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FIK3227 Network Systems with Edge or Cloud Datacenters 7.5 credits

This course explores advancements in datacenter technology, covering topics like Layer 2
technologies (Ethernet vs. Infiniband), reconfigurable topologies, congestion control, virtualization,
interconnects, and energy efficiency. Students will examine scalable datacenter architectures, from
edge to massive cloud setups, emphasizing latency, power efficiency, and machine learning
applications with unprecedented I/O demands. Through this, students will gain insights into
managing geographically distributed networks, multi-tenancy, and the role of Software-Defined
Networking (SDN) and in-network computing. By the course end, students will understand the key
trends and challenges shaping modern datacenter evolution.

Information per course offering

Termin

Information for Spring 2025 Start 14 Jan 2025 programme students

Course location

KTH Kista

Duration
14 Jan 2025 - 16 Mar 2025
Periods
P3 (7.5 hp)
Pace of study

50%

Application code

61207

Form of study

Normal Daytime

Language of instruction

English

Course memo
Course memo is not published
Number of places

Places are not limited

Target group
No information inserted
Planned modular schedule
[object Object]
Schedule
Schedule is not published
Part of programme
No information inserted

Contact

Course coordinator

Profile picture Erik Aurell

Course syllabus as PDF

Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.

Course syllabus FIK3227 (Spring 2025–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus FIK3227 (Spring 2025–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course disposition

PRO1 – Project Assignments, 2.5 credits, grading scale: P/F
SEM1 – Paper Summaries, 2.5 credits, grading scale: P/F
TEN1 – Written Exam, 2.5 credits, grading scale: P/F

Course contents

The development of data centre including network speeds, scale, geographic spread, multitenancy,
and tongue I/O applications.
Increase of data transfer speeds from 1Gbps to 400Gbps and over.
Link layer technology for the data center of the next generation with a focus on Ethernet products
compared with specialised Infiniband.
The complexity of managing networks of geographically dispersed data centers and their related
energy consumption aspects.
The balance between compact edge data centers and their expansive cloud counterparts, designed to
optimize latency.
The bases of the software defined the paradigm and protocol-independent programmable networks.
Relating the above infrastructure aspects to concrete workloads focusing on new machine learning
applications with heavy I/O requirements.
How these applications are shaping data center design and operation, pushing the boundaries of
what is possible.
Aspects of data center networking related to multitenancy, its requirements, and the role of
virtualization technologies in mitigating potential disruptions.

Intended learning outcomes

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

  • explain and analyze methods for interconnect networks and end host devices in a data center including emerging aspects of topology, technologies for link layer and protocols
  • explain and analyze methods to operate virtualized multi-tenant networks in data centers.
  • explain and analyze methods and concepts related to programmable networks including aspects of Software-Defined Networking, routing, packet forwarding and congestion control.
  • explain and analyze concepts and applications related to in network computing and support for machine learning applications
  • explain and analyze aspects related to energy efficiency of different data center technology.
  • analyse scientific papers in a critical manner
  • design advanced data center network systems that support massive I/O workload (e.g. machine
  • learning)
  • apply the knowledge from the course to analyze your research domain, demonstrating its practical use and impact
  • analyze the connections between the course material and your own research, emphasizing their significance
  • argue for the validity of these connections, providing clear and evidence-based reasoning

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Knowledge in advanced Internet technique, 7.5 higher education credits, equivalent completed
course IK2215.

Recommended prerequisites

Knowledge in advanced Internet technique, 7.5 higher education credits, equivalent completed
course IK2215.

Literature

You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

P, F

Examination

  • PRO1 - Project assignments, 2.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • SEM1 - Paper summaries, 2.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Written exam, 2.5 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

This course does not belong to any Main field of study.

Education cycle

Third cycle

Postgraduate course

Postgraduate courses at EECS/Software and Computer Systems