Networking and Security Architecture with VMware NSX from Coursera

This 8 week online course equips learners with the basics of network virtualization with VMware NSX.

To get the most of this course, you should have familiarity with generic IT concepts of routing, switching, firewalling, disaster recovery, business continuity, cloud and security.

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand network virtualization basics

• Describe NSX business value and use cases

• Explain how NSX is different from traditional networking

• Summarize networking and security solution architecture with VMware NSX around these key areas:

+ Micro-segmentation

+ Automation with OpenStack

+ Automation with VMware vRealize Automation

+ Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

+ Operational Transformation

• Demonstrate understanding through hands-on experience

• Develop a learning plan for network virtualization certification

If you are new to network virtualization, download our Network Virtualization for Dummies guide.

http://learn.vmware.com/36350_NSX_ITAutomation_Reg?src=af_5acfd24cebb90&cid=70134000001YR9b

All Hands on Labs referenced in this course are OPTIONAL and available for FREE. Direct links to free labs can be found on the Resources Tab or you can access our full library at https://labs.hol.vmware.com/HOL/catalogs/catalog/877

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction & Networking and Security Architecture with VMware NSX

We'll introduce you to the course and VMware NSX, as well as provide a brief history of how VMware has evolved into the company that it is today.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the fundamentals of network virtualization using VMware NSX, a widely adopted solution in the industry

Taught by Chris McCain, a recognized expert in network virtualization with extensive experience in the field

Provides hands-on experience through optional free labs, reinforcing the concepts learned and enhancing practical skills

Develops a solid understanding of security solutions with VMware NSX, enabling learners to enhance network security in their organizations

Covers application continuity solutions, including disaster recovery and business continuity, equipping learners with strategies to ensure high availability and minimize downtime

Emphasizes operational transformation, guiding learners in adapting to the evolving IT landscape and adopting new processes and tools

Reviews summary

Vmware nsx: solid technical overview and labs

According to learners, this course provides a strong technical overview of VMware NSX networking and security architecture. Many highlight the usefulness of the hands-on labs for practical understanding. Students appreciate the coverage of key concepts like micro-segmentation and automation. While largely well-received, some reviews suggest that prior networking and security experience is beneficial to fully grasp the material, aligning with the stated prerequisites. A few mention minor technical hurdles with the lab environment, but overall feedback points to a valuable learning experience for IT professionals seeking an introduction to NSX.

Beneficial to have prior IT knowledge.

"You need some networking and virtualization background to really get the most out of this course."

"As stated, prior familiarity with routing, switching, and virtualization is definitely helpful."

"While the course is an introduction, having a foundational IT knowledge makes it much easier to follow."

Explores important features like micro-segmentation.

"Learned a lot about Micro-segmentation and how NSX handles security."

"The sections on automation with OpenStack and vRealize were particularly interesting."

"Good coverage of application continuity and disaster recovery aspects with NSX."

"The explanation of NSX's in-kernel firewall was insightful."

Covers core NSX architecture and features.

"This course gives a very good overview of NSX architecture and how it fits into the SDDC."

"Good introduction to VMware NSX and its capabilities in network virtualization and security."

"Provides a solid foundation on NSX components and their functions."

"The lectures explain the NSX concepts clearly and provide a good architectural view."

Practical exercises solidify understanding.

"The Hands-on Labs are very helpful to grasp the concept of NSX deployment."

"The labs in this course are very useful and help to really understand the concepts discussed in the videos."

"I found the hands-on labs to be particularly valuable in applying the concepts learned in the lectures."

"The virtual labs really helped to solidify my understanding."

Some users faced technical hurdles.

"Accessing the Hands-on Labs was occasionally problematic or slow."

"Had a few issues getting the lab environment set up correctly initially."

"The lab interface could be a bit clunky at times."

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 Networking and Security Architecture with VMware NSX with these activities:

Review computer networking basics

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Solidify existing knowledge in networking concepts to prepare for in-depth study of network virtualization.

Browse courses on TCP/IP

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Review basic networking concepts such as TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, subnetting, routing, and switching.

Attend industry conferences or meetups on network virtualization

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Build a network of peers, learn from experts, and stay updated on industry trends.

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Identify relevant conferences or meetups in your area or online.
Register for an event and prepare for active participation.

Complete Network Virtualization Labs

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Reinforce understanding of VMware NSX by completing the hands-on labs referenced in the course materials.

Browse courses on Hands-on Exercises

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Access the online lab environment.
Follow the lab instructions to complete the exercises.
Review the results and identify areas for improvement.

One other activity

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Create a blog post or presentation on NSX use cases

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Demonstrate an understanding of NSX use cases and enhance communication skills.

Browse courses on Network Virtualization

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Research various use cases for NSX, such as micro-segmentation, automation, and disaster recovery.
Write a blog post or create a presentation explaining the benefits and applications of NSX in each use case.

