We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Network Principles in Practice

Cloud Networking

Eric Keller

In Network Principles in Practice: Cloud Networking, you will learn about both the networking abstractions and services for building applications in the cloud, and the technology underlying cloud networking. You will be able to architect complex applications in the cloud. In understanding how the cloud providers created their networks, you will be in a better position to troubleshoot applications and analyze different possible ways of architecting applications, and even help design the next generation of networking for cloud providers.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Masters of Science in Computer Science (MS-CS) degrees offered on the Coursera platform. This fully accredited graduate degree offer targeted courses, short 8-week sessions, and pay-as-you-go tuition. Admission is based on performance in three preliminary courses, not academic history. CU degrees on Coursera are ideal for recent graduates or working professionals. Learn more:

MS in Computer Science: https://coursera.org/degrees/ms-computer-science-boulder

Course logo by Jordan Harrison on Unsplash.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Two deals to help you save

Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until December 2

Annual Subscription

Invest in your career growth and save. Start your annual subscription to Coursera Plus and access 10,000+ programs.

Valid until March 12, 2027

Save 40% Off 3 Months

Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.

What's inside

Syllabus

Cloud Background

This week will introduce cloud networking. In the beginning of the module, we will explore the basics of cloud computing, including virtualization and data center architectures. Then, we will focus on practical implementation through creating and managing cloud resources using Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Terraform.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores cloud infrastructure and architecture, a rapidly growing field with high demand in industry, giving learners a chance to fill in-demand roles

Taught by Eric Keller, an instructor at the University of Colorado with extensive experience in software engineering

Can be applied to an accredited Masters of Science in Computer Science degree from the University of Colorado Boulder

Provides an introduction to SDN, a foundational concept in modern networking

Covers multiple industry-leading platforms like Terraform and Google Cloud

Develops practical skills through hands-on labs where learners deploy multiple VPCs and establish WAN connectivity

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Practical cloud networking with gcp & terraform

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in cloud networking principles, particularly for those focusing on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Many commend the practical, hands-on labs using Terraform as a significant strength, enabling real-world application of concepts. The instructor's clear explanations and expertise are frequently highlighted as highly beneficial. While the course is lauded as excellent for beginners, some more experienced students suggest that certain modules could delve into greater depth or that the initial pace might be a bit slow for those with existing networking knowledge. Earlier feedback noted some lab environment challenges, but recent reviews indicate a largely positive experience, suggesting potential improvements.

Balance of theoretical deep dives and practical application.

"The content is generally good, but I found some parts, particularly around the deep dive into Google's Andromeda, a bit too theoretical and not immediately practical."

"I was hoping for more practical troubleshooting scenarios."

"The theoretical parts were well explained. I enjoyed the modules on network services like load balancing."

Instructor's knowledge and clear explanations are highly praised.

"The instructor was clear and knowledgeable. I now feel confident in architecting complex applications in the cloud."

"The instructor explains everything step-by-step. I'm now much more comfortable with GCP networking."

"The instructor's expertise shines through, and the practical exercises solidify the concepts."

Features highly valued hands-on labs using GCP and Terraform.

"The labs with Terraform were immensely helpful for hands-on experience."

"As someone completely new to cloud networking, the hands-on labs with Terraform made it easy to grasp complex concepts."

"I appreciate the practical use of GCP. The labs were practical. It's a challenging but rewarding experience."

Provides comprehensive, practical cloud networking principles.

"This course provided an incredibly solid foundation in cloud networking, especially focusing on GCP."

"A good overview of network principles in the cloud. The explanations of VPCs and SDN were thorough."

"This course is essential for anyone looking to understand cloud networking with a focus on GCP. It's a comprehensive and current resource."

Earlier feedback noted challenges with lab setup and bugs.

"I found the explanations sometimes rushed, and the lab instructions could have been clearer, especially for the WAN module. I struggled with some of the Terraform setups."

"Very disappointed. The lab environments were buggy, and it made it hard to follow along. I spent more time troubleshooting the setup than learning."

Pace suitable for beginners, but some desired more advanced depth.

"My only minor gripe is that sometimes the pace felt a bit slow if you already had some basic networking knowledge. However, for beginners, it's perfect."

"I felt it could have gone a bit deeper into advanced topics for experienced professionals. Maybe some more complex design patterns would be beneficial."

"As someone completely new to cloud networking, this course was a godsend. Excellent for beginners!"

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 Network Principles in Practice: Cloud Networking with these activities:

Review networking fundamentals

Show steps

Refreshes knowledge of essential networking concepts, providing a strong foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals

Show steps

Review basic network components and topologies
Understand different types of network protocols
Practice configuring basic network devices

Follow Online Tutorials on VPCs and Cloud Interconnections

Show steps

Expand your knowledge and gain hands-on experience with VPCs and cloud interconnections by following guided online tutorials.

Browse courses on VPCs

Show steps

Identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials
Select tutorials that align with your learning goals
Follow the instructions and complete the exercises provided

Attend Cloud Networking Workshop

Show steps

Sharpen your understanding of cloud networking concepts and technologies by attending a specialized workshop.

Show steps

Research and identify relevant workshops
Register for the workshop
Attend all sessions and actively participate

12 other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 15 activities

Explore Microsoft's Virtual Network documentation

Show steps

Deepen your knowledge of Microsoft Azure's Virtual Network by reviewing its official documentation.

Browse courses on Virtual Network

Show steps

Read the overview and concepts articles
Follow the tutorials on creating and managing virtual networks

Follow tutorials on cloud networking platforms

Show steps

Provides hands-on experience with cloud networking platforms, reinforcing concepts learned in the course.

Browse courses on Cloud Networking

Show steps

Choose a cloud networking platform (e.g., AWS, Azure)
Follow tutorials on creating and managing virtual networks
Explore advanced features like load balancers and content delivery networks
Practice troubleshooting and optimizing cloud networks

Organize course materials and notes

Show steps

Facilitates efficient review and retention of course content.

Show steps

Gather and organize lecture notes, readings, and assignments
Create a study guide or outline
Review materials regularly to reinforce understanding

Join a Cloud Networking Study Group

Show steps

Enhance your understanding and retention of cloud networking concepts through collaborative learning and discussions with peers.

Show steps

Find or create a study group with fellow students
Establish regular meeting times
Review course materials, discuss concepts, and work on assignments together

Use Terraform to Configure Cloud Networking Resources

Show steps

Enhance your proficiency in Terraform by practicing the configuration of cloud networking resources.

Browse courses on Terraform

Show steps

Set up a Terraform environment
Create Terraform scripts to define and manage cloud networking resources
Execute Terraform scripts to provision and manage resources

Create Terraform configurations

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of cloud networking concepts and Terraform by creating configurations from scratch.

Browse courses on Cloud Networking

Show steps

Set up a Terraform workspace for GCP
Define VPC and subnet resources
Configure network and security settings
Provision the infrastructure

Participate in online study groups or forums

Show steps

Provides opportunities for collaboration, peer support, and discussion, enhancing understanding and retention.

Browse courses on Networking

Show steps

Join online study groups or forums related to cloud networking
Actively participate in discussions and share insights
Collaborate on projects or assignments
Seek support and guidance from peers

Develop a Cloud Networking Glossary

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of cloud networking terminology by creating a comprehensive glossary of key concepts.

Show steps

Review course materials and identify key terms
Research and define each term comprehensively
Organize the glossary alphabetically or by topic

Participate in a hackathon focused on cloud networking

Show steps

Test your skills and collaborate with others by joining a hackathon that challenges you to design and implement cloud networking solutions.

Browse courses on Cloud Networking

Show steps

Identify an appropriate hackathon
Form a team or work independently
Develop and present your solution

Solve network design and troubleshooting challenges

Show steps

Strengthens problem-solving skills and enhances understanding of network design principles.

Browse courses on Network Design

Show steps

Identify common network design challenges
Practice designing and optimizing network architectures
Simulate network problems and troubleshoot issues

Write a blog post or article on a cloud networking topic

Show steps

Promotes active recall and strengthens understanding by requiring students to synthesize and explain concepts.

Browse courses on Cloud Networking

Show steps

Choose a specific cloud networking topic
Research and gather information from credible sources
Organize and outline the content
Write a well-structured and engaging article

Mentor junior students or fellow learners

Show steps

Reinforces concepts by explaining and assisting others, promoting a deeper understanding.

Browse courses on Cloud Networking

Show steps

Identify opportunities to mentor others
Prepare and organize resources or materials
Provide guidance, support, and feedback
Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing

Career center

Learners who complete Network Principles in Practice: Cloud Networking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Network Principles in Practice: Cloud Networking.

Designing Data-Intensive Applications

Save

An updated edition of the highly regarded book, this version continues to provide deep insights into the challenges of data-intensive systems and patterns for building reliable and scalable applications. It's an essential reference for anyone seeking to master the complexities of systems that require robust auto scaling capabilities.

Network Principles in Practice

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical cloud networking with gcp & terraform

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

14-Day Refund Guarantee

Verified Academic & Industry Partner