iLab: Build your own Internet (6 SWS/ 10 ECTS)

Who is the expected audience?

The intended audience of this course is everyone who wants to understand how computer networks work.
Basic knowledge in computer networks is expected.
Knowledge of the Linux operating system is an advantage but not a requirement. You will get this knowledge during the course.
If you never used Linux you will have to read a little more at the beginning.
As you will use Linux throughout the whole practical exercise, getting along with this operating system will be another benefit for you in the course.

What is the content?

The theoretical contents of the lecture "Grundlagen: Rechnernetze und Verteilte Systeme" are getting explored in ten practical exercises.
You can find a list of the topics here.
When you finish the course you will be able to build up a working Internet with all basic technologies on your own!

How is the workflow?

The course consists of ten exercises.
For an exercise you will normally have one week; for longer exercises two weeks will be scheduled.

The practical exercises are performed in teams of two students.
You should try to find a team partner on a similar level regarding the networking background, as well as the Linux operating system.

An exercise consists of three parts:

• A weekly meeting where you get an introduction into the theoretical background for the upcoming exercise.
• A so-called "prelab" where you make yourself familiar with the theoretical backgrounds of the current exercise.
  This is done by each team member separately on ones own.
  The prelab is done before the practical exercise.
• The practical exercise which is called "lab".
  As stated above this part is done in your two-person team.
  You will have your lab environment for one whole day of the week on which you can decide freely when to be in the lab and perform your practical exercise together.
  This gives you the freedom to attend lectures in between, etc.

The course is held entirely in English.
You are expected to answer the questions in English as well.
This is a good opportunity to exercise and improve your language skills!

In contrast to many other practical exercises the course is entirely based on a web system.
You will have access to this web system from anywhere on the Internet.
This allows you to freely choose when to do the prelab or final adjustments to your answers.

To which modules does this course belong?

• IN0012: Bachelor-Praktikum (Projekt: Systementwicklung) (10 ECTS)
• IN2106: Master-Praktikum (10 ECTS)
• IN8903: Praktikum im Bereich Technische Informatik (10 ECTS)
• and many more, check TUMOnline

For Master students we additionally offer the iLab². If you already know how the Internet works and you want to learn about selected networking concepts more in depth, iLab² is the right course for you. If you are not familiar with configuring services like DNS, VPN, Firewalls etc. iLab1 is the right course for you. In this course selected advanced topics of networks are covered.
Information for the following master level modules is available here:

• IN8903: Praktikum im Bereich Technische Informatik (10 ECTS)
• IN2106: Master-Praktikum (10 ECTS)

When does the course start?

The information event will be announced beforehand. If you're interested in participating, we strongly recommend you stop by!

The kickoff will usually be towards the end of the semester. Please have a look at TUMOnline for further information.

In the kickoff meeting the teams will be formed and the time slots will be allocated, thus you have to attend this meeting.

How can I apply?

Come to the information event (see above). Although presence there is not a prerequisite for participation in the course, you'll get important information about the further process.

The course registration is done via the central matching system. You can find it here: https://www.in.tum.de/en/in/current-students/modules-and-courses/practical-courses-and-seminar-courses/. Foreign exchange students without matriculation/enrollment number need to follow the application procedure arranged for them.