This course provides an in-depth introduction to Software-Defined Networking (SDN), including programmable and virtualized networks overall and their impact in current communication networks.

It covers their definitions, origins, and advantages over traditional network architectures. It explores current architectures, standardization efforts, key platforms and tools, and the role of open communities. The course also presents real-world use cases in mobile, fixed, and content delivery networks, highlighting their relevance in 5G/6G environments.

Additional topics include network monitoring and management, business models, and future trends in research and industry, from which we highlight IoT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and, particularly, the use of Machine Learning (ML) at the edge of the network and Large Language Models (LLMs) for advanced management.

Teachers from the University of Szeged will teach part of the sessions.

Prerequisites: Knowledge about computer networks and programming languages

Number of ECTS: 2

For more information you can contact: elisa.rojas@uah.es and david.carrascal@uah.es 

The lectures will be mainly online, with recorded short videos, and also synchronous sessions, in which students will be able to approach the teachers and directly ask questions. In these synchronous sessions we will apply gamification strategies for active learning, and also flipped classroom in some parts, considering students should have checked the recorded material before.

Finally, the course also contains a virtualized lab, in which the students will have to work, and conclude it with a short essay/project

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