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Eric Keller

Welcome! In this course, titled "Network Principles in Practice: Linux Networking," we delve into the dynamic domain of Linux Networking, featuring a robust set of features essential for contemporary networked systems. Departing from traditional approaches, our emphasis is on practical application over foundational knowledge. Throughout the course, you'll explore the integration of concepts into Linux, gaining hands-on experience in architecting and implementing complex networks and systems. From understanding the Linux kernel's role to building gateways and navigating virtual networking and container orchestration with Kubernetes, each week offers valuable insights and practical skills. Join us on this journey where understanding meets real-world application, providing a comprehensive exploration of network systems.

Read more

Welcome! In this course, titled "Network Principles in Practice: Linux Networking," we delve into the dynamic domain of Linux Networking, featuring a robust set of features essential for contemporary networked systems. Departing from traditional approaches, our emphasis is on practical application over foundational knowledge. Throughout the course, you'll explore the integration of concepts into Linux, gaining hands-on experience in architecting and implementing complex networks and systems. From understanding the Linux kernel's role to building gateways and navigating virtual networking and container orchestration with Kubernetes, each week offers valuable insights and practical skills. Join us on this journey where understanding meets real-world application, providing a comprehensive exploration of network systems.

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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Linux Networking
In this course, we delve into Linux Networking, a domain with a robust set of features crucial in contemporary networked systems. The course is titled "Network Principles in Practice" to emphasize a departure from traditional approaches. Unlike typical network systems courses that focus on foundational knowledge—protocols and concepts—our emphasis is on reinforcing these concepts. We explore how they are integrated into a widely adopted system like Linux. The goal is not just understanding but also practical application, providing hands-on experience in architecting and implementing complex networks and network systems. We'll start our journey into Linux networking be learning how the Linux kernel serves as the data plane and how control and management plane software interacts with it. This week will also review the lab environment and introduce some useful tools for troubleshooting. We’ll end by looking at Linux’s support for layer 2 and set up some network devices.
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IP Layer with Linux Networking
This week you will dive into IP networking within the Linux environment. We kick off by exploring the utilities designed for managing forwarding tables in Linux. From there, we progress to the intricacies of running routing software, illustrating how to transform Linux into a fully functional open-source router. The week concludes with a comprehensive discussion on resources, paving the way for more extensive and realistic experiments in Linux routing.
Creating a Gateway with Linux
This week we expand the scope and see how to build a gateway using the capabilities inherent in Linux. Here, a gateway functions at the network's edge, executing tasks such as filtering, address translation, load balancing, and enforcement of quality of service policies. We’ll learn some background for each topic, followed by an exploration of relevant Linux utilities that can achieve that functionality.
Virtual Networking in Linux
This week, we examine Linux's robust support for Virtual Networking, aligning with the trend of containerization. We begin by unraveling the core construct in Linux—the network namespace—and subsequently explore tools for effective network namespace management. Practical application of earlier concepts will illustrate the networking of containerized applications. Furthermore, we will delve into the intricacies of Docker networking, providing a comprehensive understanding of its functionality.
Kubernetes Networking with Linux
In this final week, our focus broadens to encompass a comprehensive container orchestration system, namely Kubernetes. We will begin with an overview to ensure everyone has a foundational understanding of using Kubernetes. Then, we delve into the architecture of Kubernetes, both at a holistic level and with a detailed focus on networking intricacies. The week concludes with a hands-on approach, as we embark on creating our own network plugin for Kubernetes.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches fundamentals in the Linux Networking domain, which is foundational in network systems and will serve beginner learners well
Provides practical exercises to accompany concepts, such as architecting complex networks and network systems
Prepares learners to take the CU Boulder’s Masters of Science in Computer Science (MS-CS) degrees

