Advanced Routing, Infrastructure, and Network Management from Coursera

This course offers an in-depth exploration of advanced networking technologies and infrastructure management, designed for IT professionals aiming to master complex network environments. Beginning with foundational infrastructure concepts, the course covers IEEE 802.1Q trunking, VLAN management, and the principles of spanning tree protocols. You'll delve into advanced Layer 2 technologies such as EtherChannel and Multiple Spanning Tree, learning how to configure and troubleshoot these critical components to optimize network performance and resilience.

As the course progresses, you will tackle sophisticated routing protocols like OSPF and BGP. Each module is structured to provide a thorough understanding of theory, followed by practical configuration and troubleshooting exercises. You'll explore OSPF neighbor formation, route summarization, and the nuances of BGP path selection and IPv6 routing. These hands-on labs and real-world scenarios are designed to enhance your ability to implement, manage, and optimize complex routing solutions in any enterprise network.

The final sections focus on network services and management, covering essential tools such as SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow. You’ll gain expertise in configuring IP SLA, Policy-Based Routing, and Embedded Event Manager (EEM) for automated network responses. This comprehensive training ensures you are well-equipped to manage, monitor, and secure large-scale network infrastructures, making you a valuable asset in any IT environment.

This course is intended for network engineers, IT professionals, and systems administrators who have a foundational knowledge of networking concepts and are looking to advance their skills in routing, infrastructure, and network management. Prior experience with basic network configuration and troubleshooting is recommended.

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Syllabus

Introduction - Infrastructure Technologies

In this module, we will provide an overview of critical infrastructure technologies that form the backbone of efficient network operations. You’ll gain insights into how these technologies support robust and scalable network environments.

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Covers IEEE 802.1Q trunking, VLAN management, and spanning tree protocols, which are essential for optimizing network performance and resilience in enterprise environments

Explores OSPF and BGP, which are routing protocols that are critical for managing complex network environments and ensuring efficient data transmission across networks

Teaches SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow, which are essential tools for network services and management, enabling professionals to monitor and secure large-scale network infrastructures

Develops expertise in configuring IP SLA, Policy-Based Routing, and Embedded Event Manager (EEM) for automated network responses, enhancing network management capabilities

Requires prior experience with basic network configuration and troubleshooting, suggesting that learners should already possess a foundational understanding of networking concepts

Includes hands-on labs and real-world scenarios designed to enhance the ability to implement, manage, and optimize complex routing solutions in any enterprise network

Reviews summary

Deep dive into advanced network tech

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation and practical skills for advanced network engineers. Students appreciate the in-depth coverage of topics like OSPF and BGP, finding the hands-on labs and configuration examples particularly helpful for real-world application. Some reviewers noted that certain sections, particularly the wireless module, felt less detailed compared to others, and that the pace can be fast if you don't have the recommended foundational knowledge. Overall, the course is considered highly relevant for professionals managing complex network environments, despite potential areas for minor updates or clarification.

Good overview of essential monitoring tools.

"The modules on SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow were helpful introductions to important management tools."

"Appreciated the coverage of network management protocols, useful for monitoring and troubleshooting."

"Learned how to use key command-line utilities for network diagnostics."

Hands-on configuration and troubleshooting practice.

"The labs were crucial for practicing the configurations discussed. They helped reinforce the theoretical concepts immensely."

"Being able to configure OSPF and BGP in a lab environment made a huge difference in my learning."

"The practical exercises simulating real network scenarios were invaluable for building confidence."

Directly applicable to IT professional roles.

"This course is highly relevant for anyone working as a network engineer or systems administrator dealing with enterprise networks."

"The topics covered are exactly what you encounter managing infrastructure day-to-day."

"A must-take for professionals looking to advance their routing and infrastructure management skills."

Comprehensive coverage of OSPF and BGP routing.

"The OSPF and BGP modules were excellent, covering the concepts in detail with practical configurations that are directly applicable to my work."

