Course content

The course gives a broad introduction to dependable performance design of information and communication (ICT) systems, with a focus on server systems and data networks. The content covers performance, dependability, and their joint consideration in system design:

• For performance, the topics include both basic queueing concepts and models such as traffic, Little's theorem, Poisson process, M/M models, and advanced ones like M/G systems, impact of scheduling in resource allocation, and Jackson networks.
• For dependability, in addition to the fundamental concepts like faults and failure rate, availability and reliability of systems, basic fault tolerant principles and techniques are covered, which include information redundancy, modular redundancy, standby redundancy and load-sharing. Further topics include software dependability and network dependability.
• The analytical methods include state-transition diagram, mean-value analysis, and reliability block diagram.
• The machine-repair model is introduced as another foundation, in addition to resource allocation mechanisms in performance and fault tolerant techniques in dependability, for dependable performance design.

Learning outcome

A. Knowledge:

1. Terminology and concepts used in specification, design, operation and evaluation of information and communication (ICT) systems, with focus on dependable performance design.
2. Principles and mechanisms for fault-tolerant design of server systems and data networks.
3. Fundamental models and methods for dependable performance design of server systems and data networks.

B. Skills:

1. To model and evaluate systems with respect to performance, by applying the learned performance theories.
2. To model and evaluate systems with respect to availability and reliability, by applying the learned dependability theories.
3. To design systems with appropriate use of fault tolerance and resource allocation mechanisms to meet their dependability and performance requirements.

C. General competence:

1. Awareness of performance and dependability as an important factor in service level agreement (SLA) and in system design.
2. Capability of communicating, and carrying out basic-reasoning and creative thinking about dependable performance in evaluating and designing ICT systems.

The learning outcomes of TTM4158 are directly related to UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (9.1: Develop sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructures, and 9.5: Enhance research and upgrade industrial technologies), and also contribute to goal 4 (4.7: Education for sustainable development and global citizenship).

Learning methods and activities

Lectures. Exercises. Lab / semester assignment carried out in small groups. Quizzes.

Recommended previous knowledge

TMA4240/TMA4245 Statistics or equivalent

Course materials

To be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions