Tutorials

José Alberto Hernández, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Learning from data: Applications of ML in network design and modeling

Abstract: This tutorial will overview the uses and applications of classical Machine Learning techniques in a variety of network problems. The first part of the tutorial will overview the basics of statistical learning, including the main algorithms and methodologies involved in the process of designing good ML models. The second part will address a number of network use cases where ML can be used to complement and extend existing network models and algorithms. 

Alejandro Aguado, Nokia ION and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Enabling quantum networking via Software-Defined Networking: integration and use cases

Abstract: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is one of the major cryptographic solutions to tackle the security threats associated to future computational advances, in particular those coming from quantum computing. At the most simple level, QKD can be seen as a highly secure source of symmetric secret keys in two separated places. Nonetheless, the lack of standardization and the strong requirements from the physical layer makes this technology very difficult to integrate in existing infrastructure.

However, the success of QKD networks radically depends on the degree in which they can be adopted in the existing infrastructure, and it is a must that it happens via standard protocols and interfaces. The flexibility of novel network paradigms, like Software-Defined Networking (SDN), allows for a faster adoption of new concepts, hardware and sevices in telecommunications networks. This paradigm can be used for quantum communications, allowing for a fast and scalable deployment of quantum technologies and services in the telecommunications network to a degree that was simply impossible in previous schemes, where the different network devices should be modified, one by one, to create a quantum communications channel.

This tutorial will provide an introduction to existing QKD technologies and networks, followed by a descriptive explanation on how SDN principles can be utilized to abstract and integrate QKD systems as part of the network management. This will help to reduce the time-to-market for quantum technologies, but also to make quantum cryptography available as a service to be capitalized by the network operators.

Francesco Paolucci, CNIT PNT Lab - Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna

Telemetry in Disaggregated Optical Networks

Abstract: Advanced monitoring plane enabling on-demand real-time transmission parameters detection and analysis will drastically improve seamless control and management of future optical networks.
The tutorial will report the concept, along with the state-of-the-art and proposed design and implementations related to telemetry-augmented Elastic Optical Networks and next-generation metro networks. Focus will be given to SDN-controlled networks exploiting disaggregation and discussion on current telemetry models in the OpenROADM and OpenConfig open source initivatives targeting multi-vendor interoperability.

Paolo Monti, Chalmers University of Technology

Slicing in 5G Networks, are we there yet?

Abstract: After an introduction to the general concept of slicing, this tutorial provides an overview of the challenges and current solution for the slicing problem in 5G use cases.