unige.it): copy of all lecture slides

Students with disabilities or learning disorders are allowed to use specific modalities and supports (e.g., audio and video lesson recordings). See the Further Information section for more details.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Mandatory written examination about the topics in the syllabus of the teaching unit, with maximum admissible mark equal to 24/30.

Mandatory test on the experimental laboratory, related to the activities in the syllabus, with a maximum admissible mark equal to 3/30 that will be added to the mark of the written examination.

If a student obtains a sufficient mark (equal to 21/30) from the two previous examinations, then he/she can also optionally take an additional oral examination with maximum admissible mark equal to 30/30 with honors.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Within the mandatory written examination, the student's knowledge of the main concepts discussed in the teaching unit shall be evaluated.

Within the experimental laboratory test, the critical thinking and problem solving capability of students will be evaluated in simple but common 5G and cloud environments.

Within the oral examination, it will be assessed the student’s capability to address simple problems of 5G and cloud applications and his/her capacity to critically discuss the related methodological bases.