Career center

Learners who complete Networking and Security Architecture with VMware NSX will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Senior Vice President of Engineering

As a Senior Vice President of Engineering, your primary responsibility would be to lead and manage the engineering team of an organization. This course may be useful as it provides a broad overview of network virtualization, security, and cloud computing. The module on Operations (part 1 of 2) would be particularly helpful in understanding the evolution of IT operations and the need for new tooling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Senior Vice President of Engineering

Chief Innovation Officer (CIO)

As a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), your primary responsibility would be to lead and manage the innovation strategy of an organization. This course may be useful as it provides a broad overview of network virtualization, security, and cloud computing. The module on Operations (part 1 of 2) would be particularly helpful in understanding the evolution of IT operations and the need for new tooling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Innovation Officer (CIO)

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

As a CTO, your primary responsibility would be to lead and manage the technology strategy of an organization. This course may be useful as it provides a broad overview of network virtualization, security, and cloud computing. The module on Operations (part 1 of 2) would be particularly helpful in understanding the evolution of IT operations and the need for new tooling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Information Security Officer (ISO)

An Information Security Officer (ISO) is responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information security policies and procedures. This course may be useful as it provides a strong foundation in network security, which is essential for ISOs. The module on Security Solutions with VMware NSX would be particularly helpful in understanding how VMware NSX can be used to improve the security of a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Officer (ISO)

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

As a CIO, your primary responsibility would be to lead and manage the IT department of an organization. This course may be useful as it provides a broad overview of network virtualization, security, and cloud computing. The module on Operations (part 1 of 2) would be particularly helpful in understanding the evolution of IT operations and the need for new tooling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Officer (CIO)

IT Director

Similar to an IT Manager, an IT Director is responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT infrastructure. However, IT Directors are typically more focused on the strategic direction of IT, such as developing and implementing IT policies and procedures. This course may be useful as it provides a broad overview of network virtualization, security, and cloud computing. The module on Operations (part 1 of 2) would be particularly helpful in understanding the evolution of IT operations and the need for new tooling.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Director

IT Manager

As an IT Manager, your primary responsibility would be to oversee the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT infrastructure. This course may be useful as it provides a broad overview of network virtualization, security, and cloud computing. The module on Operations (part 1 of 2) would be particularly helpful in understanding the evolution of IT operations and the need for new tooling.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst is responsible for monitoring and analyzing an organization's security systems and data to identify and respond to security threats. This course may be useful as it provides a strong foundation in network security, which is essential for Security Analysts. The module on Security Solutions with VMware NSX would be particularly helpful in understanding how VMware NSX can be used to improve the security of a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Network Administrator

As a Network Administrator, your primary responsibility would be to manage the day-to-day operations of an organization's computer network. This course may be useful as it provides a strong foundation in network virtualization, which is becoming increasingly common in modern networks. The module on NSX Architecture Components would be particularly helpful in understanding the components of VMware NSX and how they can be used to build a virtualized network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer is responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams to ensure that software is developed and deployed quickly and efficiently. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in network virtualization, which is becoming increasingly common in DevOps environments. The module on Operations (part 2 of 2) would be particularly helpful in understanding how VMware NSX can be used to automate network operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Cloud Engineer

As a Cloud Engineer, your primary responsibility would be to design, implement, and manage cloud computing solutions for an organization. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in network virtualization, which is becoming increasingly common in cloud computing environments. The module on Application Continuity Solutions (part 2 of 2) would be particularly helpful in understanding how VMware NSX can be used to create highly available cloud solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Security Engineer

Similar to a Security Architect, a Security Engineer is responsible for implementing and maintaining the security of an organization's computer networks and systems. However, Security Engineers are typically more focused on the day-to-day operations of security, such as monitoring security logs, responding to security incidents, and making adjustments to security policies. This course may be useful as it provides a strong foundation in network security, which is essential for Security Engineers. The module on Security Solutions with VMware NSX would be particularly helpful in understanding how VMware NSX can be used to improve the security of a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Security Architect

A Security Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the security of an organization's computer networks and systems. This course may be useful as it provides a strong foundation in network security, which is essential for Security Architects. The module on Security Solutions with VMware NSX would be particularly helpful in understanding how VMware NSX can be used to improve the security of a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Network Engineer

Much like a Network Architect, a Network Engineer designs, implements, and maintains computer networks. However, as a Network Engineer you will be more focused on the day-to-day operations of the network, such as monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, and making adjustments to ensure optimal network performance. This course may be useful as it provides a strong foundation in network virtualization, which is becoming increasingly common in modern networks. The module on NSX Architecture Components would be particularly helpful in understanding the components of VMware NSX and how they can be used to build a virtualized network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Network Architect

As a Network Architect, your work would primarily consist of designing, implementing, and maintaining the computer networks that facilitate communication and data exchange within an organization. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in network virtualization, which is becoming increasingly common in modern network architectures. Specifically, the module on NSX Architecture Components would help you understand the key components of VMware NSX and how they can be used to build a virtualized network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect