Software Defined Networking from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Week One

This week, I'll introduce an overview of the course and then dive into the history and evolution of SDNs.

Week Two

In this module, you will learn about the motivation and history behind the separation of the control and data plane, as well as the challenges and opportunities that this architectural paradigm offers.

Week Three

In this lesson, you will gain experience with OpenFlow/SDN control, gain some exposure to different SDN controllers, learn about the tradeoffs of using different SDN controllers, and gain some experience of using SDN to customize control-plane behavior.

Week Four

By the end of this module, you should have a good understanding of what network virtualization is, what it is used for, and how it relates to software defined networking.

Week Five

This module is relatively independent from some of the other modules, as programmable data planes involve new types of technology. Still, you should by now have a very good understanding of SDN-based control and virtualization. OpenFlow's design was somewhat of an accident of the hardware support that was available at the time. More recently, people are exploring how programmable hardware can help us design a control protocol with the benefit of being able to change the data plane.

Week Six

In this part of the course, you'll learn about programming languages and controllers that make this programmability possible. We will focus on one language in particular, Pyretic, which is from the Frenetic family of languages. We will also look at a runtime and northbound API called Resonance, which allows network programmers to write policies that respond to changing network conditions (e.g., security events, shifts in peak vs. off-peak time, traffic fluctuations or link failures).

Week Seven

In this module, we will apply that knowledge to explore how SDN can be used to solve problems in various networking domains. We'll start by looking at data-center networking, where SDN has arguably gained the strongest foothold (to date). We'll then explore applications of SDN to interdomain routing, where new applications and deployments are emerging. Finally, we'll explore the application of SDN in home networks, which has seen some preliminary work, deployments, and ideas.

Week Eight

In this module, we'll be looking at another control framework built using Pyretic called "Kinetic". Kinetic is a domain-specific language embedded in Pyretic that allows programmers and network operators to automatically verify the correctness properties of the control program. Your previous experience with Pox and Pyretic should provide you with very useful experience and perspective for comparing the three ways of programming a controller. In the assignment, we ask you to compare Kinetic to either Pox or Pyretic, so the experience you gained from those assignments should prove very useful.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

SDN concepts such as separation of control and data plane are covered

Teaches core concepts of SDN, such as network virtualization and programmable data planes

Taught by the recognized Dr. Nick Feamster of SDN, making it valuable for those who seek credibility and expertise

Provides hands-on experience with SDN control and virtualization, ensuring practical understanding for students

May require prior knowledge in SDN or networking concepts, which could pose a barrier for beginners

Course materials may not be up-to-date with the latest SDN advancements

Reviews summary

Software defined networking: fundamentals and applications

According to students, Software Defined Networking is a largely positive course that introduces learners to SDN fundamentals. Learners say that instructors deliver well-presented content with plenty of engaging assignments and guest interviews. Students enjoy the course's mix of theory and practical exercises, but some mention that the course could use more interactivity and that the material is slightly outdated. Overall, students say that this course is a good resource for getting started with Software Defined Networking.

Students enjoy this course.

"This is a fantastic course."

"This course has refocused my path in the Networking industry."

"This is a very good course for any one who want to understand SDN."

The programming assignments need improvement.

"The programming assingments are missing"

"I think some sort of help should be given for the assignments."

The course material is outdated.

"The material is slightly outdated."

"The course is starting to become a bit outdated."

"The lectures were created six years ago or more."

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 Software Defined Networking with these activities:

Review previous networking and computer science concepts

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Refreshing your knowledge of foundational concepts will enhance your understanding of SDN, which builds upon these principles.

Browse courses on Networking Basics

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Review notes or textbooks on basic networking concepts, such as IP addressing, routing, and switching.
Review key data structures and algorithms used in computer science, such as linked lists, trees, and sorting algorithms.
Complete practice problems or quizzes to reinforce your understanding.

Read "Software Defined Networking: A Comprehensive Approach"

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This book offers a comprehensive overview of SDN, providing a strong foundation for understanding the course material.

View Network Function Virtualization on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3 to gain a foundational understanding of SDN concepts.
Review chapters 4-6 to delve deeper into SDN architecture and protocols.
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter to reinforce your knowledge.

