Network Function Virtualization from Coursera

This course covers Network Function Virtualization from the perspective of a systems engineer.

It first discusses the proliferation of middleboxes in enterprise networks and the necessity of

virtualizing these components just like software applications. It then details several

optimizations in operating systems to facilitate efficient networking on virtualized hardware

followed by design decisions in user-plane libraries for bypassing the kernel for efficient packet

processing. It then covers the challenges and solutions for building scalable systems for

providing networking services in datacenters, specifically the synergy between SDN and NFV to

achieve this. The course concludes with a discussion of real-world applications of NFV

technology in the cloud computing ecosystem.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Network Functions

This module introduces the viewer to network functions: What is the origin of network functions? What is the role of middleboxes in realizing network functions? What are the network management issues with the proliferation of middleboxes? The introduction will walk the viewer through these topics and the move towards network functions as virtualized software services.

Developing Virtual Network Functions

This module takes an in-depth look at virtual network functions. In particular, the viewer is introduced to the issues in developing virtual network functions and the emerging technologies for aiding the performance-conscious development of virtual network functions.

System Architecture for NFV Ecosystem

An enterprise uses a number of network functions in the path of network packet processing which is the reason for the proliferation of middleboxes. This module discusses techniques for provisioning computational resources for multiple virtual network functions via Cloud technologies and orchestrating their deployment using SDN.

Deploying Virtualized Network Functions in Managed Cloud infrastructures

This module discusses techniques that enable offloading NFV workload to a managed Cloud (as opposed to on-premise clusters), as well as other developments in the telecommunications industry that makes offloading NFV workloads viable

Guest Lecture for an Industry Perspective

Project

This project involves the implementation of a control plane for the orchestration of network function chains. The final system would allow NFV system administrators to register and launch NF chains belonging to multiple tenants on a shared physical infrastructure. Additionally, the control plane would provide interfaces for scaling existing NF chains in response to workload changes. The virtual infrastructure would be implemented using Docker, while network programming would be done using Ryu SDN controller.

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Explores Network Function Virtualization from the perspective of a systems engineer

Taught by Umakishore Ramchandran, an expert in the field of network function virtualization

Develops skills in system architecture for NFV ecosystems

Examines real-world applications of NFV technology

Project involves implementation of a control plane for the orchestration of network function chains

Reviews summary

Highly praised network course

Learners say Network Function Virtualization is an exceptional course that clearly explains what NFV is and how it works. Students appreciate the course structure and the content provided by Professor Ramchandran.

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 Network Function Virtualization with these activities:

Compile a list of resources on network function components

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Completing this activity will help you find and organize resources on network function components, which will be helpful for your continued learning.

Browse courses on Network Functions

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Search for resources on network function components using a search engine or other tool.
Compile a list of the most relevant and helpful resources.

Follow a tutorial on how to create a simple network function component

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Completing this activity will give you hands-on experience with creating a network function component.

Browse courses on Network Functions

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Find a tutorial on how to create a simple network function component.
Follow the steps in the tutorial to create a network function component.

Practice identifying the different types of network function components

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Completing this activity will help you become more familiar with the different types of network function components, which will be helpful for understanding the course material.

Browse courses on Network Functions

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Review the different types of network function components.
Identify the different types of network function components in a given network diagram.

Five other activities

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Practice writing out each step of the networking component creation process

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Completing this activity will help solidify your understanding of the steps involved in creating a network function component.

Browse courses on Network Functions

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Select a networking component to create.
Write out the steps involved in creating the component.
Review your steps to ensure they are accurate and complete.

Create a collection of example network function component code

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Completing this activity will help you develop a deeper understanding of the code used to create network function components.

Browse courses on Network Functions

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Collect examples of network function component code from various sources.
Organize the code into a collection by topic or function.

Discuss the challenges of creating network function components with a peer

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Completing this activity will help you identify and overcome the challenges of creating network function components.

