The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the design and development of decentralised data storage systems. The aim is for students to be able to:
LO1. Identify and characterise types of storage systems, namely Cloud and advanced data recording systems such as Decentralised Logging Technologies (DLT) and Blockchain.
LO2. Implement decentralised, fault-tolerant data storage solutions;
LO3. Manipulate and extract information from unstructured databases;
LO4. Develop social and interpersonal skills (soft skills), namely Problem Solving, Teamwork, Collaboration, Observation and Constructive Critical Discussion.

The main programme contents to be covered are:
CP1. Introduction to Non-Relational Databases for managing large volumes of data;
CP2. Redundancy to manage fault tolerance;
CP3. Data decentralisation to meet the objectives of various application examples;
CP4. Introduction to Cloud systems, namely MongoDB;
CP5. Data manipulation and extraction in MongoDB;
CP6. Development of a data management application with BackEnd and FrontEnd;
CP7: Advanced decentralised systems: DLT and Blockchain.

Assessment throughout the semester:
-Individual participation in class (10%): Evaluates attendance, including compulsory attendance at 16 of the classes, involvement and individual contributions by students in discussions and practical activities.
- Group project focused on the development of a software tool (40%): students are organised into groups of 3 to 5 elements, formed at random, with support from the teacher. 2-part assessment with components assessed in groups (delivery of report, presentation slides) and individually (oral demonstration and discussion of the work) which takes place mid-semester for the first phase of the project (Backend: 20%) and at the end of the semester for the second phase of the project, potentially in the penultimate class of the semester (FrontEnd: 20%);
- Individual written test taken in the last class (50%): Individual theoretical/practical test without consultation.
The weighted average of each of these components (not less than 8 points in each component) constitutes the final grade which, if it is greater than or equal to 10 points, will exempt the master's student from an exam. Thus, only master's students who do not obtain a positive mark in this assessment throughout the semester can take the written exam (100%) - 1st season, 2nd season and special season. The special period is reserved for special cases provided for in the General Regulations for the Assessment of Knowledge and Competences (RGACC), Article 14 Special period: https://www.iscte-iul.pt/conteudos/estudantes/informacao-academica/regulamentos-formularios/1025/regulamentos

LG1 - Knowledge about the clients of optical networks.
LG2 - Knowledge about the components inside optical nodes.
LG3 - Knowledge about the tools for planning optical networks.
LG4 - Knowledge about optical network survivability.
LG5 - Knowledge about optical access networks.

CP1 - Introduction to optical networks.
CP2 - Optical network clients: SDH, next generation SDH (VCAT, LCAS and GFP), OTN, Carrier Ethernet, MPLS.
CP3 - Elements of the optical network. Optical switching architectures and optical switching technologies, reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADM) architectures: Broadcast & Select, Route & Select.
CP4 - Optical network planning (routing and wavelength assignment, RWA). Static and dynamic routing algorithms, static and dynamic wavelength assignment algorithms.
CP5 - Optical network survivability. Linear network protection, ring network protection and mesh network protection.
CP6 - Optical access networks. Passive optical networks, hybrid fiber-coaxial networks and DOCSIS standard.

Assessment throughout the semester:
- practical assignment, groups of 2 students to be delivered before the exam period (30%)
- first written test (30%) done during the class period with a minimum mark of 8,0
- second written test (40%) done during the exam period with a minimum mark of 8,0
or
Assessment by exam (first, second or special period) : written test (100%), with a minimum mark of 9,5.

Note: In the assessment throughout the semester the first written test can be replaced by an individual bibliographic research work (30%).

After attending this course the student should acquire the following competences:
OA1. be able to explain the operating principles and relevance of embedded systems, taking into account the important tradeoffs in terms of energy, performance and cost.
OA2. be able to identify the most suitable contemporary wireless network architectures for this type of system, with an emphasis on their integration into the Internet of Things (IoT).
OA3. be able to analyse the functional requirements of embedded applications and, according to these, design a wireless embedded system that integrates hardware and software using appropriate tools.
OA4. be able to plan and initiate research work in the area of embedded systems, wireless sensor networks and the Internet of Things (IoT).

CP1. Introduction to Embedded Systems
CP1.1. Background and Motivation
CP1.2. Challenges and constraints
CP1.3. Applications

CP2. Hardware for embedded systems
CP2.1. Architectures for embedded systems
CP2.2. Microprocessors and microcontrollers
CP2.3. Data bus
CP2.4. Memory
CP2.5. I/O (Input/Output) devices
CP2.6. Interruptions
CP2.7. Serial Communication (I2C, SPI), Timers, ADC

CP3. Software for Embedded Systems
CP3.1. Embedded programming
CP3.2. Operating Systems and Process Management

CP4. Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks
CP4.1. Sensors and Actuators
CP4.2. Sensor Network Architectures and Internet of Things (IoT)
CP4.3. Physical Layer
CP4.4. Media Access Control
CP4.5. Network Layer
CP4.6. Synchronization and Localization
CP4.7. Energy Management
CP4.8. Security


CP5. Embedded Systems Project
CP5.1. Project Methodology
CP5.2. Implementation and Testing

The knowledge assessment process for this course comprises only assessment throughout the semester, in accordance with article 7, point 3 of the RGACC. In this modality, the assessment consists of two compulsory components:

a) Project (50%) - the project involves the development of a wireless embedded system/sensor network in groups of 3 students. The projects are due in the 12th week of classes, and a laboratory session is scheduled in which the groups must demonstrate to the lecturer how the implemented system works and hand in the associated documentation. The grade awarded to the project will take these two components into account.

b) Final Written Test (50%) - Individual written test that takes place during the assessment period, with a minimum mark of 9.5v. This final written test can be taken in the 1st season, 2nd season or special season.

This advanced level course has a strong practical and integration component in the telecommunications and computer science fields. Its core topics are: the design, implementation and operation of services; signaling and management of telecommunication services and networks.
After completing this course the students should be able to:
OA1. Recognize complexity, interoperability and integration issues in telecommunications systems and services.
OA2. Assess the relevance of, and use adequately international standards tools and platforms for the design, implementation, operation and management of telecommunication services.
OA3. Identify in telecommunication signalling system aspects and functionalities that are relevant to the design, implementation and operation of telecommunication services and networks and their management.
OA4. Design, develop and implement telecommunication services and their management tools. Assess, discuss and document the options taken in this processes.

CP1 The evolution of telecommunications networks and services
* Complexity in telecommunications networks and services
* Integration, interoperability, convergence
CP2 From Intelligent Network (IN) to New Generation Networks
* IN motivations and objectives
* ITU-T Q12xx IN standards
* Interaction and integration with mobile networks and Internet
CP3 New Generation Networks (NGN) and 5G networks
* Objectives and architectures
* Internet Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture and interfaces
* 5G: architecture and interfaces
CP4 Signaling in telecommunication networks
* Signaling evolution, types and modes
* Signaling system SS7
* Interaction and integration with the Internet
CP5 Programming networks
* Standards and tools for the virtualization of network functions - NFV
CP6 Network and Services Management Architectures
* Objectives, architectures and standards
* Management in telecommunication networks
* Network management in the Internet

Being an eminently practical course, it is not assessed by a 100% exam, but only throughout the semester.
The contribution of each assessment component is:
Set of practical/laboratory assignments (20%, in groups, during the teaching period) + final project (40%, in groups with compulsory oral for all group members, final week of the teaching period) + Written Test (40%, individual, 1st, 2nd and special during evaluation period).
All assessment components require a minimum mark of 8.0 to pass.
Attendance at a minimum number of classes is not required to obtain approval in the course.

OA1. Develop skills of inquiry and reflection on the social and ethical impact of computing, and evaluate possible ethical and technical responses to those questions.
OA2. To think critically on the impact of introducing a given technology or product in a given environment. Will this product or technology enhance or degrade quality of life? What will the impact be upon individuals, groups and organizations?
OA3. Identify values that guide the day-to-day activities of professional practices of computing and communication technologies, debating and becoming familiar with standards of good practice, codes of conduct and codes of ethics established by professional associations.
OA4. To learn or discuss approaches to ethical aligned design methods, which seek to align technologies with defined values and ethical principles that prioritize human well-being.

1·Ethics, computing, and society: The specificity of ethical issues in ICTs; Human rights in the digital age.
2·The responsibility of engineers. Active and passive responsibility. The context of technological development.
3·Normative ethics: Values, norms and virtues; Utilitarianism, Kant, Virtue ethics; normative argumentation.
4·Applied computer ethics and policy gaps: Ethical decision making and case studies.
5·Privacy and data protection: The GDPR.
6·Intellectual and industrial property: Copyright, the legal protection of computer programs; patents.
7·Artificial Intelligence: ethical principles and the AI act.