"Really appreciated the deep dive into BGP path selection and OSPF areas. This was exactly what I needed to solidify my understanding."

"I found the routing sections (OSPF, BGP) to be the strongest part of the course; very thorough and well-explained for complex topics."

Some topics covered more thoroughly than others.

"While routing was great, the wireless section felt a bit superficial compared to the other modules."

"I felt some Layer 2 topics could have been explored with more depth."

"There were a few areas that could benefit from additional detail or examples."

Requires strong prerequisites for optimal learning.

"Ensure you have a solid grasp of basic networking before tackling this course; it moves quickly on advanced topics."

"Definitely targeted at those with prior experience. Beginners might struggle with the pace and depth."

"As recommended, having foundational knowledge is essential to keep up."

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 Advanced Routing, Infrastructure, and Network Management with these activities:

Review Basic Networking Concepts

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Reinforce foundational networking knowledge to better understand advanced routing and infrastructure concepts covered in the course.

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Review the OSI model and TCP/IP suite.
Study basic routing and switching principles.
Practice subnetting and IP addressing.

Review 'CCNA Routing and Switching Complete Study Guide'

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Solidify foundational knowledge of routing and switching, which is essential for understanding the advanced topics covered in this course.

View CCNA Certification Study Guide Volume 1: Exam... on Amazon

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Read chapters on routing protocols and VLANs.
Complete the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
Review any areas where you feel uncertain.

Configure Basic OSPF in a Lab Environment

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Reinforce understanding of OSPF configuration by setting up a basic OSPF network in a lab environment.

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Set up a virtual lab using GNS3 or Cisco Packet Tracer.
Configure OSPF on multiple routers.
Verify OSPF neighbor relationships and route propagation.
Troubleshoot any connectivity issues.

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Create a Presentation on BGP Path Selection

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Deepen understanding of BGP path selection by creating a presentation explaining the different attributes and decision-making process.

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Research BGP path selection attributes (e.g., weight, local preference, AS path).
Organize the information into a clear and concise presentation.
Include diagrams and examples to illustrate the concepts.
Present the material to a peer or record a video presentation.

Follow Advanced Cisco Configuration Tutorials

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Refine skills in advanced Cisco configurations by following online tutorials and implementing the configurations in a lab environment.

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Find tutorials on topics like IP SLA, EEM, or PBR.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step in a lab environment.
Document the configuration process and any challenges encountered.
Experiment with different configuration options.

Design a Resilient Network Infrastructure

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Apply knowledge gained in the course by designing a resilient network infrastructure for a hypothetical organization.

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Define the requirements for the network (e.g., size, number of users, applications).
Design the network topology, including routing protocols, VLANs, and redundancy mechanisms.
Document the design, including diagrams and configuration details.
Present the design to a peer or instructor for feedback.

Develop a Network Monitoring Dashboard

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Consolidate understanding of network management tools by creating a dashboard to monitor network performance and security.

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Choose a network monitoring platform (e.g., Grafana, Zabbix).
Configure SNMP, NetFlow, and Syslog to collect data.
Create visualizations to display key network metrics.
Set up alerts for critical events.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Routing, Infrastructure, and Network Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, implements, and manages network infrastructures. This role often involves configuring and troubleshooting complex routing protocols, such as OSPF and BGP, which are covered in this course. A network engineer must also be proficient in various network management tools, like SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow. This course offers hands-on labs and real-world scenarios to enhance your skills in these areas. Learning about SPAN, IP SLA, PBR, and EEM will further prepare you to manage diverse network deployments. This course will be very helpful for those aspiring to work as a Network Engineer. The course helps build a foundation in Layer 2 and Layer 3 technologies, network services, and management practices essential for this role.

