Software Defined Networking (SDN) Made Simple from Udemy

When we started working on SDN 5-6 years back, not much information or help was available regarding SDN. Getting started with this emerging concept was very difficult. It was really very painful process. Now we do not want this to happen to the persons who at this point of time want to enter into this field. This Course starts from basics & takes you to advance levels of Software Defined Networking. Everything has been explained by giving examples. Proper lab setup along with diagrams has been given so that you can constructs the labs yourself & do the practice. This work covers topics such as SDN lab setup, basics of SDN, Mininet Emulator, Mininet Topologies

According to industry people and research scholars, SDN is going to redefine networking and cloud world. This is the biggest thing that has happened in networking field in last 30 years. SDN is a New Way to Design, Build and Operate Networks. There is a Need to Innovate in the Network. We’ve seen tons of innovation in applications, devices, computing and storage, yet the underlying network that connects everything has remained unchanged. SDN Opens the Network Up for Innovation. It replaces static, inflexible and complex networks, with networks that are agile, scalable and innovative.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Properly understand sdn
Learn how to use mininet emulator
Learn to create default & custom topologies

Create sdn applications such as hub, switch & firewall
Using wireshark with openflow
Learn pox controller

Properly understand sdn
Learn how to use mininet emulator
Learn to create default & custom topologies
Create sdn applications such as hub, switch & firewall
Using wireshark with openflow
Learn pox controller

Syllabus

Basics of Software Defined Networking will be crystal clear. Differentiate between Traditional Networks & SDN. Able to Define OpenFlow Protocol. Understanding of SDN Architecture

The installation instructions are for Ubuntu 18.04.

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what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores SDN, which is considered a significant advancement in networking and cloud computing, potentially reshaping how networks are designed and operated

Uses Mininet, a popular network emulator, which allows learners to experiment with network topologies and SDN concepts in a virtualized environment

Covers OpenFlow, a key protocol in SDN, enabling learners to understand how network devices can be controlled and programmed

Teaches POX Controller, which allows learners to create SDN applications, such as hubs, switches, and firewalls, providing practical experience in network programmability

Includes instructions for installing Ubuntu 18.04, while also referencing Ubuntu 14.04, which may cause confusion for learners seeking a consistent setup experience

Uses Wireshark to capture OpenFlow traffic, which allows learners to analyze network behavior and understand different types of OpenFlow messages

Reviews summary

Sdn basics and hands-on labs

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to Software Defined Networking (SDN), effectively covering fundamental concepts and practical application using key tools. Many students found the emphasis on Mininet and POX Controller particularly beneficial, offering valuable hands-on experience through practical labs. However, some reviewers indicated that the installation and setup steps can be challenging or feature outdated components, potentially requiring extra troubleshooting. While it offers a good foundation, those looking for coverage of more advanced topics might need to seek additional resources.

Good basics, limited advanced topics.

"Good for an overview, but doesn't go deep into advanced topics or complex real-world deployments beyond basic applications."

"Felt it ended right when things were getting interesting; more advanced controller topics or other controller types would be good."

"Sufficient for an initial understanding, but I definitely needed external resources for deeper knowledge on specific protocols or architectures."

Focus on Mininet and POX is relevant.

"Teaching Mininet is highly relevant for anyone getting into SDN research or prototyping."

"POX is a good choice for learning controller programming basics."

"The tools covered are standard in the SDN learning environment."

"I found learning these specific tools immediately applicable."

Excellent starting point for SDN concepts.

"The course provides a very good and clear introduction to the concept of SDN."

"Excellent starting point if you are new to SDN. Covers the fundamentals well."

"The explanation of traditional networks vs SDN was very clear and helpful, really lays the groundwork."

"I gained a solid foundation in understanding the core principles of SDN."

Hands-on experience with key SDN tools.

"Working with Mininet in the labs was great practical experience, very valuable."

"The POX controller examples helped solidify my understanding of SDN applications and flow rules."

"Appreciate the detailed lab setup instructions provided to do the exercises."

"Building the hub/switch/firewall applications was the most valuable part, applying the concepts."

Variable clarity, sometimes slow pace.

"Sometimes the instructor's explanation could be a bit clearer on technical nuances."