Attend a virtual study group on SDN

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Engaging with peers in a virtual study group will enhance your understanding through discussions, shared experiences, and support.

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Find a virtual study group or create one with fellow students.
Set regular meeting times and prepare topics for discussion.
Actively participate in discussions, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on problem-solving.

Four other activities

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Follow tutorials on SDN OpenFlow

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These tutorials will provide hands-on experience with the core SDN technology used in the course, enhancing your understanding.

Browse courses on OpenFlow

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Find video tutorials or online courses on SDN OpenFlow basics.
Follow along with the tutorials, setting up a basic SDN environment.
Experiment with different OpenFlow rules and observe their impact on network traffic.

Work through SDN configuration exercises

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These exercises will provide practical experience in configuring and managing SDN networks, improving your problem-solving skills.

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Find practice problems or online resources that provide SDN configuration scenarios.
Set up a basic SDN environment using a controller like OpenDaylight or POX.
Implement the given configuration tasks and observe the changes in network behavior.

Write a blog post explaining a specific SDN concept

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By explaining a specific SDN concept in writing, you will reinforce your understanding and enhance your communication skills.

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Choose an SDN concept that you are familiar with.
Research and gather information about the concept.
Write a clear and concise blog post explaining the concept in your own words.
Share your blog post with others to receive feedback and engage in discussions.

Design and simulate a small SDN network

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This project will challenge you to apply the concepts learned in the course to design and simulate a real-world SDN network, fostering your creativity and problem-solving abilities.

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Define the requirements and goals for your SDN network.
Choose appropriate SDN controllers and switches for your network.
Design the network topology and configure the necessary OpenFlow rules.
Simulate the network using tools like Mininet or GNS3 to observe its behavior.
Evaluate your design and identify potential improvements.

Career center

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

Cloud Architect

As a Cloud Architect, you are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud computing systems. This course will help you build the foundation you need to understand the role of software defined networking in the cloud. You will learn about the benefits and challenges of SDN in the cloud environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Network Architect

In the role of Network Architect, you will design, implement, and maintain computer networks. A background in Software Defined Networking is helpful to understand networking systems. This course teaches you about the motivation and history behind the separation of the control and data plane, as well as the challenges and opportunities that this architectural paradigm offers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers build, maintain, and manage cloud computing systems. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn about the different types of cloud computing services and how to use them to create and deploy applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between development and operations teams. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn about the principles of DevOps and how to use them to improve the efficiency and productivity of your team.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. This course can help you develop the skills you need to manage, maintain, and troubleshoot networks. You will learn about the history and evolution of SDNs, as well as the challenges and opportunities that this technology offers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. This course may be useful to you in this role as you will learn about the role of software defined networking in modern products. You will learn how to use SDN to create products that are more efficient, reliable, and secure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course may be useful to you in this role as you will learn about the role of software defined networking in modern projects. You will learn how to use SDN to improve the efficiency and productivity of your projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns. This course may be useful to you in this role as you will learn about the role of software defined networking in modern marketing. You will learn how to use SDN to create marketing campaigns that are more effective and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software and hardware products. This course may be useful to you in this role as you will learn about the role of software defined networking in modern technology. You will learn how to use SDN to create documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers plan, implement, and manage computer networks. This course may be useful to you in the role of Network Engineer as you will learn about how software defined networking is changing the way communications networks are managed, maintained, and secured.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining network security systems. This course may be useful for you in this role, as you will learn about the security implications of software defined networking.

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Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers help customers to understand and purchase products and services. This course may be useful to you in this role as you will learn about the role of software defined networking in modern sales. You will learn how to use SDN to create sales presentations that are more informative and persuasive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations to improve their business processes. This course may be useful to you in this role as you will learn about the role of software defined networking in modern business. You will learn how to use SDN to improve the efficiency and productivity of your organization.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course may be useful to you in this role as you will learn about the role of software defined networking in modern software systems. You will learn how to use SDN to improve the performance, reliability, and security of your applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use data analysis techniques to extract insights from data and how to use those insights to make better decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist