Task $1$: Selection topics and Literature Review $[10$ marks$]$

Choose a topic within advanced networking that interests you and has a significant amount of research available among the following:

$1.$ Optimizing Branch Network Connections and Efficiency through MPLS and BGPVRF Integration

$2.$ Implementing SD$-$WAN Solutions for Multi$-$Site Enterprises

$-$ Compare traditional MPLS setups with modern SD$-$WAN architectures

$-$ Analyze performance improvements and cost$-$effectiveness

$3.$ Cloud$-$Native Network Optimization Using Virtual Private Clouds $($VPCs$)$

$-$ Design and implement a multi$-$region network using cloud provider tools

$-$ Focus on security, latency, and scalability across branch offices

$4.$ Zero Trust Network Access $($ZTNA$)$ Implementation for Remote Workforce

$-$ Design a ZTNA architecture to replace traditional VPN solutions

$-$ Evaluate security enhancements and user experience improvements

$5.$ Network Slicing in $5$G for Enterprise Branch Connectivity

$-$ Explore how $5$ G network slicing can be leveraged for branch offices

$-$ Compare with traditional WAN technologies in terms of performance and flexibility

$6.$ Al$-$Driven Network Traffic Optimization for Branch Offices

$-$ Implement machine learning algorithms to predict and optimize traffic patterns

$-$ Show how this can improve application performance across distributed sites

$7.$ Hybrid Multi$-$Cloud Networking Optimization

$-$ Design a network architecture that efficiently connects on$-$premises, private cloud, and public cloud resources

$-$ Focus on traffic routing, security, and performance optimization

Perform a comprehensive review of the literature to acquire an in$-$depth comprehension of the selected subject and acquaint yourself with the current research conducted in that field. Utilize reputable journals, research databases, and conference proceedings to locate pertinent articles. Assess the fundamental ideas, approaches, and discoveries presented in the literature.

Task $2$: Experiment Design and Simulations $[20$ marks$]$

Devise a series of experiments that tackle a particular research question or hypothesis pertaining to your selected topic. Ensure that the experiments are meticulously planned, with explicit goals and a well$-$defined methodology. Select a networking simulation tool, such as:

$-$ NS$-2($Network Simulator$)-$ Design a network architecture that efficiently connects on$-$premises, private cloud, and public cloud resources

$-$ Focus on traffic routing, security, and performance optimization

Perform a comprehensive review of the literature to acquire an in$-$depth comprehension of the selected subject and acquaint yourself with the current research conducted in that field. Utilize reputable journals, research databases, and conference proceedings to locate pertinent articles. Assess the fundamental ideas, approaches, and discoveries presented in the literature.

Task $2$: Experiment Design and Simulations $[20$ marks$]$

Devise a series of experiments that tackle a particular research question or hypothesis pertaining to your selected topic. Ensure that the experiments are meticulously planned, with explicit goals and a well$-$defined methodology. Select a networking simulation tool, such as:

$-$ NS$-2($Network Simulator$)$

T$316/$ TMA

Page $2$ of $4$

$2024/2025$ Fall

$-$ OMNet$++$

$-$ Mininet

$-$ GNS$3($Graphical Network Simulator $3)$

$-$ Co$-$lab $/$Jupiter

$-$ Packet Tracer

Task $3$: Data collection and analysis $[20$ marks$]$

Execute your experiments and gather the data produced by your simulations. Scrutinize the data to derive significant insights that address your research question or validate$/$contradict your hypothesis. Employ suitable statistical methodologies and data visualization $-$ OMNet$++$

$-$ Mininet

$-$ GNS$3($Graphical Network Simulator $3)$

$-$ Co$-$lab $/$Jupiter

$-$ Packet Tracer

Task $3$: Data collection and analysis $[20$ marks$]$

Execute your experiments and gather the data produced by your simulations. Scrutinize the data to derive significant insights that address your research question or validate$/$contradict your hypothesis. Employ suitable statistical methodologies and data visualization techniques to effectively communicate your findings.

Task $4$: Technical Report $[10$ marks$]$

Compose a comprehensive technical report that outlines your research process, experiments, and outcomes. Ensure that the report is well$-$organized and encompasses the following sections:

$1.$ Introduction: Provide an overview of the selected topic, its importance, state your research question$/$hypothesis$,$ and provide a brief outline of the report's structure.

$2.$ Literature Review: Conduct a thorough examination of existing research in your chosen field, identifying essential concepts and methodologies.

$3.$ Experiment Design and Simulation: Describe the design of your experiments, the simulation tool chosen, and explain the rationale behind your selections.

$4.$ Results and Analysis: Present and analyze the data obtained from your experiments, utilizing appropriate statistical techniques and data visualization methods.

$5.$ Discussion: Interpret your results, discussing their implications and how they relate to your research question or hypothesis. Address any limitations of your study an Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation of your