PhD courses

The ordinary ITEM PHD courses are:

TM8100 Protocols for Cellular and Wireless Applications http://www.item.ntnu.no/fag/tm8100/

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
The course treats network architecture and protocols for wireless systems including mobile IP. The following themes are covered: System and network architecture of wireless access networks including: discovery procedures, paging, resource administration of bearer (both regarding access points and capacity), interworking between mobile and wireline networks and between heterogeneous wireless network solutions. Current systems like GSM, UMTS and IEEE802.11 will be inspected and compared. The principles of mobile IP will also be treated and related to GSM and UMTS.
Course Material
Textbook and curriculum will defined for each course.
Recommended Background
A knowledge level correspondig to course TTM4105 Access and Transport Networks combined with one of the courses: TTM4150 Network Architecture in Internet, TTM4130 Network Intelligence and Mobility or TTT4145 Radio Communication.
Teaching Method
The course will be taught every other year. Lectures, colloquiums, group work.
Learning Goal
To give the participants a survey of the area of wireless/mobile telematics together with a more compehensive understanding of some of the problem areas given, supplied with suggested principles of solutions.

TM8101 Dependability Analysis of ICT based Systems http://www.item.ntnu.no/fag/tm8101/

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
Modelling with state diagrams (discrete state continuous time Markov chains) and stochastic Petrinets. Modelling of systems with distribution, fault-tolerance and co-operating software objects. Pros and cons of methods with respect to problems addressed. Analytical methods for state based systems, included system times, the rate of (rarely occurring) system failures, measurement of interval availability and availability guarantees, truncation of state spaces. Simulation techniques to provoke rare events like importance sampling and splitting.
Course Material
Journal and conference papers, etc. Announced at the beginning of the term.
Recommended Background
Knowledge of the design of dependable/fault-tolerant systems. Fundamental knowledge of dependability modelling and analysis, including the use of discrete state continuous time Markov models. These topics are covered by e.g. the course TTM4120 Dependable systems.
Teaching Method
Colloquiums/interactive lectures, where it is expected that the students have familiarised themselves with the topic on beforehand. Optional exercises. If there are no more than 5 candidates there will be oral exam only.
Learning Goal
A good insight into the options, methods and challenges related to modelling, analysis and dimensioning of information and communication systems, with both HW, SW and network subsystems. Emphasis is on dealing with conditions that are specific for (highly) dependable ICT systems like rarely occurring events, decisions based on few observations and handling of large unstructured state spaces.

TM8102 Traffic Analysis of Communication Networks http://www.item.ntnu.no/fag/tm8102/

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
The course addresses analysis and design of communication networks by means of queue and stochastic theory. Topics are: Queuing and stochastic theory. Model and problem formulations for local area networks, access and transport networks, networks with stationary and mobile terminals. Source models and traffic characterization. Analysis of loss and delay, dimensioning of links and nodes, optimization. Strategies for traffic handling, routing, and control.
Course Material
Selections from text books and journal papers.
Recommended Background
TTM4155 Teletraffic Theory or equivalent.
Teaching Method
Lectures, colloquiums, and excercises. If there are no more than 5 candidates there will be oral exam only.
Learning Goal
To acquire knowledge about the use of analytical models and methods at an advanced level to describe, study, and understand traffic and traffic handling in communications networks.

