Spring 2009 - EE 381K

Analysis & Design of Communication Networks

Meets MW 9:30-11:00 in ENS 126
Unique No: 16650

Instructor

Gustavo de Veciana
Office: ACES 3.120
Office Hours: M 1:30-2:30 and Wed 1:30-2:30
Email: gustavo@ece.utexas.edu
WWW: http://www.ece.utexas.edu/~gustavo

Description

We introduce analytical tools need to construct and analyze models for for communication and computer systems. The focus of the course will be on discussing tools from queueing theory, optimization, and control, as they apply to evaluating the the performance of various types of systems. The course is intended to build upon an introductory graduate course on probability and stochastic processes and one on communication networks (i.e., EE 381J and EE382N ).

Some Topics

stochastic and deterministic traffic modeling
discrete and continuous time Markov chains
elementary queueing theory: M/M/1 queue and its variants, time-reversal of Markov Chains, Burke's Theorem, product form results for Jakson networks (for M/M/1 queues) Little's Result, applications to modeling store and forward networks
intermediate queueing theory: extending product form results, quasi-reversible queues, open, closed and mixed networks of quasireversible queues; priority queues and other service disciplines; insensitivity; applications to circuit switched networks and other computer systems;
approximation, stochastic comparison and asymptotics for queues and networks; aggregation, fixed point techniques, effective bandwidths
deterministically constrained traffic and its applications to network design

Prerequisites

This course is intended for graduate students with a background in communication networks, both EE382N Communication Networks and EE381J Probability and Stochastic Processes will be prerequisites. If you dont have these prerequisites, you are encouraged to take these first, but may seek permission from the instructor.

Course Web site and Text

I will be using my own notes for this course and will point you to appropriate other resources on the relevant material as I go along. Some pointers to other free texts available on the web can be found at the course web site in the Blackboard system (courses.utexas.edu). A partial set of notes, assorted slides, papers and homework assiginments will be posted as we go along at this web site.

Suggested References

Data Networks by D. Bertsekas and R. Gallager, Prentice-Hall, Second Edition. (Particularly, Chapters 3, 5, 6)
A first Course in Stochastic Models by H. Tijms, Wiley, 2003.
Quantitative System Performance: Computer System Analysis Using Queueing Networks by Lazowska et al.,Prentice Hall 1984 (can be downloaded from the web)
High Performance Communication Networks by P. Variaya and J. Walrand, Morgan Kaufman 1996. (Particularly Chapters 6,7)
Broadband Integrated Networks, by M. Schwartz, Prentice-Hall 1996
Computer Communication Network Design and Analysis, M. Schwartz, Prentice-Hall 1977
Multiservice Networks, by Keith Ross, Springer Verlag, 1995
Reversibility and Stochastic Networks, by F. Kelly, J. Wiley, 1979 (can be downloaded from the web)
Queueing Systems Vol 1-2, by L. Kleinrock, J. Wiley, 1988.

Format/Evaluation

Homeworks will be assigned on a weekly basis and typically on Monday though this will depend on how we are doing in class. Homework will be worth a total of 35%, and 5% will be assigned based on class participation or office hours interactions you have with me. You must make an individual effort on your homework. There will be a midterm and final worth 30% each. All exams will be closed book.

Final Exam: As scheduled by university

Where does this course fit in?

In conjunction with this course, or in the sequel you might consider taking: Performance Evaluation, Stochastic Networks, as well as related courses on Digital Signal Processing; and/or Digital Communications and Optimization of Engineering Systems . You might consider taking Wireless Communications; Advanced Signal Processing; and/or Information Theory.

Note: All departmental, college and university regulations concerning drops will be followed. The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic adjustments for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4241 TDD or the College of Engineering Director of Students with Disabilities at 471-4382.