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Cloud Networking

In the cloud networking course, we will see what the network needs to do to enable cloud computing. We will explore current practice by talking to leading industry experts, as well as looking into interesting new research that might shape the cloud network’s future.

This course will allow us to explore in-depth the challenges for cloud networking—how do we build a network infrastructure that provides the agility to deploy virtual networks on a shared infrastructure, that enables both efficient transfer of big data and low latency communication, and that enables applications to be federated across countries and continents? Examining how these objectives are met will set the stage for the rest of the course.

This course places an emphasis on both operations and design rationale—i.e., how things work and why they were designed this way. We're excited to start the course with you and take a look inside what has become the critical communications infrastructure for many applications today.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops knowledge of fast-evolving field

Provides insights into cloud networking

Taught by P. Brighten Godfrey and Ankit Singla

Explores emerging research in cloud networking

Meets varying needs of network engineers

Requires a technical background for full comprehension

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive cloud networking overview

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive overview of critical cloud networking topics, covering everything from data center structures and SDN to WAN connectivity. Many appreciated the focus on both the "how" and the "why", finding it built a solid foundational understanding of design principles. However, a significant number of students found the programming assignment extremely difficult, often requiring knowledge beyond the course material. Some also felt the lecture delivery could be dry or occasionally hard to follow, and a few noted that some content felt slightly outdated, although core concepts remain relevant.

Some specific technologies or examples may be slightly dated.

"While the concepts are solid, some specific examples or technologies discussed felt a little outdated compared to current industry practices."

"Could benefit from updates reflecting the latest advancements in cloud networking practices and tools in use today."

"The core principles are timeless, but the course could use a refresh on current tools and trends in the field."

Provides a solid base in core concepts and design rationale.

"The course does a good job explaining WHY things are designed this way, not just focusing on the HOW, which is very insightful."

"Gave me a solid foundation in data center networking principles that I can build upon."

"Helped solidify my understanding of SDN and network virtualization fundamentals and their importance."

Wide range of critical cloud networking topics covered.

"The course covers a wide range of topics, from data center structure to SDN and WAN, giving a holistic view."

"I really appreciated the breadth, covering both internal data center networks and external connectivity like CDNs and edge."

"Got a good overview of topics like virtual networking, congestion control, and how they fit together."

Some lectures can be dry or difficult to follow.

"Some lectures were a bit dry and required rewatching segments multiple times to grasp fully."

"Found it hard to stay engaged with the lecture delivery at times, though the content was valuable."

"Needed to supplement lectures with readings or external videos for better understanding of complex points."

The programming assignment is very difficult.

"The programming assignment was extremely difficult and felt disconnected from the lectures."

"Spent way too long on the assignment; it required knowledge not taught in the course or assumed prior expertise."

"Found the assignment problem specification unclear, leading to much frustration trying to implement it."

"Required significant effort and external research to complete the programming tasks successfully."

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 Cloud Networking with these activities:

Review Basic Networking Concepts

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Strengthen your foundation in basic networking concepts to enhance your understanding of cloud networking.

Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals

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Review notes or materials from previous networking courses
Take an online refresher course or watch video tutorials
Complete practice exercises or quizzes to test your understanding

Review Networking Essentials

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Build a strong foundation in networking concepts to enhance your understanding of cloud networking.

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

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Read Chapter 1: Introduction
Take notes on key concepts such as network models, protocols, and applications
Complete the chapter review questions
Discuss the concepts with a classmate or online forum

Subnetting Practice Exercises

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Sharpen your subnetting skills to effectively design and manage cloud network infrastructure.

Browse courses on Subnetting

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Find subnetting practice exercises online or in a textbook
Solve the exercises to practice subnet calculations
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement

Four other activities

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Configure a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)

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Gain practical experience in setting up a VPC, essential for deploying cloud networks.

Browse courses on VPC

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Find a tutorial on VPC configuration
Follow the steps to create a VPC and subnets
Configure security groups and network access control lists
Test the VPC connectivity

Design a Cloud Network Architecture

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Develop a deep understanding of cloud network design principles and apply them to a practical scenario.

Browse courses on Network Architecture

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Identify the requirements for your cloud network
Choose appropriate network components (e.g., VPC, subnets, gateways)
Design the network topology and routing configuration
Create a diagram or documentation of your design
Share your design for peer review

Attend a Cloud Networking Meetup

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Connect with professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends and best practices in cloud networking.

Browse courses on Cloud Networking

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Find local or virtual cloud networking meetups
Attend the meetup and participate in discussions
Network with other attendees and exchange ideas

Participate in a Cloud Networking Hackathon

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Test your skills and apply your knowledge in a practical, team-based environment.

Browse courses on Cloud Networking

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Find a relevant cloud networking hackathon
Form a team or join an existing one
Brainstorm and develop a solution to the hackathon challenge
Implement your solution using cloud networking technologies
Present your project to the judges

Career center

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

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design, build, and manage cloud computing systems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a cloud solution that meets those needs. Cloud Architects also work with developers and engineers to implement and manage the cloud solution. This course can help you become a Cloud Architect by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, build, and manage computer networks. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a network solution that meets those needs. Network Engineers also work with technicians to implement and manage the network solution. This course can help you become a Network Engineer by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, build, and manage computer systems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a system solution that meets those needs. Systems Engineers also work with technicians to implement and manage the system solution. This course can help you become a Systems Engineer by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a software solution that meets those needs. Software Engineers also work with developers and testers to implement and maintain the software solution. This course can help you become a Software Engineer by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then use data to develop solutions to those problems. Data Scientists also work with engineers and developers to implement and maintain the data solutions. This course can help you become a Data Scientist by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with clients to understand their business needs and then develop solutions to those needs. Business Analysts also work with stakeholders to implement and manage the solutions. This course can help you become a Business Analyst by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work with clients to understand their project needs and then develop a project plan that meets those needs. Project Managers also work with stakeholders to implement and manage the project. This course can help you become a Project Manager by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

IT Manager

IT Managers plan, implement, and manage IT systems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then develop an IT solution that meets those needs. IT Managers also work with technicians to implement and manage the IT solution. This course can help you become an IT Manager by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with clients to understand their security needs and then develop a security solution that meets those needs. Information Security Analysts also work with network engineers and system administrators to implement and manage the security solution. This course can help you become an Information Security Analyst by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They work with clients to understand their data needs and then design a database solution that meets those needs. Database Administrators also work with developers and engineers to implement and maintain the database solution. This course can help you become a Database Administrator by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a website that meets those needs. Web Developers also work with designers and programmers to implement and maintain the website. This course can help you become a Web Developer by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Computer Technician

Computer Technicians install, repair, and maintain computer systems. They work with clients to understand their computer needs and then provide a solution that meets those needs. Computer Technicians also work with engineers and other technicians to implement and maintain the computer solution. This course can help you become a Computer Technician by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Technician

Network Technician

Network Technicians install, repair, and maintain computer networks. They work with clients to understand their network needs and then provide a solution that meets those needs. Network Technicians also work with engineers and other technicians to implement and maintain the network solution. This course can help you become a Network Technician by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Technician

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators install, repair, and maintain computer systems. They work with clients to understand their system needs and then provide a solution that meets those needs. Systems Administrators also work with engineers and other technicians to implement and maintain the system solution. This course can help you become a Systems Administrator by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Technical Writer

Technical Writers write and edit technical documentation. They work with engineers and other technical professionals to create documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate. Technical Writers also work with marketing and sales professionals to create documentation that is persuasive and effective. This course can help you become a Technical Writer by providing you with a deep understanding of cloud networking. You will learn about the different types of cloud networks, how they are designed, and how they are used to support cloud applications.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 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 Cloud Networking.

TCP/IP Illustrated: The protocols

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Provides a detailed description of the TCP/IP protocol suite. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the inner workings of TCP/IP.

Cloud Networking

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive cloud networking overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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