TM8103 Formal Methods http://www.item.ntnu.no/fag/tm8103/

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
Focus is on theory for validation and verification of network and network based service functionality specified by communicating state machines. The theory covers validation by model checking in non-reduced state space, and verification by process algebra, rewriting logic and reasoning on UML constraints.
Course Material
1) General papers: E. Brinksma: What is the Method of Formal Methods, FORTE 91, Sydney November 1991. B. Pehrson: Protocol Verification for OSI, Computer Systems and ISDN Systems no. 18, 1989-1990. 2) The model checker SPIN: G.J. Holzmann: SPIN Model Checker, The: Primer and Reference Manual. ISBN: 0-321-22862-6, Publisher: Addison Wesley Professional, 2004. http://www.aw-bc.com/catalog/academic/product/0,4096,0321228626-PRE,00.html 3) Process Algebra: R. Milner: Communication and Concurrency, Prentice Hall 1989, ISBN 0-13-115007-3 PBK. 4) Rewriting Logic and Maude: Narciso Martí-Oliet and José Meseguer: "Rewriting logic as a logical and semantic framework", RWLW96, First International Workshop on Rewriting Logic and its Applications, Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, CA, USA, September 3-6, 1996, http://www1.elsevier.com/gej-ng/31/29/23/29/23/63/tcs4012.ps Mark-Oliver Stehr and Carolyn Talcott: Plan in Maude: Specifying an Active Network Programming Language. In 4th International Workshop on Rewriting Logic and its Applications, (WRLA'02), http://maude.cs.uiuc.edu/papers/postscript/stehr-talcott-02wrla.ps.gz Maude 2.0 Manual, The Maude homepage: http://maude.cs.uiuc.edu http://maude.cs.uiuc.edu/manual/maude-manual.pdf 5) UML constraints: (To be defined)
Recommended Background
Experience with state based languages such as SDL, UML and LOTOS. Knowledge of Finite and Extended State Machines.
Teaching Method
Lectures, self study, colloquiums and assignments. A submission of a group assignment based on the model checking tool SPIN. If there are no more than 5 candidates there will be oral exam only.
Learning Goal
To be able to validate the correctness properties of a functional model and also to verify the consistency between models related to the various phases of the functionality life cycle, e.g. the consistency between required properties and functional design, or the consistency between functional design and implementation design.

TM8104 ICT-Security Evaluation http://www.item.ntnu.no/fag/tm8104/

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
The subject presents principles and methods for development of criteria for ICT security evaluation and how these are used to evaluate security. Example topics are: protection profiles (PPs),security targets (STs), security functionality, functionality classes, assurance correctness, assurance effectiveness, evaluation assurance levels (EALs), certification, accreditation, standardisation of evaluation criteria, national scheme for evaluation and certification.
Course Material
Internationally standardised criteria for ICT Security evaluation (ISO 15408, Part 1-3, ISO 17799), security evaluation methodology (CEM).
Recommended Background
Master Degree in ICT with emphasis on information security.
Teaching Method
Lectures, colloquia, discretionary exercises
Learning Goal
In this course, the students will learn what principles and methods are employed for evaluation of the security of an ICT product or system based on the requirements expressed in the international standard ISO/IEC IS 15408 Evaluation Criteria for IT Security, Parts 1/3.

TM8105 Advanced Dicrete Event Simulation Methodology http://www.item.ntnu.no/fag/tm8105/

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
Simulation methods, like process oriented simulation, Markov-simulation, trace-driven simulation. Objects, mechanisms and primitives in discrete event simulation. Development of simulators based on the previously mentioned issues. (Various relevant tools/languages will be presented, discussed and used in exercises.) Planning of experiments with emphasis on control of the uncertainty (error) in the results. Statistical analysis of simulation results and presentation of results. As a part of this, techniques like replication, sectioning (batch mean), bootstrapping, jackknifing. Variance reducing techniques like control variables, stratified sampling, restart/splitting, importance sampling.
Course Material
Announced at the beginning of the term. Excerpts from textbooks, which may be supplemented by journal and conference papers, etc. Manuals for simulation tools for exercises.
Recommended Background
Basic knowledge of modelling of information and communication systems as basis for dependability and traffic evaluations; knowledge in discrete event simulation, e.g. as covered by "TTM4110 Dependability and performance with discrete event simulation". Further practical experience with discrete event simulation is advantageous.
Teaching Method
Colloquia/interactive lectures, where it is expected that the students have familiarized themselves with the topic on beforehand. Optional exercises. If there are no more than 5 candidates there will be oral exam only.
Learning Goal
Mastering of various techniques for discrete event simulation. Obtain insight into how fundamental simulation concepts can and should be implemented. Be able to plan, carry out, and extract and present results from simulation studies. Knowledge of techniques for reduction of variance and reduced simulation times.