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Network Administrator

A Network Administrator maintains the daily operations of a network infrastructure. This includes regular monitoring, troubleshooting, implementation of security protocols, and ensuring overall network health, all of which are supported by the content of this course. This course provides an in-depth view of infrastructure technologies, including VLAN management and spanning tree protocols. You will learn to use command line tools for network troubleshooting, master SNMP and Syslog for monitoring, and configure NetFlow for traffic analysis. This course is particularly useful because it introduces tools like IP SLA, PBR, and EEM which are very important to the daily responsibilities of the Network Administrator. Aspiring network administrators should take this course to gain practical experience.

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Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator manages and maintains an organization's computer systems, including network components. This often involves working with network routing and management. This course is suitable because it covers foundational infrastructure concepts, advanced layer two technologies, and sophisticated routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP. Skills developed in this course with SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow are valuable for a systems administrator's daily tasks. Learning about IP SLA, PBR, and EEM can also help with the automation and management of network responses. This course prepares any systems administrator to effectively manage large-scale infrastructures and thus can be very helpful.

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Network Analyst

A Network Analyst examines network performance, identifies issues, and recommends solutions. This role deeply benefits from the kind of knowledge taught in this course. The course teaches advanced routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP as well as network traffic analysis using NetFlow and SPAN, which are essential for a network analyst's role. A network analyst needs to efficiently monitor networks and understand the data that's being produced by those monitoring tools, which are explored in this course's modules on SNMP and Syslog. This course is an ideal fit for an aspiring network analyst because it includes hands-on labs and real-world scenarios which are extremely useful and valuable for a network analyst. The course also covers network management and automation using EEM, which is also very beneficial.

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Cloud Networking Engineer

Cloud Networking Engineers design and manage network infrastructures within cloud environments, which share many fundamental concepts with physical networks. This course's coverage of advanced routing protocols like OSPF and BGP, as well as network services like NAT, are highly applicable to cloud implementations. The course helps build a foundation in areas like VLAN management and spanning tree protocols, and these are also relevant to cloud configuration. The course also discusses essential tools such as SNMP and Syslog. Those interested in cloud networking may find this course useful because it provides a solid base in network principles which apply to cloud technology. The skills developed in this course are transferable to cloud based environments.

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IT Consultant

An IT Consultant advises organizations on technology-related strategy and implementation, sometimes specializing in networking. Professionals in this field need to have a comprehensive understanding of network technologies. This course helps build a foundation in network infrastructures, routing protocols like OSPF and BGP, and network management tools such as SNMP and Syslog which are very useful to IT consulting. This course's modules on IP SLA and PBR may also prove to be beneficial for those working as an IT consultant. The course may help consultants advise clients on network optimization and management strategies. Consultants who advise on network infrastructure should take this course to gain a deeper understanding of network principles.

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Technical Support Specialist

A Technical Support Specialist provides troubleshooting and support for technical products and systems, which often includes networking issues. The course may be useful because it covers critical networking concepts. You will gain experience with Layer 2 technologies, routing protocols, and network services. The course also provides knowledge of tools like SNMP, Syslog, and command-line utilities. The practical troubleshooting aspects covered in this course are directly useful for a technical support role. This course may give a Technical Support Specialist an advantage because it helps build understanding of the fundamentals of network operation. The course covers network monitoring and management which is helpful to technical support specialists.

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Network Security Analyst

A Network Security Analyst is focused on protecting network infrastructures from threats and vulnerabilities. Understanding network routing and management with tools like SNMP and Syslog, which are covered in this course, is important to this role. The course may be useful because it introduces how to configure and troubleshoot complex network environments using Layer 2 and Layer 3 technologies, which are very relevant to a Network Security Analyst's daily concerns. The course introduces IP SLA, Policy-Based Routing, and Embedded Event Manager, which can enhance the ability to implement security policies and responses. Although this course is not specifically about security, a network security analyst may still find it valuable.