The evaluation in the 1st term is carried out throughout the semester or by exam.
The evaluation in the 2nd term is by exam only.

If the student opts for evaluation throughout the semester, it includes:

Group assignment: 60%
Individual written test: 38%
Attendance/participation: 2%

Both the group assignement and the written test have a minimum grade of 7 out of 20.

To obtain 100% in the attendance component, the student must attend at least 70% of the classes.

LO1- Identify and apply digital communication techniques to real mobile communication systems
LO2- Identify, compare and evaluate the dimensioning, planning and radio resource management of 4G
LO3- Identify, compare and evaluate the dimensioning, planning and radio resource management of 5G and B5G

PC.1 Study of digital communication techniques for mobile networks
PC.2 Study of LTE. Radio network planning of 4G
PC.3 Study of LTE-Advanced and LTE-Pro
PC.4 Study of 5G Use Cases and Applications
PC.5 Study of 5G New Radio. Key Technologies, Numerologies. Frequency Bands and Waveforms
PC.6 Study of 5G Core Network, Evaluation of Cost in 5G networks
PC.7 Study of Dimensioning and Planning of 5GNR Radio networks
PC.8 Study of 5GNR Private Radio Networks
PC.9 Study of Non-Terrestrial Networks of Beyond 5G (B5G)

Evaluation throughout the semester: Attendance at least 50% of classes. In this modality, the evaluation is done in three parts. Active participation in a class 5%. The second part consists of a group work on 5G/5GNR simulation scenarios with individual evaluation at the end of classes and the third part consists of a test. The grade of the group work with individual evaluation has a weight of 30%. The remaining 65% is obtained with the grade of the test. Minimum grade of 7.5 in the test.
Evaluation by exam: In this modality, the evaluation is made by the 1st exam (equals to Final written test) or 2nd exam with a minimum grade of 9.5 and a weight of 100% in the final grade.
If the student has taken both types of assessment, the final grade of the subject will be the better of the two.
There is a Special Exam in July (it requires authorization and registration) for the students that have not been successful, previously.

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Be able to understand and determine the security environment in information systems;
2. Understand and define access control policies;
3. Understand and apply some security controls and standards;
4. Offer advice on information and network security;
5. Develop and apply security plans and policies;
6. Reviewing and advising on certain security operations;
7. Designing plans to guarantee business continuity and resilience;
8. Understand and explain the role of cryptography in information security;
9. Establish policies and procedures for managing security incidents;
10. Understand software development problems and their security aspects.

1. introduction to information security
2. Legal, Regulatory, Ethical and Professional Aspects of Information Security
3. Information Security Planning
4. Information Security Risk Management
5. Security of the Organisation's Assets
6. Information Security Architecture and Engineering
7. Identity Management and Access Controls
8. Security Evaluation and Testing
9. Security in Applications and Software Development

Assessment throughout the semester:
- Carrying out a set of group projects and activities (50%) throughout the semester.
- Two individual mid-term tests (50%) [minimum mark of 6 for each test]. The first test takes place in the middle of the semester and the other on the date of the first term.
Attendance at a minimum number of classes is not compulsory for the assessment throughout the semester.
Assessment by exam:
For students who opt for this process or for those who fail the assessment throughout the semester process, with 3 seasons under the terms of the RGACC.

1. Financial Analysis of Investment Projects, comprising capital budgeting, forecasting cash flows, and criteria such as Payback Period, NPV, IRR and PI.
2. Robustness Analysis of a project, identifying its drivers, through a series of complementary tests: Sensitivity Analysis, Scenario Analysis, Break-Even Analysis, and Decision Trees.
3. Identify the main Types of Financing for a project, determining the Equity Cost of Capital and the Cost of Debt.
4. Establish a relationship between Valuation of a project and its Capital Structure, introducing concepts such as the Weighted Average Cost of capital (WACC) and the Adjusted Present value (APV).
5. Knowledge of the main methods of valuation of Companies, such as the Discounted Free Cash Flow (FCFF, FCFE), Multiples, and Economic Value Added (EVA, MVA). Understand the applicability of the real options approach.

