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Create a Custom Network and Apply Firewall Rules

This is a self-paced lab that takes place in the Google Cloud console. Use the gcloud command line to set up a VPN and 3 subnetworks, then apply firewalls.

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Syllabus

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Uses the gcloud command line tool, which is essential for managing and automating Google Cloud resources and infrastructure as code

Focuses on setting up VPNs and subnetworks, which are fundamental concepts in network design and security within cloud environments

Involves applying firewall rules, which is a critical aspect of securing cloud infrastructure and protecting against unauthorized access

Requires familiarity with the gcloud command line tool, which may present a barrier to entry for those new to Google Cloud

Presented by Google Cloud, which is recognized for its cloud computing platform and services, as well as its contributions to cloud technology

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Reviews summary

Practical gcp network and firewall lab

According to learners, this is a highly recommended and practical hands-on lab focused on creating custom Google Cloud networks and applying firewall rules using the gcloud command line. Many found the instructions clear and easy to follow, highlighting its value for real-world application and exam preparation. The lab environment was generally reported as stable. While most experiences were positive, a few reviewers noted that some instructions could be unclear or might assume prior knowledge, focusing more on the 'how' than the 'why' for some. Overall, it's considered a focused, useful exercise.

Virtual lab environment functions well.

"...and the lab environment worked perfectly."

"The virtual lab environment was stable."

"The lab environment itself was fine."

"The environment worked okay."

Steps are generally clear and easy to follow.

"The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the lab environment worked perfectly."

"The steps were mostly clear, but sometimes I had to read a sentence or two multiple times..."

"Fantastic guided lab! Walked through creating custom VPC, subnets, and firewall rules step by step."

"The steps were clear and the estimated time was accurate."

Provides valuable practical experience.

"This lab provided me with great hands-on experience creating a custom network and applying firewall rules..."

"Good practical lab. I learned how to set up subnets and apply firewall rules effectively."

"This is exactly what I needed to practice for the associate cloud engineer exam. The format is perfect for quick, focused learning."

"Excellent lab exercise. Straightforward, practical, and directly applicable to real-world GCP tasks."

Some found instructions confusing, assumed knowledge.

"Found this lab quite frustrating. The instructions weren't always clear, and I got stuck several times trying to figure out what command or setting was needed."

"It assumes a bit too much prior knowledge maybe? The lab environment also seemed slow at times."

"The instructions were a bit dry and didn't always explain the *why* behind the commands. I managed to complete it, but it felt more like following a recipe..."

"Decent lab. Covers the basics... Instructions were mostly good, just a couple of confusing points."

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 Create a Custom Network and Apply Firewall Rules with these activities:

Review Networking Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of basic networking concepts before diving into custom network creation.

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Review the OSI model and TCP/IP suite.
Study IP addressing and subnetting.
Familiarize yourself with common networking protocols.

Practice with gcloud CLI

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Gain familiarity with the gcloud command-line interface to streamline network configuration.

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Install and configure the gcloud CLI.
Practice basic commands like listing resources and creating instances.
Explore gcloud CLI documentation for networking commands.

Follow Google Cloud Networking Tutorials

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Work through Google Cloud's official networking tutorials to gain hands-on experience.

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Find tutorials on creating VPCs and subnets.
Follow tutorials on configuring firewall rules.
Experiment with different network configurations.

Four other activities

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Subnetting Exercises

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Sharpen your subnetting skills to efficiently allocate IP addresses within your custom network.

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Practice subnetting calculations with different CIDR blocks.
Use online subnet calculators to verify your answers.
Create subnetting scenarios for different network sizes.

Document Your Network Setup

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Create a network diagram and documentation to reinforce your understanding of the network configuration.

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Draw a diagram of your custom network, including subnets and firewalls.
Document the purpose of each subnet and firewall rule.
Explain the routing configuration within your network.

Build a Three-Tier Application Network

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Apply your knowledge to create a network for a three-tier application (web, application, database).

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Design the network architecture with appropriate subnets and firewalls.
Configure the network using the gcloud CLI.
Deploy sample applications to each tier.
Test the connectivity and security of the application.

Contribute to Terraform Google Cloud Modules

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Contribute to open-source Terraform modules for Google Cloud networking to deepen your understanding and share your expertise.

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Find a relevant Terraform module on GitHub.
Identify an area for improvement or a missing feature.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Create a Custom Network and Apply Firewall Rules will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, implements, and manages computer networks. This role requires a deep understanding of networking concepts and experience translating requirements into practical configurations. This course provides hands-on experience in creating custom networks and applying firewall rules which are core skills needed of a Network Engineer. The course's use of the gcloud command line is highly relevant, as Network Engineers are routinely expected to utilize command line interfaces for network management. This course also provides experience using VPNs and subnetworks, which are common in enterprise-grade networks. Those wishing to become a Network Engineer should see this course as a valuable part of their practical training.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer is responsible for developing, deploying, and managing applications and infrastructure in cloud environments. This course on creating custom networks and applying firewall rules is directly applicable to the work of a Cloud Engineer. The practical experience gained in configuring networks using the gcloud command Line, as offered by this course, ensures familiarity with tools and processes used in cloud network management, and the use of Google Cloud ensures the skills are relevant to the current cloud landscape. A Cloud Engineer needs to understand networking to build effective cloud architectures and this course offers a vital practical foundation.