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Network Architect

A Network Architect designs and plans complex network systems, requiring a deep understanding of network technologies and protocols, and this course could be beneficial. The course covers advanced routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP and provides insights into network services management through tools like SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow. The course may be helpful because it provides a foundation for understanding how to configure these critical components in order to optimize network performance and resilience. The course's coverage of topics such as IP SLA, PBR, and EEM can also be useful in designing robust and adaptable network architectures. Aspiring network architects may find this course to be a useful stepping stone in their education.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager oversees an organization's IT operations and infrastructure, which includes network management. The course may be beneficial because it provides an understanding of advanced networking technologies and infrastructure management. An IT manager can make better decisions when they have hands-on knowledge of network fundamentals, routing protocols, and network management tools covered in the course. While the role of IT manager is not strictly technical, this course may provide an edge in overall management of network systems, especially when it comes to understanding the potential and limitations of the organization's technology. The course provides an understanding of technologies such as SNMP and Netflow.

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Telecommunications Specialist

A Telecommunications Specialist works with communication systems, which includes network infrastructure and routing. The course may be useful to these professionals because it covers advanced networking concepts and infrastructure management. Topics covered such as VLAN management, spanning tree protocols, OSPF, and BGP are all relevant to telecommunications systems. Although this course is not strictly focused on telecommunications, it may help build the telecommunications professional's understanding of network foundations. The course also discusses tools like SNMP and Syslog which are broadly applicable to telecommunications and networking. With this course, a telecommunications specialist may enhance their skill set.

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Data Center Technician

A Data Center Technician maintains physical and virtual infrastructure in data centers, including network devices. This course may be useful for Data Center Technicians as it provides foundational knowledge in Layer 2 and Layer 3 technologies. It also covers protocols like OSPF and BGP, which are often implemented in data center environments. Additionally, the course introduces tools such as SNMP and Syslog that are frequently used in data center management. The course discusses IP SLA, PBR, and EEM. Although this course is not solely focused on data centers, it could help a Data Center Technician better understand the complexities and fundamentals of network operations within a data center.

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Technical Trainer

A Technical Trainer educates others on technical topics, and this course may help those who train in the networking field. The course's focus on network infrastructure, routing protocols, and network management tools may be helpful. A technical trainer would gain confidence in relaying information about VLANs, spanning tree protocols, OSPF and BGP, and network services. The trainer may also benefit from exposure to tools like SNMP, Syslog, Netflow, IP SLA, PBR, and EEM. This course will not equip a trainer directly, but it may help a trainer understand networking concepts more deeply. That understanding may help a technical trainer build their own curriculum.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation for technical products and processes, including networking technologies and related processes. A technical writer may be interested in this course as it covers network infrastructures, routing protocols, and network management. The course provides an introduction to IEEE 802.1Q trunking, VLAN management, spanning tree protocols, and technologies like EtherChannel. Additionally, the course covers routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP. It also discusses essential network management tools and technologies such as SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow. While not directly related to technical writing, this course may give a technical writer useful information.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager oversees technical projects, sometimes involving network upgrades or implementations, and these projects would be more effectively managed if the manager has a deeper understanding of network infrastructure. This course may be useful as it provides foundational knowledge of network technologies and routing protocols like OSPF and BGP. The project manager may also benefit from an understanding of network management tools such as SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow. Learning about SPAN, IP SLA, PBR, and EEM, may also provide an overview of various components of infrastructure that is useful to the project manager. Although this course is not designed for management, a project manager could use it to enhance their familiarity with network terminology and processes.

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Reading list

We've selected one 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 Advanced Routing, Infrastructure, and Network Management.

CCNA Certification Study Guide Volume 1

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Provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental networking concepts, including routing and switching. It serves as an excellent resource for solidifying prerequisite knowledge before diving into advanced topics. The book is commonly used as a study guide for the CCNA certification, making it a valuable reference for understanding core networking principles. It adds depth to the course by providing detailed explanations and practical examples of basic networking configurations.

CCNA Certification Study Guide Volume 1: Exam 200...

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Advanced Routing, Infrastructure, and Network Management

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What's inside

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into advanced network tech

Activities

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