Enterprise Network Design and Virtualization from Coursera

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Syllabus

Course Introduction

In this module, we will introduce the course content and outline the learning journey ahead. You'll gain insights into the ENCOR (350-401) exam structure and understand the significance of lab exercises for hands-on learning.

Introduction - Enterprise Architecture

In this module, we will cover the basics of enterprise architecture and its significance in designing efficient and scalable network infrastructures. You'll learn about the critical elements that shape enterprise-level networks.

Enterprise Network Design Considerations

In this module, we will delve into the various design considerations for enterprise networks. We’ll explore different architectural models, discuss redundancy strategies, and understand protocols that support network continuity and availability.

Wireless LAN (WLAN) Design Considerations

In this module, we will focus on the key aspects of WLAN design, including deployment options, managing client density, and utilizing location services. We’ll also cover strategies for segmenting wireless networks to optimize performance and security.

Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

In this module, we will introduce SD-WAN technology and its role in modernizing network management. You’ll learn about the implementation process and how SD-WAN enhances network performance and scalability.

Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)

In this module, we will explore the key features of SD-Access technology and guide you through the implementation process. You’ll understand how SD-Access simplifies network operations and improves management efficiency.

Quality of Service (QoS)

In this module, we will cover the essential aspects of QoS, including its mechanisms and policy application. You’ll also learn about specific considerations for applying QoS in wireless environments to ensure optimal performance.

Switching Mechanisms

In this module, we will break down the various switching mechanisms that influence network performance. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of key components like CAM, TCAM, FIB, and RIB, and their roles in efficient packet forwarding and routing.

Introduction - Virtualization Technologies

In this module, we will introduce you to the core concepts of network virtualization and discuss how they are transforming traditional IT environments. You’ll learn about the benefits and applications of various virtualization technologies.

Device Virtualization

In this module, we will cover device virtualization technologies, including hypervisors, virtual machines, and virtual switches. You’ll learn how these components work together to create flexible and efficient network environments.

Data Path Virtualization

In this module, we will explore advanced data path virtualization techniques, including VRF and secure tunneling protocols. You’ll gain practical experience through lab exercises and learn how to configure secure communication channels.

Network Virtualization

In this module, we will discuss network virtualization technologies like LISP and VXLAN. You’ll learn how these protocols enable scalable and efficient network management, particularly in large, complex infrastructures.

Good to know

Know what's good

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Provides hands-on experience with virtualization technologies and modern networking solutions like SD-WAN and SD-Access, which are essential for managing modern enterprise networks

Covers high-availability designs using stateful switchover and redundancy protocols, which are critical for ensuring seamless network performance and minimizing downtime

Explores wireless network design, addressing client density and segmentation, which are crucial for optimizing network efficiency and security in modern enterprise environments

Requires a basic understanding of networking concepts and familiarity with enterprise network operations, suggesting it is designed for those with some existing experience

Includes coverage of GRE over IPsec tunnels and VXLAN, which are tools to design secure, scalable networks that meet the demands of complex enterprise environments

Outlines the ENCOR (350-401) exam structure, suggesting it may be useful for those preparing for Cisco certifications in enterprise networking

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Enterprise Network Design and Virtualization with these activities:

Review TCP/IP Fundamentals

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Reinforce your understanding of TCP/IP, the foundation of network communication, to better grasp the concepts of enterprise network design and virtualization.

Browse courses on TCP/IP

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Review the OSI model and TCP/IP stack.
Study the functions of each layer.
Practice subnetting and IP addressing.

Read 'Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach'

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Supplement your understanding of network design principles with a widely-used textbook that provides a solid foundation in networking concepts.

View Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (6th... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on network architecture and protocols.
Focus on the sections related to TCP/IP and routing.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.

Design a Small Business Network

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Apply the concepts learned in the course by designing a network for a small business, considering factors like scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness.

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Define the business requirements and user needs.
Choose appropriate network devices and technologies.
Create a network diagram and document the design.
Present your design and justify your choices.

Four other activities

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Configure Virtual Networks in a Lab Environment

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Gain hands-on experience with virtualization technologies by configuring virtual networks in a lab environment, reinforcing your understanding of hypervisors, virtual switches, and VRFs.

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Set up a virtualized environment using VMware or VirtualBox.
Create virtual machines and configure virtual switches.
Implement VRFs and test network connectivity.

Write a Blog Post on SD-WAN Benefits

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Solidify your understanding of SD-WAN by writing a blog post that explains its benefits and how it modernizes network management.

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Research the key benefits of SD-WAN.
Outline the structure of your blog post.
Write the blog post, explaining the benefits in simple terms.
Edit and publish your blog post.

Follow Cisco SD-Access Configuration Tutorials

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Deepen your knowledge of SD-Access by following Cisco's official configuration tutorials, gaining practical experience in implementing this technology.

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Find Cisco's official SD-Access configuration tutorials.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
Document any challenges or issues encountered.
Test the configuration and verify functionality.

Read 'CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Foundation'

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Expand your knowledge of enterprise network design with a book designed for CCIE certification, covering advanced topics and practical examples.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to routing, switching, and virtualization.
Focus on the sections that cover advanced configurations.
Practice the examples and lab exercises.

Career center

Learners who complete Enterprise Network Design and Virtualization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer implements and maintains an organization's computer networks. This role requires a strong understanding of network infrastructure and a hands-on approach to configuration and troubleshooting, making this course on enterprise network design and virtualization helpful. The course’s focus on practical skills such as implementing stateful switchover, redundancy protocols, and high-availability designs helps a Network Engineer ensure seamless network performance. In addition, the course provides a strong foundation in virtualization technologies that are important for configuration and management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Network Architect

A Network Architect designs and oversees the implementation of computer networks. This role involves planning, designing, and implementing network infrastructure for an organization, and this course on enterprise network design helps build a foundation in the principles and practices needed for the job. The course's in-depth coverage of network virtualization, SD-WAN, and SD-Access directly aligns with the modern technologies that a Network Architect uses. This course, in specific, with its focus on 2-tier and 3-tier designs, on-premise versus cloud solutions, and high availability, provides valuable experience, and a holistic view of the technology landscape.

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Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator maintains and manages computer systems and networks. This role benefits from a solid understanding of network infrastructure, making this course particularly helpful. The course provides a deep dive into the core concepts and design principles essential for a systems administrator, including the administration of on-premise and cloud-based infrastructure. In addition, the course covers virtualization technologies, hypervisors, and virtual switches, which are frequently encountered in current IT environments, and should prove essential for a systems administrator.

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Cloud Network Engineer

A Cloud Network Engineer specializes in the design and management of network infrastructure within cloud computing environments. This role requires a deep understanding of both networking and cloud platforms, making this course helpful. The course's coverage of on-premise and cloud-based solutions enables a cloud network engineer to choose the right approach for various business demands. Additionally, the practical training in virtualization technologies found in the course like hypervisors and VXLAN is directly relevant to cloud-based networking.

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Solutions Architect

A Solutions Architect designs and implements technology solutions to address business problems. This role benefits from a thorough knowledge of network architecture, design, and implementation, making this course helpful. Topics such as enterprise architecture, 2-tier vs 3-tier designs, on-premise vs cloud solutions, and modern networking solutions, as well as virtualization, will help a solutions architect to make informed decisions about network components. These areas are all included in the course.

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Network Security Analyst

A Network Security Analyst monitors and protects an organization's computer networks from cyber threats. This role may be supported by a foundational knowledge of network design and virtualization, as is described in this course, while it does not focus on threat mitigation. The course's coverage of wireless network design, client density, and segmentation should inform security considerations. Also, advanced topics such as GRE over IPsec tunnels and VXLAN are relevant to secure network design, which is helpful for a Network Security Analyst. This course provides a foundation for network security.

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IT Consultant

An IT Consultant provides expert advice to organizations on how to best use technology to meet their business objectives. This role requires a broad understanding of IT infrastructure, and this course may be useful. The course provides a deep understanding of network design, virtualization, and modern networking solutions, such as SD-WAN and SD-Access, which an IT consultant should understand. Understanding of these concepts, and of topics like high-availability design, and wireless networking design, can be leveraged when making technology recommendations. This course may help establish a foundation of network knowledge.

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Telecommunications Specialist

A Telecommunications Specialist manages and maintains an organization's communication systems. This role may be supported by this course's exploration of enterprise network design principles. The course's coverage of wireless LAN design, including client density and segmentation, as well as high availability designs such as stateful switchover is relevant to such a specialist's responsibilities. Knowledge of software-defined WAN and software-defined access may further enhance a specialist's capability.

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Technical Support Engineer

A Technical Support Engineer provides technical assistance to clients. This role may benefit from having a basic knowledge of networking concepts, along with the principles of enterprise network design that this course helps with. This course's coverage of virtualization technologies could better help a technical support engineer to troubleshoot issues and answer questions in environments deploying those technologies, and provides a broader understanding of modern infrastructure.

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Information Technology Manager

An Information Technology Manager oversees the IT department of an organization. While not an engineering specific role, this course may be useful for an IT manager. Having a solid understanding of enterprise network architecture and design, along with virtualization technologies, can help the manager make informed decisions about technology investments and strategy. This course can provide an IT manager with a deeper understanding of the systems their team uses.

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IT Project Manager

An IT Project Manager plans, executes, and oversees IT projects. While not a technical role, this course's comprehensive overview of enterprise network architecture and design, along with specific details about SD-WAN, and virtualization will be useful to anyone managing these sorts of projects. The ability to understand challenges, and how specific technologies are deployed will make for more effective project management. The course should help an IT Project Manager better communicate with technical teams on network projects.

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Network Operations Center Analyst

A Network Operations Center Analyst monitors network performance. This role may be supported by the insights into network design principles found in this course. Understanding network architecture, redundancy protocols, and virtualization technologies could prove useful for troubleshooting and identifying patterns in network behavior. This course provides a foundational understanding with which to perform this work.

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DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer manages and automates the software development lifecycle. While primarily focused on software, the skills learned in this course may prove helpful. Understanding the infrastructure that software runs on, and on virtualization techniques that are often used in development and testing environments can help the DevOps Engineer to improve delivery and performance. The course provides a basic introduction to the network environments that their work interacts with.

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Data Center Technician

A Data Center Technician maintains the physical infrastructure of data centers. This role may be supported by an understanding of the virtualization technologies covered by this course. The course teaches about hypervisors, virtual switches, and other components that are central to data center operations, and the course as a whole should provide context for the technologies that a Data Center Technician encounters daily. While this course does not focus on the physical layer, it may be helpful.

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Technical Trainer

A Technical Trainer develops and delivers training programs on technology-related topics. This role may benefit from taking a course like this one to develop a deeper understanding of enterprise network design and virtualization. The course covers a wide range of topics, including SD-WAN, SD-Access, and network virtualization, which could be used to develop strong training modules. The technical trainer could then use the knowledge to prepare training material.

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Enterprise Network Design and Virtualization

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