Cloud Networking from Coursera

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.

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.

Week 1

We will start by looking at the applications running in data centers and the traffic patterns resulting from them. This will help us differentiate the networking needs within data centers from computer networking in general and set the stage for other material in the course. We’ll then dive into the first of these topics, physical network structure, where we will look at how the increasing demand for bandwidth within data centers is influencing the network’s design.

Week 2

This week, we will dive further into the data center network stack, looking at routing and switching for physical and virtual machines and congestion control. We’ll examine what concerns routing needs to address in these environments and how it’s done in practice. We’ll also see how the network is moving deeper into the physical hosts in order to address the networking needs of virtual machines. With regards to congestion control, we’ll learn what problems TCP’s congestion control faces in data centers and how these are being addressed.

Week 3

This week focuses on management and sharing of network infrastructure in cloud data centers. Traditional networking technologies require complex, error-prone network configuration, and make sharing of the network across multiple tenants in a secure manner difficult. We’ll learn how software-defined networking and network virtualization are addressing these problems.

Week 4

Zooming out from within data centers, this week will examine other pieces of the cloud networking ecosystem: inter-data center WAN connectivity, content distribution networks, end-user Internet connectivity, and application interactions with the network. We’ll learn what novel techniques in each of these areas are pushing the cloud’s capabilities farther.

Week 5 - Programming Assignment Submission

There is no new content in this module. You can find all the information about the programming assignments here, as well as submit your programming assignments here.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Cloud networking for beginners

Learners say that Cloud Networking is a well-received course for those who have a solid background in networking. Students remark that the informative lectures are well-structured and engaging, though the assignments are often too easy. The instructors are clear and passionate, providing helpful reference materials to supplement the video content. If you're new to Python, this course may be more challenging due to the lack of prerequisites. Overall, learners agree that this course offers a comprehensive overview of cloud networking concepts but be prepared for some light reading and coding.

Helpful reference materials supplement video lectures.

"The teachers... provide reference to addionnal reading to go beyond the course videos."

"The quizzes and programming assignments can be improved as well"

Clear and engaging video lectures.

"This course is very well structured."

"The lectures are both informative and entertaining."

"The teachers are very clear and present interesting content."

Assignments are too easy for some learners.

"Assignments are quite simple if you already know Python."

"The only weak point is the assignment which I believe is too easy."

Course involves a fair amount of reading.

"An excellent course, provides a complete overview of various problems in data center networks and how they are being dealt with."

"The amount of reading required is a bit excessive IMO."

May be challenging for those new to Python.

"Course is really helpful if you want learn more in-depth about cloud networking."

"But it should give basic python training or some material about coding with python, because it didn't have requirements for it and it was totally new coding language for me so I struggled a bit with programming assignments."

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.

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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:

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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