Introduction to Software Defined Networking from edX

During the past decade we have witnessed a phenomenal growth in Industrial IoT applications (IIoT) and autonomous systems. This has resulted in a paradigm shift in the networking domain. As a networking professional, it is essential to understand how traditional networking has evolved into Software Defined Networking.

In this course, you will learn about Software Defined Networking for IoT applications. You will explore some core issues relevant to traditional networking, and discover how SDN can address issues such as network management, resource utilisation, and security and privacy.

The course has been designed to be hands-on, with a practical approach to help you better understand virtualisation, programmability in SDN, and REST API. You will also explore emerging Intent Based Networking for network automation.

This MOOC has been developed in association with the Cisco-Curtin Centre for Networks based at Innovation Central Perth within Curtin’s School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences. In addition to Massive Open Online Courses, the education component of the Centre for Networks (C4N) includes professional-level training courses, and undergraduate and postgraduate units, which all focus on network programmability, automation and analytics. C4N is undertaking important research to support industries looking for a simplified and more automated approach to managing their IT networks. These innovations have the potential to accelerate transformation across sectors such as health, education, defence, mining and government, as they work to converge their IT and operational networks.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explain the evolution of networking from closed-loop traditional networking to software defined networking
Explain virtualisation and software defined networking abstractions
Apply programming skills to explain how sdn enables network infrastructure programming
Explain how software defined networking with network function virtualisation may benefit iot applications

Explain the innovations in network automation and emerging intent based networking
Discover further opportunities (in areas such as business, education, etc.) in the field of software defined networking and network function virtualisation.
After completing this course, you will be able to:

Explain the evolution of networking from closed-loop traditional networking to software defined networking
Explain virtualisation and software defined networking abstractions
Apply programming skills to explain how sdn enables network infrastructure programming
Explain how software defined networking with network function virtualisation may benefit iot applications
Explain the innovations in network automation and emerging intent based networking
Discover further opportunities (in areas such as business, education, etc.) in the field of software defined networking and network function virtualisation.
After completing this course, you will be able to:

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches emerging Intent Based Networking for network automation

Develops programming skills, which are core skills for network administration

Applies Python programming to help learners configure and manage SDN

Uses REST API to provide hands-on experience with web-based APIs

Taught by Himanshu Agrawal, a professor recognized for his work in network virtualization

Developed in association with the Cisco-Curtin Centre for Networks, a recognized research center in network programmability and automation

Reviews summary

Foundational sdn with practical labs

According to students, this is a solid introductory course for understanding Software Defined Networking, particularly for those transitioning from traditional networking. Learners often highlight the clear explanations and a good balance between theoretical concepts and practical exercises. The course's hands-on labs, especially with Mininet, are frequently mentioned as a strong positive feature, helping to solidify understanding. However, some feedback indicates that while it provides a robust overview, certain sections like REST API coverage or more advanced topics might feel rushed or too basic for experienced professionals. There are also recurrent mentions of inconsistent pacing and occasional frustrating lab setup issues. Overall, it serves as an effective foundational stepping stone, though some suggest supplemental learning for deeper practical application.

Course provides an overview; deeper study may be needed.

"It gives you a good overview, but you'll definitely need to supplement with other resources for deeper understanding."

"Good introductory course... It serves well as a foundational course."

"Not suitable if you want practical, deployable skills immediately."

Some find depth lacking, while others praise it for beginners.

"Some of the programming examples felt a bit basic... experienced professionals might find it too elementary in parts."

"I felt some parts were rushed, especially the REST API section. It assumes some prior networking knowledge..."

"While it attempts to cover SDN, I found the pace inconsistent. Some modules dragged, while others flew by..."

Course provides a very clear and solid introduction to SDN.

"The concepts were explained clearly... It truly sets a strong foundation for anyone looking to get into network automation."

"A solid course for beginners. The lecturer was knowledgeable and the content was well-structured."

"Excellent and comprehensive overview! The course structure is logical, and the instructors are very clear."

The practical labs are a key strength for learning.

"The hands-on labs using Mininet were incredibly helpful for understanding practical applications."

"The practical approach with real-world scenarios made it easy to grasp. I especially liked the clear explanations of SDN abstractions."

