The Internet Computing Architecture: TCP/IP and The Next Generation Protocols

Synopsis
The Internet Computing Architecture: TCP/IP and The Next Generation Protocols is a comprehensive workshop program that provides delegates with a top-to-bottom, full spectrum understanding of this revolutionary technology.

Focus
This intensive course is focused on the technical and operational features of the Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol Suite -- in both current and Next Generation versions. TCP/IP and related protocols (which are increasingly commonly referred to as the Internet Computing Architecture) have redefined the Information Technology landscape and has become the key networking framework in all areas of information movement.

The pace of technical development in this critical area of technology is nothing short of astounding, and the scope of applications is growing into dimensions of networked computing that were unthinkable, even a few years ago. This seminar/workshop program is designed to start at the beginning, assuming very little about delegate background, and develop a comprehensive understanding of all essential elements of this subject.

Delegates will be presented with a systematic development of the core features and constraints of Internet Computing Architecture as it is now used, and will appreciate the technical elements of the technology that have contributed to the remarkable success of this technology. This includes developing a detailed, thorough understanding of the way in which the unique features of underlying transport networks are exploited and how a surprising array of upper layer services are supported.

Objectives
The principal objective of this course is to supply an effective, current level of knowledge of the many facets of this fascinating discipline. Particular attention will be paid to relationships between key elements and overall impacts.

This includes:

• Providing a functional, working understanding of the essential features of the Internet Computing Architecture, how it is now used and how it has been redefined for the Next Generation.
• Establishing a practical understanding of related applications, such as the World Wide Web and the Network File System, which are empowering remarkable changes in business and industrial computing practice.
• Developing the emergent subject of real-time networked applications (notably including Voice-Over-IP and entertainment/multimedia services, and the associated Quality of Service issues.
• Introducing the developing areas of mobile computing technology and applications.
• Creating an appreciation of the practical limitations of the technology, and knowledge of how it can best be adapted to serve non-traditional applications.

Who Should Attend
This short course is designed to provide essential knowledge to:

• Engineers and designers who see this technology as a catalyst for change to their traditional design paradigms.
• IT professionals who need an intensive exposure to this vital, mainstream network architecture.
• Technical specialists in other areas who see that knowledge in this subject will enhance their effectiveness in their own discipline.
• Technical managers who recognize that the Internet Computing Architecture presents vital business opportunities to be exploited.

Program Features
Each delegate will be provided with a permanent, comprehensive workbook that is much more than a set of lecture notes. In addition to being a workbook that tracks with the lecture portion of the program, it is designed with features that give it real value as a permanent reference book.

These include:

A descriptive text format, designed to be a highly readable, valuable reference on the job
A textbook style Subject Index and a comprehensive Table of Contents, consistent with effective reference access to content details
A thorough, highly readable subject-specific glossary which provides detailed descriptive treatment of key items of terminology
A sorted, annotated reference to the remarkable "Request For Comments" library of public documentation pertaining to the Internet Computing Architecture
This course is presented as a workshop program in which delegates perform a collection of TCP/IP implementation design tasks. Everyone will have opportunity to practice essential design concepts and interact with others in developing designs and configuration profiles of functional, effective TCP/IP networks.

Delegates are encouraged to bring details of their own TCP/IP network environment, so that topics which are developed in the course may be more effectively related to their own work circumstances.

Program Outline: The Internet Computing Architecture: TCP/IP and The Next Generation Protocols

(i) Introduction
The Internet Architecture -- past, present and future
Key features of the new Internet

• Convergence (support for voice and multimedia)
• Mobility
• Security

Limitations of the current generation: Pressure points that demand solutions
TCP/IP's Roots; ARPANET and the U.S. DOD
The industry's paradigm shift to the Internet Architecture
Review network connectivity issues

(ii) The Internet Layer (IP) - Core Features
Connectionless vs. connection-oriented networking
The Version 4 IP header, features and options
Version 6 header details - summary comparison
Datagram fragmentation issues
Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMPv4 and ICMPv6)
IPv4 options and IPv6 extension headers

(iii) The Internet Layer (IP) - Addressing and Auxiliary Topics
Addressing conventions: Versions 4 and 6
Version 4 addressing limitations: Sub-networks and masking
Version 6 addressing features compared
Comparing IPv6 addressing options and strategies
Address Resolution Protocol
Relating IP addresses to physical addresses
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
The Domain Name System
IPv6 transition strategies

(iv) The Physical Layer and Access Protocols
Serial line protocols; SLIP, PPP, MLPPP and PPTP
IP over WAN technologies; Frame Relay and ATM
IP over ATM; features and challenges
IP over LANs; IEEE 802.x, SNAP and FDDI networks
Broadband Internet access:

• XDSL
• Cable systems and DOCSIS
• Broadband over power lines (BPL)
• Wireless (WiMAX) and other alternatives

(v) Routing Topics
Characteristics of a routable environment
IP routing philosophy
Distance Vector Routing: A case study based on Routing Information Protocol
Link State Routing: A case study based on Open Shortest Path First protocol
Border Gateway Protocol features
Inter-domain routing with IDRP
Route coordination in WAN environments
LAN/MAN switching developments: Compared and contrasted with routing

(vi) The Host Layer (TCP and UDP)
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
Upper layer protocols and well known ports
Data service primitives and connection control
Sliding window flow control
The Slow Start Algorithm
Congestion and uncertain network delay
The User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
Next generation issues with TCP and UDP

(vii) Security Concerns and Firewall Solutions
Characterizing security vulnerabilities and threats
The vital role of standards
Data encryption technologies; private and public keys
Firewalls configurations and limitations
Packet filtering and proxy firewalls
Network address translation
Initiatives to deemphasize the firewall perimeter
Cisco’s “Self-Defending Networks”
IP layer security: IPSEC and the PKI
Virtual private networks

(viii) Administrative and Support Features
The Internet Society and IETF
IAB, NIC, ICANN and IANA
Domain naming and DNS functions
Managing the DNS Environment
Network time coordination
Administrating systems with DHCP and /or WINS

(ix) Internet Applications
File transfer (FTP/TFTP) and file sharing alternatives with NFS and RPC
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol and enhancements; MIME, POP and IMAP
The ubiquitous World Wide Web, extensions and developing features
Making the link to non-web applications

(x) Network Management Issues and Automation Tools
Network management responsibility
Capacity planning issues
Network management tools and RMON Probes
SNMP and SNMP-II
The Management Information Base: MIB-I, MIB-II and extensions
Web-based management

(xi) Mobile IP; Technology and Applications
Mobile, portable computing
Radio propagation issues
Evolving device features and form factors
Wireless Application Protocol
IP connectivity to mobile hosts
Foreign Agent discovery and registration

(xii) Ubiquitous/Pervasive Computing
Dimensions of the subject: Scope and applications of ubiquitous computing
Relation to mobile computing
Location-based computing topics
Associated technologies: RFID, ad hoc networking, etc.
Embedded systems; vital OS kernels

(xiii) Quality of Service and Real-Time Application Issues
Motivation, issues and options
Integrated vs. Differentiated Services
IPv4 implementations of DIFFSERV: The first available solutions
Ipv6 implementations of DIFFSERV and INTSERV
Real Time Protocol (RTP): Features and applications
Real Time Control Protocol: Establishing the service and managing RTP

(xiv) MultiProtocol Label Switching
Features and promises of MPLS
MPLS architecture overview
Relation to quality of service, RSVP, tag switching, etc.
Label features, distribution methods and interpretation
Enhanced routing support features
MPLS-enabled virtual private networks
Generalized MPLS and lambda switching

(xv) Multicast
The multicast backbone (MBONE)
Relating IP multicast to IEEE 802.1
Multicast tunnels
MBONE routing challenges
Streaming audio and video applications

(xvi) Voice Over IP
Technical and economic benefits
Packet delay and echo issues
Voice encoding methods
Signaling and call control challenges
The H.323 and softswitch configuration model
The SIP-based alternative
Meeting robustness and reliability objectives

(xvii) Competitive/Alternative/Compatible Technologies
Asynchronous Transfer Mode features
ATM compared to Fast/Gigabit Ethernet
IP switching and virtual LAN developments
Roles for ATM, SDH and MPLS in an IP-converged world
Challenges in integrating the global infobahn

Appendices
Glossary of Terminology
RFC Index
Suggestions For Further Reading

General Index

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