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Umakishore Ramchandran

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

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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.

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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.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
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

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Reviews summary

Network function virtualization: theory and hands-on project

According to students, this course provides a deep dive into Network Function Virtualization, offering a solid theoretical foundation highly relevant to current industry trends. Many learners commend the knowledgeable instructor for explaining complex topics clearly. The course's centerpiece is a hands-on project using Docker and Ryu, widely described as extremely valuable and a game-changer for practical understanding. However, some find the project challenging, noting it assumes prior experience with Docker and SDN, and that the pace can be fast for beginners. Overall, it's a highly recommended course for professionals.
Content is highly relevant to current industry trends.
"Fantastic course! The content is highly relevant to current industry trends."
"I appreciated the real-world application examples. Very relevant for a professional career."
"Good overview of NFV. I found the guest lecture insightful, adding an industry perspective."
Hands-on project offers invaluable real-world application.
"The hands-on project using Docker and Ryu was extremely valuable, allowing me to apply what I learned in a practical setting."
"The project was tough but rewarding, really consolidated my learning."
"The project is excellent for hands-on experience, although it does require you to be comfortable with Linux environments and basic networking concepts."
"The project is a game-changer for practical understanding. Highly recommended for network engineers."
Instructor is praised for clear explanations and expertise.
"The lectures were clear and the instructor explained complex topics very well."
"Instructor knowledge is impressive."
"The instructor is phenomenal, explaining complex topics with ease."
"This course provided a fantastic foundation in NFV. The explanations were clear and the instructor was excellent."
Course pace can be quick for beginners, requiring extra effort.
"The course covers important topics, but the pace can be a bit fast, especially for someone new to the field. Some explanations felt rushed."
"I struggled with this course... I think this course is better suited for someone already familiar with these technologies."
"The project description wasn't always as clear as it could be, leading to some frustration. It's a good overview, but be prepared to do some extra research."
Assumes prior knowledge in Docker/SDN, leading to difficulty.
"I found the project a bit challenging if you don't have prior experience with Docker or SDN controllers like Ryu. More guidance on the initial setup could be beneficial."
"The project was overwhelming without a stronger foundation in SDN and Docker. I think this course is better suited for someone already familiar with these technologies."
"The course assumes a certain level of prior knowledge that wasn't explicitly stated. I felt lost at times due to lack of background in some areas."
"The theoretical content is comprehensive, but the course is weak on the practical side for beginners. The project assumes too much prior knowledge."

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
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
Show steps
  • 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
Completing this activity will give you hands-on experience with creating a network function component.
Browse courses on Network Functions
Show steps
  • 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
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
Show steps
  • Review the different types of network function components.
  • Identify the different types of network function components in a given network diagram.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice writing out each step of the networking component creation process
Completing this activity will help solidify your understanding of the steps involved in creating a network function component.
Browse courses on Network Functions
Show steps
  • 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
Completing this activity will help you develop a deeper understanding of the code used to create network function components.
Browse courses on Network Functions
Show steps
  • 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
Completing this activity will help you identify and overcome the challenges of creating network function components.
Browse courses on Network Functions
Show steps
  • 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
Completing this activity will help you develop a deeper understanding of the architecture of network function components.
Browse courses on Network Functions
Show steps
  • 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
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
Show steps
  • 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Network Function Virtualization.
This cookbook provides a collection of practical recipes that cover various aspects of NFV, including VNF development, deployment, and management. It great resource for anyone who wants to implement NFV in their network.
Provides a broad overview of cloud computing, including topics such as cloud deployment models, service models, and security. It useful resource for anyone who wants to understand the basics of cloud computing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing, including its principles and paradigms, offering a broader context for the course's focus on NFV.
Provides a detailed exploration of software-defined networks, offering a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and applications of SDN, which is complementary to the course's focus on NFV.
Provides a concise and easy-to-understand introduction to network security, covering topics such as network threats, security controls, and incident response. It good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about network security.

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