"The hands-on labs with Mininet were a highlight, making the learning process interactive and engaging."

Some materials might feel less current.

"Decent introduction, but it feels a bit dated in some areas, especially concerning tools and specific implementations."

"The focus is more on concepts than current industry practices. I wish there were more updated examples or challenges."

Some learners encountered challenges with lab functionality.

"The labs were functional but sometimes buggy with the provided environment."

"The labs, while hands-on, were often frustrating due to unclear instructions or setup issues."

"Completely disappointed. The labs were a mess, constantly breaking. Instructions were vague."

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 Introduction to Software Defined Networking with these activities:

Review Networking Fundamentals

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Reinforce your understanding of networking fundamentals to prepare for the course's more advanced concepts.

Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals

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Review TCP/IP protocol suite
Study network topologies and architectures
Familiarize yourself with routing and switching concepts
Practice using networking tools such as Wireshark and Nmap

Complete SDN Tutorials

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Supplement your course learning by following online tutorials to gain a deeper understanding of SDN principles.

Browse courses on Software Defined Networking

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Search for tutorials on SDN concepts, such as OpenFlow and SDN controllers
Follow step-by-step guides to implement basic SDN configurations
Experiment with SDN simulation tools and emulators

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Career center

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

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts help an organization secure its valuable and sensitive data and meet compliance regulations. As a result of the growing need to protect sensitive information, the demand for these professionals is increasing rapidly. This course may provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge you need to understand the principles of a network, how to virtualize it, and how to write programs for it. This understanding may be used to build a foundation for your career path toward becoming an Information Security Analyst.

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Software Developer

Software Developers help design, build, and maintain software for a variety of platforms. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may enable you to write complex software programs that run on virtualized networks.

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Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects are responsible for the design and management of an organization's cloud computing infrastructure and ensure that it meets the business needs of the organization. This course may help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking and the benefits of using it in cloud computing. This understanding may enable you to contribute to the design and management of an organization's cloud computing infrastructure.

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Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer and Information Research Scientists carry out research that advances computing knowledge and techniques. They design and develop new computing technologies, including new programming languages, software, algorithms, and hardware. This course may be useful as it will introduce you to the principles of software defined networking. This knowledge may be used as part of research into new networking technologies and programming languages.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators ensure that all devices on a network are configured correctly and working properly. They also research, design, implement, and maintain network security measures. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may enable you to troubleshoot network issues and implement network security measures.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze data to extract insights and knowledge. They use statistical and mathematical techniques to build models that can predict future trends and identify business opportunities. This course may help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may enable you to develop data-driven solutions that leverage software defined networking.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study the operations of organizations in order to improve efficiency through the use of technology. They analyze existing systems and procedures, and develop new or improved ones. This course may help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may allow you to analyze existing systems and develop new or improved ones using software defined networking.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They also troubleshoot network problems and make recommendations for network improvements. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may enable you to design, implement, and maintain computer networks that use software defined networking.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts gather and analyze information about an organization's business processes to find ways to improve efficiency and productivity. They work with stakeholders to define requirements and develop solutions. This course may help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may allow you to propose improvements to business processes that leverage software defined networking.

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Network Architect

Network Architects design and build computer networks. They also plan and implement network security measures. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may enable you to design and build computer networks that use software defined networking.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and test code that makes computers perform tasks. They work with software engineers and other programmers to develop new software products and applications. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may enable you to write and test code that uses software defined networking.

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Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers plan, implement, and manage the technology resources of an organization. They also make sure that the organization's technology systems are aligned with business goals. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may enable you to make informed decisions about the use of software defined networking in your organization.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators ensure that an organization's databases are running smoothly and efficiently. They also work with database users to develop and implement database solutions. This course may help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may enable you to manage databases that are used in conjunction with software defined networks.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They also work with other professionals to create a website's content and layout. This course may help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may enable you to develop websites that leverage software defined networking.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain technical topics. They work with engineers, scientists, and other professionals to gather and organize information. This course may help you build a foundation in understanding the fundamentals of software defined networking. This knowledge may enable you to write technical documents that explain the concepts and benefits of software defined networking.

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