TM8106 Optical Networking

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
This course will be taught every second year, starting in Spring 2007. The course will give the student in depth understanding of the functionality of optical networks and how they may be implemented. Topics covered are building blocks for optical networks and systems. An introduction to optical components, principles and functionality in optical network elements is given. Furthermore, basic physical principles, properties and constraints in optical fiber transmission are explained. Principles and function of optical network elements, like add/drop and optical cross-connects are covered in detail. Furthermore, topics in implementing a wavelength routed optical network employing optical cross-connects are covered. Both optical circuit and packet switched node and network architectures are explained. How an optical network can work together with an IP-based network infrastructure, is paid special attention. The MPLS and GMPLS protocols will be especially adressed in conjunction with this.
Course Material
To be defined at start of course. Parts of textbooks and papers from conference proceedings and journals will be the main litterature. The manual for the simulation tool DEMOS will be used in (at least) one of the excercises given.
Recommended Background
Basic knowledge of telecommunication systems for transport networks, e.g. as given by the course TTM4105 Access and transport networks. Basic knowledge of object oriented programming and modelling of information and communication systems is advantageous.
Teaching Method
Interactive lectures and colloquia. It is expected that the students are well prepared in advance before participating. Obligatory excercises. One of the excercises will be discrete event simulation of performance in an optical network.
Learning Goal
Learn basic principles of circuit and packet switched optical networks. Gain insight into how optical networks can be implemented as well as their physical limitations. Develop skills in analysing how higher layer protocols may interact with the functionality of the optical layer, given the logical and physical contraints of the optical layer.

TM8107 Cryptographic Protocols and Their Applications

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
Motivation for constructing and analysing cryptographic protocols originates in networked applications of e-commerce, bank transactions, government and health communications, contracting, payments, auctions, document exchange, voting, tickets, access rights, all becoming deployed in open and ambient communications networks. Security requirements in cryptographic protocols. Models and classes of attack. Computational paradigms. Parameter and Key Establishment Protocols. Authentication Protocols. Commitment protocols. Zero-knowledge techniques. Consensus/multiparty computations. Privacy-preserving protocols. Formal reasoning about protocols. Applications to digital credentials, e-payment, fair exchange, and more.
Course Material
Established at start of course.
Recommended Background
Prerequisits for the course can be found in TTM4105, TTM4135, TTM4705, TMA4155, TMA4160, TMA4150, TTT4125.
Teaching Method
The course will be given biannually. Lectures, colloquiums, assignments and self-study.
Learning Goal
To acquire an overview and understanding of the problems, definitions, techniques and principles of cryptographic protocols, and the ability to apply this knowledge to existing and new constructions. To have knowledge of some typical applications of cryptographic protocols in networked systems.

TM8108 Formal Methods 2

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
The course expands on methods and theory from Formal Methods.
Course Material
Excerpts from text books and publications decided at start of course.
Recommended Background
PhD course Formal Methods - TM 8103
Teaching Method
Guided self studies.
Learning Goal
Strengthen the method and theory skills for system development with formal methods.

TM8109 Advance network topics in ad hoc networks

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
Focus will be on different topics within the network layer of ad hoc networks. This includes: routing, capacity, QoS, measurement and simulation, collaboration between routing and directional antennas, collaboration between signal output control and routing, collaboration between QoS in ad hoc and fixed networks.
Course Material
A collection of articles.
Recommended Background
TTM4150 Network architecture in Internet or equivalent.
Teaching Method
The course may be given biannualy. Please check with the responsible teacher. The course uses "mappe evaluering", i.e an evaluation based on a combination of student presentations, a written essay, and potentially short quizzes. Some parts or the entire course will be held as intensive seminars and/or distance teaching.
Learning Goal
The student will acquire knowledge about state of the art techniques within different aspects of routing in ad hoc networks. This includes knowledge about how the network layer functionality interacts with and affects the functionality of higher and lower layers.

TM8110 PhD topics in telematics

ECTS Credits
7,5
Content
The course contains PhD topics selected for each student.
Course Material
Given at the start of the semester.