course-details-portlet

TM8101

Dependability Analysis of Information and Communication Systems

Choose study year

Lessons are not given in the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 7.5
Level Doctoral degree level
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim

About

About the course

Course content

The course is given every second year, next time spring 2027. Topics are: Modelling with state diagrams (discrete state continuous time Markov chains) and stochastic Petri-nets. 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. Systems of systems, ICT systems as an element of the societal critical infrastructure; challenge and methods in the analysis.

The course contributes to almost all UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since efficient communication/networking is a fundamental need for all non-local cooperation, but in particular to goal 9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

Learning outcome

A. Knowledge:

1) A good understanding of the feasibility, methods and challenges in the modeling, analysis and design of dependable/reliable in information and communication technology (ICT) system, including both hardware, software and networks aspects.

2) In depth knowledge on how to deal 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.

3) Insight in ICT systems role in critical infrastructure.

B. Skills:

1) Master the terminology and theoretical concepts in the dependability/reliability area.

2) Be able to establish models for communications technology (ICT) system by means of continuous time, discrete state space Markov models and stochastic Petri-nets (Stochastic Activity Networks).

3) Master approximate analysis techniques with truncation of large state spaces.

4) Master the approximate analytical methods to determine the distribution of short term measures like interval unavailability.

C. General competence:

1) Improved insight into the relation between application and economic aspects and the dependability of ICT systems.

2) Have an understanding of the dependability/reliability requirements of ICT systems ensuing from their role the society.

3) Ability to present, assess and discuss the research results of others.

Learning methods and activities

Colloquiums/interactive lectures, where it is expected that the students have familiarised themselves with the topic beforehand. Optional exercises.

Further on evaluation

If there are more than 4 candidates a written exam will be considered. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed back from written to oral. The grading rule is passed/failed. The minimum passing grade is 70/100 points (70%).

Course materials

Journal and conference papers, etc. Announced at the beginning of the term.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
DIE5933 7.5 sp
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Telecommunication
  • Safety and Reliability
  • Information Systems
  • Computer Systems
  • Computer Systems
  • Telematics
  • Informatics
  • Communication and Information Science

Contact information

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Information Security and Communication Technology

Examination

Examination