Network Analysis and Dimensioning

The overall aim of this microcredential is to introduce the high-value theory and practice of mathematical network analysis and optimisation methods. They apply to the problems of performance analysis of communications protocols, network dimensioning and capacity planning, network architecture design and traffic analysis in modern large-scale data networks. Examples of such include optically switched metro and access networks, datacenter and high performance computing interconnects, and femto-macro cell wireless network architectures. Network analysis is essential to understanding and evaluating the fundamental performance properties (e.g. latency, jitter, throughput, packet-drop rate) of complex network architectures and communications protocols. Network dimensioning methods are a necessity in the planning and deploying of large-scale networks under given capacity and cost constraints. This microcredential will cover fundamental theory in probability, stochastic processes, queuing theory, graph theory and optimisation methods and apply them to solving various data network design and performance management problems.

1. To derive key results in queuing and teletraffic theory, as apply to the study of communication network performance analysis.

2. To apply probability and queuing theory techniques to model the performance behaviour of various packet-switched and circuit-switched systems and networks.

3. To apply queuing theory equations to calculate system performance measures (e.g. latency, throughput, packet loss) and to perform basic dimensioning of network resources to meet required performance targets.

4. To develop a number of different probabilistic traffic models and determine their applicability to represent different network traffic types.

5. To formulate a range of different network flow and resource dimensioning problems as mathematical optimisation problems.

6. To apply optimisation theory to solving network flow, routing and resource allocation problems.

A Primary Honours degree, Level 8 in Electronic/Electrical/Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Sciences or other Cognate/Engineering Disciplines. Applications are also invited from diverse educational and/or employment backgrounds, with applications evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

And also to indicate the required documentation:

Please provide Academic Transcripts for final year of study where appropriate (English translation)

All applicants must submit a copy of their passport

Please upload a CV

If applicable, evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.  Please see here.