Design and management of information- and communications systems

The course deals with the design, modelling and management of information and communication systems, with a particular focus on cloud computing. In the introductory part of the course, we will learn the principles of planning and traffic engineering in circuit-switched and packet-switched networks. Particular attention will be paid to the statistical characteristics of communication traffic and the measurement of traffic, network elements and applications, which form the communication basis for all modern information and communication systems. The process of designing operator and enterprise networks and systems will also be presented in detail. The second part of the course will focus on cloud computing. We will learn about the design of cloud-based information systems and introduce modern architectural approaches and building blocks of cloud systems. We will present in more detail container-based virtualization technologies, orchestration in cloud computing systems, cybersecurity of cloud systems and modern development practices. Throughout both parts, the topics of management and control of networks and information systems will be covered, as well as the techno-economics of both communication networks and cloud infrastructures.

The objective of the course is to familiarize students with knowledge and skills for system design, modelling, planning, control, measurement, testing, management and control, based on a good knowledge of information and communication systems and services for development, upgrade, and support of systems in enterprise and operator environments.

Students acquire fundamental knowledge and skills in understanding performance parameters of information and communication systems and can critically evaluate them.

Lectures for theoretical aspects, laboratory exercises and team work for real-case scenarios and problem solving through project work. Part of the pedagogical process will be carried out with the help of ICT technologies and the possibilities they offer.. Study visits and invited lecturers.