Intern
Lehrstuhl für Informatik III

Management and Monitoring of Future Communication Networks (FCN)

in the area: "Selected Chapters of Internet Technology"

 

Lecture

  • Lecturer:  Frank Loh
  • Guest Lecturer: Andrea Pimpinella, University of Bergamo, Italy
  • Time and Room: Thursdays 12-14, Exercise Room I (Computer Science Building)
  • First Lecture: 16.10.2025

Exercise

  • Lecturer:  Frank Loh
  • Time and Room: Thursdays 16-18, Seminar Room II (Computer Science Building)
  • First Exercise: 23.10.2025 

Content of the Lecture

The lecture is conceptually divided into the following three areas of network monitoring and network management, which provide an overview of current technologies and the underlying models of modern communication networks.

  • The course begins with an overview of modern communication networks, introducing key components, technologies, and architectural structures. It examines how users inject data into the network, how this data is transmitted and forwarded, and the different ways and locations where processing can occur.

  • The second part focuses on the evolution of cellular network architectures from 2G to 5G. Building on this, data science concepts for network monitoring are introduced with a particular emphasis on cellular networks. Motivations, operator benefits, and newly enabled capabilities are discussed. Central to this section are data collection points and performance measurements within Radio Access Networks (RAN). Practical use cases of data science applied to RAN data—such as network optimization, fault detection, and traffic prediction—form a specific focus.

  • The final part addresses network monitoring and management approaches in greater depth. Key monitoring and management techniques are presented, alongside fundamental concepts and metrics. The discussion highlights how monitoring data can be interpreted to draw meaningful conclusions about network behavior and how these insights can be integrated into effective management strategies.

Concept of the Lecture

The lecture aims to provide an overview of the modern Internet landscape and stimulate discussion. The focus is on the technical aspects of modern communication networks, as well as their modeling, measurement, and simulation. Particular emphasis will be placed on the relationship between technical systems and the development of abstract models necessary in science. In the winter semester of 2025/26, both the lecture and the exercise sessions will be taught in English language.

Content of the Exercise Sessions

The exercise aims to develop and understand monitoring, data assessment, and network management approaches in practice. It also aims to teach aspects of the performance evaluation and simulation of communication systems. This includes not only the use of network tools, but also, and above all, the data science required to evaluate and interpret measurement or simulation results. This exercise will be introduced and implemented using the Python programming language. Various case studies of typical Internet applications, in particular using cellular networks, will also be considered.

The lecture and exercise materials, as well as accompanying assignments and discussions, will be provided in the WueCampus course. The enrollment key will be announced in the first lecture. Recommended further reading will follow in the lectures.