"The pace was good for a beginner, but perhaps a bit slow if you already have a strong networking background."

"Audio quality wasn't always consistent between different sections of the course."

"Found it hard to follow the instructor occasionally due to the accent and pace."

Lab setup can be difficult or outdated.

"Installation steps felt a bit outdated, especially concerning specific Ubuntu versions."

"Setting up the lab environment was frustrating, some versions seemed mismatched or instructions weren't perfectly clear."

"Had trouble getting Mininet VM and controller to work together as described, required external research."

"I spent a significant amount of time troubleshooting the environment setup before I could start the labs."

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 (SDN) Made Simple with these activities:

Review Networking Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of basic networking concepts. This will provide a strong foundation for grasping the principles of SDN and how it differs from traditional networking.

Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals

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Review the OSI model and its layers.
Study common networking protocols like TCP, UDP, and IP.
Understand the concepts of routing and switching.

Document Your SDN Lab Setup

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Solidify your understanding of the lab setup process by creating detailed documentation. This will help you troubleshoot issues and share your knowledge with others.

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Document the steps for installing VirtualBox and Mininet VM.
Describe the configuration of the Mininet VM, including GUI setup.
Include screenshots and explanations for each step.

Read 'Software Defined Networking: The New Norm for Networks'

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Gain a deeper understanding of SDN principles and architectures. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field and complements the course material.

View SDN: Software Defined Networks on Amazon

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Read the introductory chapters to understand the motivation behind SDN.
Focus on chapters detailing OpenFlow and controller architectures.
Relate the concepts in the book to the course's lab exercises.

Four other activities

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Practice Mininet Topology Creation

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Reinforce your ability to create and manipulate network topologies using Mininet. This will improve your hands-on skills and prepare you for more complex SDN application development.

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Create basic topologies like single, linear, and tree.
Experiment with different Mininet commands to configure the topologies.
Try creating custom topologies using the Mininet API.

Read 'Open Networking with OpenFlow'

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Deepen your understanding of the OpenFlow protocol. This book provides a detailed explanation of its inner workings and how it enables SDN functionality.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Study the chapters on OpenFlow message formats and flow table operations.
Analyze the examples of OpenFlow usage in different SDN applications.
Compare and contrast different OpenFlow controller implementations.

Develop a Custom SDN Application

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Apply your knowledge by developing a custom SDN application using the POX controller. This will challenge you to integrate different concepts and solve real-world problems.

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Choose a simple network function to implement, such as a load balancer.
Write the POX controller code to implement the chosen function.
Test the application in Mininet and verify its functionality.
Document the design and implementation of your application.

Contribute to a Mininet Project

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Enhance your skills by contributing to an open-source Mininet project. This will give you practical experience working with a real-world SDN tool and collaborating with other developers.

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Explore the Mininet GitHub repository and identify potential areas for contribution.
Fix a bug, implement a new feature, or improve the documentation.
Submit your changes as a pull request and participate in the code review process.

Career center

Learners who complete Software Defined Networking (SDN) Made Simple will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

SDN Engineer

An SDN Engineer specializes in Software Defined Networking technologies. For someone wanting to become an SDN Engineer, this course helps build a foundation by starting with the basics and taking you to advanced levels of SDN. The course covers SDN lab setup, Mininet Emulator, and Mininet topologies. The lessons on creating SDN applications, using Wireshark with OpenFlow, and POX Controller may be useful for SDN Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for SDN Engineer

Network Programmer

A Network Programmer develops software for network devices and systems. This course may be helpful for anyone wanting to be a Network Programmer, because it covers the basics of Software Defined Networking and programming SDN applications. The course covers SDN architecture, OpenFlow protocol, and Mininet Emulator. The lessons on creating SDN applications, using Wireshark with OpenFlow, and POX Controller may be useful for Network Programmers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Programmer

Network Architect

A Network Architect designs and plans computer networks. This course may be useful for someone who wants to become a Network Architect, because it covers the newest networking paradigm. The course describes SDN architecture, OpenFlow protocol, and Mininet emulator. The lessons on creating SDN applications, using Wireshark with OpenFlow, and the POX Controller can help any Network Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, implements, and manages network systems. This course may be useful to those who want to become Network Engineers because it covers the basics of Software Defined Networking. These skills help Network Engineers build networks that are agile, scalable, and innovative. The course covers SDN architecture, OpenFlow protocol, and Mininet emulator. The lessons on creating SDN applications, using Wireshark with OpenFlow, and POX Controller may be useful for Network Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Network Automation Engineer

A Network Automation Engineer automates network tasks using software and scripting. For someone wanting to become a Network Automation Engineer, this course may be useful, because it teaches skills related to software defined networking. With this background, Automation Engineers can automate more easily. The Mininet Emulator lessons can help Network Automation Engineers prototype network automation solutions. The SDN application creation exercises in the course may be useful for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Automation Engineer

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect designs and implements cloud computing solutions. Since SDN is redefining the cloud world, this course may be helpful if you want to become a Cloud Architect. It covers the SDN Architecture and how it replaces static, inflexible, and complex networks with networks that are agile and scalable. The course also covers OpenFlow protocol, Mininet Emulator, and how to create SDN applications that Cloud Architects may use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer is responsible for automating and streamlining software development and deployment processes. This course may be useful for a DevOps Engineer. It covers fundamental SDN concepts and practical skills like Mininet usage, topology creation, and SDN application development. Knowing how to create custom topologies with Mininet may be valuable for DevOps Engineers who need to simulate network environments when building deployment pipelines.

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Security Engineer

A Security Engineer protects computer systems and networks from threats. This course may be helpful for a Security Engineer, because it covers SDN and its applications, including firewall creation. Security Engineers must be able to keep up with new network architectures like SDN. The course lessons on using Wireshark with OpenFlow may be helpful to Security Engineers needing to analyze network traffic for security vulnerabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer designs, implements, and manages IT systems. A Systems Engineer may find this course useful, because it covers the basics of Software Defined Networking. Systems Engineers can use these skills to build networks that are agile, scalable, and innovative. The course covers SDN lab setup, Mininet Emulator, and Mininet topologies. The lessons on creating SDN applications may be useful for Systems Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Solutions Architect

A Solutions Architect designs IT solutions to meet business problems. This course may be helpful for someone wanting to become a Solutions Architect, because it covers the basics of Software Defined Networking. These skills help Solutions Architects solve business problems with networks that are agile, scalable, and innovative. The course covers SDN architecture, OpenFlow protocol, and Mininet emulator. The lessons on creating SDN applications may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solutions Architect

Technical Support Engineer

A Technical Support Engineer provides technical assistance to customers. This course may be helpful for someone wanting to become a Technical Support Engineer, because it covers the basics of Software Defined Networking. This knowledge can help Technical Support Engineers troubleshoot network issues and answer customer questions. The course covers SDN architecture, OpenFlow protocol, and Mininet emulator. The lessons on using Wireshark with OpenFlow may be useful for Support Engineers.

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Wireless Network Engineer

A Wireless Network Engineer designs, implements, and manages wireless networks. This course may be helpful to a Wireless Network Engineer's career. Since SDN principles can be applied to wireless networks, the course’s coverage of SDN architecture and OpenFlow protocol can provide valuable context. Specifically, the part of the course that discusses Mininet emulator may be useful for simulating wireless network environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wireless Network Engineer

Telecommunications Specialist

A Telecommunications Specialist installs and maintains telecommunications systems. This course may be useful for Telecommunications Specialists needing to understand modern network technologies. The course provides an overview of SDN architecture and the OpenFlow protocol, which are increasingly relevant in telecommunications. The course section on Mininet may be useful for testing network configurations.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager oversees a company's information technology infrastructure. Although an IT manager typically does not need to know the implementation details of networking, understanding the concepts of software defined networking is useful. This course may be useful for an IT Manager looking to understand SDN architecture and how it can improve network flexibility and scalability. The course's overview of SDN principles may be helpful.

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Data Center Technician

A Data Center Technician maintains the physical infrastructure of data centers. While this role is primarily hands-on, understanding SDN concepts can be beneficial, especially as data centers adopt SDN for network management. This course may be useful for Data Center Technicians wanting to broaden their knowledge of networking. The course’s introduction to SDN architecture and Mininet may be helpful.

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Software Defined Networking (SDN) Made Simple

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

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Reviews summary

Sdn basics and hands-on labs

Activities

Career center

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