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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: Linux Networking with these activities:
Configure Linux Network Interfaces
Reinforce skills in using Linux Network Interfaces
Show steps
  • Start a Linux virtual machine.
  • Use the 'ip', 'ifconfig' commands to check and list interfaces information.
  • Configure an IP address, netmask, and gateway for a new interface.
Read Book: Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach
This book will supplement theory and insights into the low level details of Linux Networking
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes.
  • Apply techniques and concepts discussed in the book as you go through the course.
Review Linux networking basics
Understanding the fundamentals of Linux networking will set you up for success in the course. This includes a basic understanding of the Linux kernel and how it interacts with networking protocols.
Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Read the Linux networking documentation
  • Experiment with Linux networking commands
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Practice Linux Networking Commands
Enhance understanding of Linux Networking commands for administering and troubleshooting
Show steps
  • Practice using the 'ip', 'ifconfig', 'route', 'netstat' commands in a Linux virtual machine.
  • Experiment with different network configurations and troubleshoot issues using commands.
Follow Linux Networking Tutorials on YouTube
Expand knowledge and skills with visual and interactive content
Show steps
  • Search for relevant tutorials on YouTube.
  • Watch and follow along with the tutorials.
  • Experiment with the techniques and improve your understanding.
Follow a tutorial on setting up a Linux router
Setting up a Linux router is a great way to practice the concepts you learn in the course. You will learn how to configure IP forwarding, set up firewall rules, and troubleshoot common networking issues.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on setting up a Linux router
  • Follow the tutorial to set up a Linux router
  • Test your Linux router by connecting to it from another computer
Join Linux Networking Discussion Forums
Clarify concepts, share experiences, and seek assistance from peers
Show steps
  • Identify relevant discussion forums.
  • Join the forums and participate in discussions.
  • Ask questions, share knowledge, and collaborate with other learners.
Attend a Linux networking meetup
Attending a Linux networking meetup will give you an opportunity to meet other people who are interested in Linux networking. You can also learn about new projects and technologies.
Show steps
  • Find a Linux networking meetup in your area
  • Attend the meetup
Create a Network Troubleshooting Guide for Linux
Develop problem-solving skills and improve troubleshooting abilities in Linux Networking
Browse courses on Troubleshooting
Show steps
  • Identify common network issues and their symptoms.
  • Gather diagnostic information using Linux commands.
  • Develop step-by-step troubleshooting procedures.
  • Write a concise and informative troubleshooting guide.
Write a blog post about a Linux networking topic
Writing about a Linux networking topic will help you to consolidate your understanding of the material. It will also give you an opportunity to share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on Linux Networking
Show steps
  • Choose a Linux networking topic to write about
  • Research your topic
  • Write your blog post
  • Publish your blog post
Volunteer to help with a Linux networking project
Volunteering to help with a Linux networking project will give you an opportunity to gain practical experience while giving back to the community.
Show steps
  • Find a Linux networking project to volunteer with
  • Contact the project leaders and offer your help
  • Start volunteering on the project
Attend a Linux networking workshop
Attending a Linux networking workshop will give you an opportunity to learn about Linux networking from experts. You will also be able to practice configuring Linux networking devices in a hands-on environment.
Browse courses on Network Administration
Show steps
  • Find a Linux networking workshop in your area
  • Register for the workshop
  • Attend the workshop
Participate in a Linux networking competition
Participating in a Linux networking competition will test your skills and knowledge. It will also give you an opportunity to learn from other participants.
Browse courses on Ethical Hacking
Show steps
  • Find a Linux networking competition to participate in
  • Prepare for the competition
  • Participate in the competition

Career center

Learners who complete Network Principles in Practice: Linux Networking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Engineer
Network Engineers plan, build, and maintain computer networks. You might design a network for a business, government agency, or other organization. As a Network Engineer, you would work with Linux as much as Windows because Linux is the operating system of choice for enterprise network equipment.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators keep computer networks up and running smoothly for businesses and organizations. You would be responsible for monitoring, managing, and maintaining all aspects of the network, including servers, routers, and switches.
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of cloud computing systems. You would ensure that the cloud system is secure and that data is protected.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between software developers and IT operations. You would be responsible for automating the software development and deployment process.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. You could work on a variety of projects, from operating systems to mobile apps.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts work with businesses to identify and solve problems. You would be responsible for analyzing business processes and developing solutions to improve efficiency.
IT Manager
IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT systems for businesses and organizations.
Security Analyst
Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer networks and systems from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists are responsible for the theory and design of computer systems.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and maintain mechanical systems.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain civil infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design, build, and maintain chemical plants and processes.

Reading list

We've selected ten 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: Linux Networking.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Kubernetes, the leading container orchestration system. It covers everything from installation and configuration to advanced topics like networking and security.
Is widely used and recommended as a general purpose reference book, as well as a preparatory guide for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.
This is the definitive guide to TCP/IP, the foundational protocol used in Linux networking. While this book is quite large, it will give you an in-depth understanding of TCP/IP.
Covers the fundamentals of Linux networking, including essential topics like TCP/IP, routing, and network configuration. The 4th edition is recommended, however, the 3rd edition (also available on Safari Online) is quite useful as well.
Covers the practical aspects of system and network administration, including topics such as capacity planning, performance tuning, and incident response.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Unix network programming, including topics such as sockets, TCP/IP, and network security.
Provides a high-level overview of network architecture, including topics such as network design, traffic engineering, and security.
Might be helpful for those building data-intensive applications on top of the networking solutions built in Linux.

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