HONET-ICT 2015

Tutorial-1: An Introduction to Software Defined Networks (SDN)

Duration: 3 Hours

Computer Networks are changing at a rapid pace. These changes are brought about as a result of networks that underperform and are extremely difficult to maintain and upgrade. Software Defined Networks are a breath of fresh air in the domain of Networking, providing unprecedented opportunity for innovation in how networks work today. This tutorial is aimed at exploring the advancements in computer networking and the future of networking. A detailed discussion on Software Defined Networks, basic principles, decoupling of control and data plane, virtual networks and controller programming will be a part of this tutorial.

Key objectives

- To understand the basic principles behind the operation of Software Defined Networks (SDN)
- To explore to details from an implementation perspective

Tutorial Outline

- History and evolution of Computer Networks
- Introduction to SDN
- Decoupling of Control and Data Plane
- OpenFlow
- Implementation of SDN using a Mininet Walkthrough

Targeted Audience

Our target ordinance includes academics and companies, postgrad students, and other researchers and engineers. The tutorial will be a great venture especially for students at both the graduate and under-graduate levels to pursue research/development in this area.

Tutorial Fees

For Students:
IEEE Student Members: Rs. 500
Non-IEEE Student Members: Rs. 800
For Professionals:
IEEE Members: Rs. 3000
Non-IEEE Members: Rs. 4000

Instructor Biography

Syed Ali Haider is an Assistant Professor at the NUST School of EE & CS. He received his PhD degree from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2012 and Masters degree from The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK in 2006. He has a Bachelors(2002) and a first Masters (2003) degree in Computer Science. He has been working in the area of Software Defined Networks, Virtual Networks and Data Center Storage since 2012. He also teaches a graduate level course on SDN at NUST-SEECS and has taught computer networks and other related subjects for over 6 years at NUST. Syed Ali Haider has been working with the industry on projects related to Network Virtualization and Data center Storage. He is also collaborating with UNC Charlotte and Clarkson University USA on projects related to SDN and Efficient Storage Techniques.