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Network Administrator

A Network Administrator maintains and operates network infrastructure. The skills used in this hands-on course, such as setting up VPNs, subnetworks, and applying firewall rules, are part of the daily tasks of a Network Administrator. This course’s focus on the gcloud command line is also helpful, as these are common tools used by Network Administrators. This course may be useful for someone wishing to enter this field. The hands-on experience this course provides aligns well with the demands of a Network Administrator.

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Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator maintains computer systems and networks. This course may be helpful because it assists in building a foundation for understanding network infrastructure. The skills developed in this course, such as creating custom networks and applying firewall rules, are very important skills for Systems Administrators as they directly relate to server and network security. Systems Administrators often need to set up secure network environments and this course provides practice in such tasks. This course using gcloud command line is helpful for this career path.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers automate and streamline the software development lifecycle, including managing infrastructure. This course may be helpful in providing practical experience in configuring network infrastructure. Through creating custom networks and applying firewalls using the gcloud command line, you will see how network configuration integrates with DevOps practices. The course experience with VPNs and subnetworks will help you understand the networking requirements of applications you work with. DevOps Engineers need to be familiar with infrastructure management, and this course provides a relevant introduction to cloud network configurations.

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Information Technology Specialist

An Information Technology Specialist provides support and maintains computer systems and networks within an organization. This course may be helpful as a first step in understanding network configuration and management. The hands-on experience with configuring networks, implementing firewall rules, and working with VPNs using gcloud command line can form a strong practical foundation. Information Technology Specialists are often involved in network setup, and this course provides targeted practice in key areas.

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Cloud Solutions Architect

A Cloud Solutions Architect designs high level cloud computing solutions to meet client needs. This course may be useful as a first step for understanding the practical details of networking within a cloud infrastructure. Configuring custom networks and applying firewall rules is a key part of the architecture process. The hands-on experience with gcloud command line and Google Cloud is useful and valuable to a Cloud Solutions Architect. This course can help a Cloud Solutions Architect more effectively design cloud infrastructure.

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Cybersecurity Specialist

A Cybersecurity Specialist works to protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats. This course may be useful, as it introduces the practical application of firewall rules, which are a crucial aspect of network security. This course provides hands-on experience with setting up such rules with the gcloud command line, which is common for cybersecurity professionals. Experience gained from this course can provide a foundation for becoming a cybersecurity specialist, as a strong foundation in network management and security is critical to this field.

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Security Analyst

A Security Analyst monitors and protects systems and networks from threats. This course may be useful, as it introduces the practical aspects of network security through the application of firewall rules. Security Analysts leverage firewalls as a key part of their approach, and this course gives experience implementing them in a virtual environment. The experience with gcloud command line provides valuable practice for any security specialist in a Google Cloud environment. Although this course is an introduction, any Security Analyst can benefit from the hands on practice.

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IT Project Manager

An IT Project Manager plans, executes, and oversees technology projects. This course may be helpful as a foundation for understanding the practical aspects of network configuration and security which is often a large part of IT projects. Understanding terms like subnetworks and VPNs, and the practical application of firewalls can certainly help an IT Project Manager who has hands-on experience in those areas. The experience of this course can help an IT Project Manager more effectively manage such projects.

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Solutions Engineer

A Solutions Engineer works to tailor technical solutions for clients of a technology business. This course may be useful, as understanding how networks are constructed and secured is critical for designing effective client solutions. The course's use of gcloud command line and Google Cloud can help a Solutions Engineer in proposing solutions for modern cloud networks. Experience in this course may help a Solutions Engineer discuss real-world benefits of a technology with customers.

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Software Developer

A Software Developer writes and tests code to produce functional software, or helps develop larger computing systems. This course may be helpful, as understanding the networking aspects of how software communicates with cloud services is fundamental to modern software engineering. While a software developer may not interact directly with networking devices, an understanding of them improves their ability to create software for these environments. The hands-on experience of this course setting up a VPN and subnetworks through the gcloud command line can be helpful to a software developer.

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Technical Support Engineer

A Technical Support Engineer provides technical assistance to users of technology products. This course may be useful, as it offers a glimpse how networks are formed and how firewalls are set up. The practical skills learned in this course, such as using the gcloud command line to configure a network with VPN and subnets, provides a foundation for understanding network issues which are issues a technical support engineer may face. This course might be a good way to understand the technical details of network infrastructure.

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Technical Consultant

A Technical Consultant provides expert advice and guidance to organizations on technology-related matters. This course may be useful as consultants should have a broad understanding of diverse technology. The hands-on aspects of network setup and applying firewalls can help expand their practical understanding of cloud networking. The course, which uses the gcloud command line and Google Cloud, can improve familiarity for those who need to provide recommendations to clients in those areas. Technical Consultants benefit from understanding network functionality.

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Data Center Technician

A Data Center Technician maintains and supports the infrastructure of data centers. This course may be useful for learning how networks are configured, which is useful to anyone who works in data centers. The practical experience from this course, such as setting up VPNs and subnets using gcloud command line, can be helpful for those working with networking hardware. This course could be beneficial in understanding how to configure and manage the networks found within a data center.

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