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Find a peer who is also interested in network function components.
Discuss the challenges of creating network function components.
Brainstorm solutions to the challenges.

Create a diagram of a network function component

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Completing this activity will help you develop a deeper understanding of the architecture of network function components.

Browse courses on Network Functions

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Select a network function component to diagram.
Identify the different components of the network function component and how they interact.
Create a diagram of the network function component.

Participate in a network function component design competition

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Completing this activity will give you the opportunity to apply your skills in creating network function components in a competitive environment.

Browse courses on Network Functions

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Find a network function component design competition to participate in.
Design and create a network function component for the competition.
Submit your network function component to the competition.

Career center

Learners who complete Network Function Virtualization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Architect

As a Network Architect, this course's coverage of virtualization of components just like software applications and operating systems will be especially useful to you. The course will help you understand the process of virtualizing network functions, which is an increasingly important technology in the field of networking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Virtualization Engineer

As a Network Virtualization Engineer, this course's coverage of virtualization of components just like software applications and operating systems will be especially useful to you. The course will help you understand the process of virtualizing network functions, which is an increasingly important technology in the field of networking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Virtualization Engineer

Network Engineer

In your role as a Network Engineer, you will use the knowledge of network function virtualization that this course provides to help you build and maintain networks that are more efficient and scalable. The course's coverage of SDN and NFV can also help you to develop systems for providing networking services in datacenters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Network Security Analyst

As a Network Security Analyst, you will use the knowledge of network function virtualization that this course provides to help you build and maintain networks that are more efficient and secure. The course's coverage of challenges and solutions for building scalable systems will also be especially useful to you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Analyst

Systems Administrator

As a Systems Administrator, this course can help you build a foundation for your career by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of network function virtualization. You will also find the course's coverage of deploying virtualized network functions in managed cloud infrastructures to be especially useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Security Engineer

This course can help you in your role as a Network Security Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions for building scalable systems for providing networking services in datacenters. The course's coverage of SDN and NFV will also be especially useful to you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Network Planner

This course can help you in your role as a Network Planner by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions for building scalable systems for providing networking services in datacenters. The course's coverage of SDN and NFV will also be especially useful to you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Planner

Cloud Architect

As a Cloud Architect, this course's coverage of deploying virtualized network functions in managed cloud infrastructures will be especially useful to you. The course can help you build a foundation for your career by providing you with a solid understanding of the principles and practices of network function virtualization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Network Analyst

This course will help you in your role as a Network Analyst by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions for building scalable systems for providing networking services in datacenters. The course's coverage of SDN and NFV will also be especially useful to you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Analyst

Cloud Computing Architect

This course can help you in your role as a Cloud Computing Architect by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of network function virtualization. The course's coverage of deploying virtualized network functions in managed cloud infrastructures will also be especially useful to you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Computing Architect

Data Center Engineer

As a Data Center Engineer, this course will help you build a foundation for your career by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of network function virtualization. The course's coverage of developing virtual network functions and system architecture for NFV ecosystem will also be especially useful to you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Engineer

Network Automation Engineer

As a Network Automation Engineer, this course will help you build a foundation for your career by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of network function virtualization. The course's coverage of developing virtual network functions and system architecture for NFV ecosystem will also be especially useful to you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Automation Engineer

Cloud Network Engineer

This course can help you in your role as a Cloud Network Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of network function virtualization. The course's coverage of developing virtual network functions and system architecture for NFV ecosystem will also be especially useful to you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Network Engineer

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you will use this course's coverage of operating systems and user-plane libraries to help you achieve efficient networking on your virtualized hardware. Additionally, this course can help you build a foundation for your career by providing you with an introduction to network function virtualization, which is an increasingly important technology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

IT Manager

This course can help you in your role as an IT Manager by providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and maintain networks that are virtualized. The course's coverage of SDN and NFV will also be especially useful to you.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager