Assessing and augmenting SCADA cyber security: a survey of techniques

SCADA systems monitor and control critical infrastructures of national importance such as power generation and distribution, water supply, transportation networks, and manufacturing facilities. The pervasiveness, miniaturisations and declining costs of internet connectivity have transformed these systems from strictly isolated to highly interconnected networks. The connectivity provides immense benefits such as reliability, scalability and remote connectivity, but at the same time exposes an otherwise isolated and secure system, to global cyber security threats. This inevitable transformation to highly connected systems thus necessitates effective security safeguards to be in place as any compromise or downtime of SCADA systems can have severe economic, safety and security ramifications. One way to ensure vital asset protection is to adopt a viewpoint similar to an attacker to determine weaknesses and loopholes in defences. Such mind sets help to identify and fix potential breaches before their exploitation. This paper surveys tools and techniques to uncover SCADA system vulnerabilities. A comprehensive review of the selected approaches is provided along with their applicability

SIMNET: simulation-based exercises for computer net-work curriculum through gamification and augmented reality

Gamification and Augmented Reality techniques, in recent years, have tackled many subjects and environments. Its implementation can, in particular, strengthen teaching and learning processes in schools and universities. Therefore, new forms of knowledge, based on interactions with objects, contributing game, experimentation and collaborative work. Through the technologies mentioned above, we intend to develop an application that serves as a didactic tool, giving support in the area of Computer Networks. This application aims to stand out in simulated controlled environments to create computer networks, taking into ac-count the necessary physical devices and the different physical and logical topologies. The main goal is to enrich the students’ learning experiences and contrib-ute to teacher-student interaction, through collaborative learning provided by the tool, minimizing the need for expensive equipment in learning environments.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Analysis, Deployment, and Evaluation of the Use of Network Simulation as a Learning Resource

This paper analyzes the benefits of using network simulation as a learning resource in the educational area of Telematics Engineering. Accordingly, a (students skills) practice program, which can be done using either network simulation or real equipment, has been introduced in the core subject Telematics Architectures and Networks (TAN) of the second year of the bachelor s degree in Telecommunications Systems, Sound, and Image Engineering. The satisfactory evaluation of this innovative teaching methodology is proved by the rating of the surveys answered by the students after the course completion.Montagud, M.; Boronat Segui, F. (2014). Analysis, Deployment, and Evaluation of the Use of Network Simulation as a Learning Resource. Rita -IEEE. 9(3):82-90. doi:10.1109/RITA.2014.2340011S82909

CHATBOT APPLICATION AS SUPPORT TOOL FOR THE LEARNING PROCESS OF BASIC CONCEPTS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND WIRELESS NETWORKS

There are several applications for Chatbots in education, as well as their contributions to mentoring in the learning process. Bots can assist teachers with staying up to date on new standards and evaluation methodologies. Bots can assist students in understanding tough subjects in a way that makes it appear as if they are being taught by another person. Chatbots serve as virtual assistants in the educational setting, improving efficiency or answering frequently asked questions. In this case, we work on the premise of investigating the potential of Chatbots as analytical tools for analyzing preferred types of learning material in a mobile learning environment, which leads to the acquisition of a proper level of knowledge on the topics of telecommunication and wireless networks

Laboratorios virtuales y remotos en electrónica y telecomunicaciones: una revisión técnica en educación

Training in analysis of electrical and electronic circuits is a fundamental area in the learning process of future bachelors in areas related to electronics and telecommunications, therefore, preparation in Know-How is a stage that must be part of the process where the evolution of engineering and the fourth industrial revolution have changed not only technology but also the path of teaching. In this sense, this article conducts a systematic search of the different success stories published today to establish current trends in virtual environment design based on the teaching of circuit analysis.La formación en análisis de circuitos eléctricos y electrónicos es un área fundamental en el proceso de aprendizaje de los futuros profesionales de áreas relacionadas con la electrónica y las telecomunicaciones, por lo tanto, la preparación en el saber hacer es una etapa que hace parte en el proceso de aprendizaje donde la evolución de la ingeniería y la cuarta revolución industrial han cambiado no solo la tecnología sino también la forma de enseñar. En ese sentido este artículo contempla la revisión bibliográfica sobre laboratorios virtuales y remotos a través del uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y comunicación aplicadas al área de electrónica y telecomunicaciones para establecer las tendencias actuales en diseño de ambientes virtuales en función a la enseñanza del análisis de circuitos

Exponential MLWDF (EXP-MLWDF) Downlink Scheduling Algorithm Evaluated in LTE for High Mobility and Dense Area Scenario

Nowadays, with the advent of smartphones, most of people started to make voice and video conference calls continuously even in a high mobility scenario, the bandwidth requirements have increased considerably, which can cause network congestion phenomena. To avoid network congestion problems and to support high mobility scenario, 3GPP has developed a new cellular standard based packet switching, termed LTE (Long Term Evolution). The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of the new proposed algorithm, named Exponential Modified Largest Weighted Delay First ‘EXP-MLWDF’, for high mobility scenario and with the presence of a large number of active users, in comparison with the well-known algorithms such as a proportional fair algorithm (PF), Exponential Proportional Fairness (EXP/PF), Logarithm Rule (LOG-Rule), Exponential Rule (EXP-Rule) and Modified Largest Weighted Delay First (MLWDF). The performance evaluation is conducted in terms of system throughput, delay and PLR. Finally, it will be concluded that the proposed scheduler satisfies the quality of service (QoS) requirements of the real-time traffic in terms of packet loss ratio (PLR), average throughput and packet delay. Because of the traffic evolution, some key issues related to scheduling strategies that will be considered in the future requirements are discussed in this article

Experiences on Evaluating Network Simulators: A Methodological Approach

International audienceThere exists a variety of network simulators, used to imitate the protocols, nodes, and connections in data networks. They differ in their design, goals, and characteristics. Thus, comparing simulators requires a clear and standardized methodology. In this paper, based on a set of measurable and comparable criteria, we propose an approach to evaluate them. We validate the suggested approach with two network simulators, namely Packet Tracer and GNS3. In that regard, a test scenario is put forward on the two simulators, both in Linux and Windows environments, and their performance is monitored based on the suggested approach. This paper does not propose a method for selecting the best simulator, but it rather supplies the researchers with an evaluation tool, that can be used to describe, compare, and select the most suitable network simulators for a given scenario

Implementing SDN into Computer Network Lessons

This paper describes the issue of introducing SDN to students of computer networks. The most important theoretical knowledge is summarized in the form of key points, students should know about. Practical experience is presented in the area of deployment of SDN in data centers with aim on connecting the existing knowledge from traditional computer networks. This connection is explained on problems of traditional networks in data centers and mitigation of these problems by using SDN. Learned information is then extended by presenting a practical demo application in Mininet environment. The application shows possible usage of SDN for making a data center more power-efficient. This application is put in context by the theory of power consumption of data center devices which can be significantly reduced if SDN are used. Purpose of the application is to motivate students to continue in research of SDN area