CAPITAL BUDGETING
1. Time value of money
2. Cash flows
3. Investment rules: NPV, IRR, Payback, PI
4. Discount rate
5. Investment selection
6. Strategy and investment decision

II. LONG-TERM FINANCING
1. Equity
2. Debt
3. All-in cost

III. CAPITAL STRUCTURE
1. Modigliani-Miller and the irrelevance of the capital structure
2. Capital structure and corporate taxes
3. Limits to the use of debt
4. Capital budgeting for the levered firm: WACC, APV

IV. ENTERPRISE VALUATION
1. Discounted Cash Flow Valuation
2. Economic Value Added (EVA)
3. Multiples
4. Special Cases of Valuation
5. Real Options for Valuing Investments and Firms

The evaluation system includes:

(1) Group work of 3-5 students (30% of the final grade).
(2) 1st chance exam (70% of the final grade for students under the periodic evaluation system and 100% for the others). The 1st chance exam for students under the periodic evaluation system cannot be lower than 7.5.

The resitting and special exams will occur under the conditions of the master assessment rules with a weight of 100%.

With this course the student should be able to:
LG1. Identify and describe suitable data formats for various types of multimedia communication applications.
LG2. Explain and evaluate the compression algorithms best suited for each type of data.
LG3. Specify the main requirements and describe the functional aspects of various types of multimedia communication systems and applications on different types of networks.
LG4. Identify and describe the major protocols and related international standards to support various types of multimedia communication systems and applications.

PC1. Introduction to Multimedia Communication: types of multimedia information, communication networks, applications and terminology.
PC2. Multimedia Information Representation: images, audio and video.
PC3. Text and Image Compression: lossless and lossy compression and (notions of redundancy and irrelevance, entropy coding and source coding) static and dynamic Huffman encoding, arithmetic encoding, binary image compression (ITU-T T.4 and T.6, JBIG and JBIG2); photographic image compression (JPEG, JPEG-LS and JPEG2000).
PC4. Video, Voice and Audio Compression: principles of video compression and major compression standards (ITU and MPEG standards); principles of voice and audio compression and major standards (ITU, MPEG and Dolby standards).
PC5. Multimedia Communication Standards: reference models; H.32x standards; HLS and DASH streaming protocols.
PC6. Digital Television: historical perspective; DVB standards; IPTV.

Assessment can be done throughout the semester or through a final written exam:
* Assessment throughout the semester:
- Written individual exam with a minimum grade of 9.5/20 (50%).
- Experimental assignments carried out in groups of 3 or 4 people (30%).
- Survey paper carried out in groups of 3 or 4 people (20%).
* Exam only:
- Assessment is done through an individual final exam (1st or 2nd or special exam periods), with a minimum passing grade of 9.5/20 (100%).

The student should:
OA1: Know and apply good practices of bibliographic research and state-of-the-art review on a topic
OA2: Define, plan and be able to communicate a task of adequate complexity and magnitude
OA3: Carry out a project work of a size appropriate to the expected working hours

CP1: Introduction to research methods
CP2: Problem and research objectives formulation
CP3: Best-practices to develop the state-of-the-art on a topic
CP4: Scientific writing and research work presentation
CP5: Execution of the project

The intermediate evaluation (1st semester) includes: project proposal, introduction chapter, literature review, planning of the following phases of the work, and a presentation of the work in progress.
The final evaluation considers: intermediate evaluation (A), technical / scientific quality of the work, based on the report, quality of the public presentation and discussion (C), with the following weights: Final grade = 0.3*A + 0.5*B + 0.2*C

The student should be able to:
OA1: Know and apply good bibliographical research and state-of-the-art review practices on a subject.
OA2: Define, plan and communicate a work of adequate complexity and size
OA3: Carry out a dissertation of an appropriate size for the hours of work planned

CP1: Introduction to research
CP2: Formulating the problem, research objectives and planning
CP3: Good practices for developing the state of the art
CP4: Good practice in scientific writing and presentation of research work
CP5: Writing the dissertation

The dissertation is presented in accordance with the rules and by the deadlines established by ISCTE-IUL.
The dissertation will be defended in public examinations before a jury made up of three to five members, where the technical components, the written work and the public presentation and defence will be assessed. The exams last one hour and the grades in effect at ISCTE-IUL for the Master's degree apply.