Introduction to Open Source Networking Technologies from edX

Explore open source networking projects, from The Linux Foundation and beyond, that are shaping the future of networking and telecoms.

Designed for open source enthusiasts, university students,network architects and engineers, security architects and engineers, and systems engineers, this course offers a great introduction to open source networking.

This course covers the open networking stack from top to bottom; starting from networking hardware disaggregation and modern 100G and 400G switches, through network operating systems, network controllers, virtualization,and orchestration.

Develop an understanding of the use cases and technical options for modern open networking in enterprises, service providers, and cloud providers. Become familiar with the following open source networking projects and their use cases:

Open Compute Project, ONIE, Akraino
FD.io, OVS, IO Visor, DPDK, Open Dataplane, P4
OpenSwitch , Open Network Linux , FRR, DANOS, SONIC, FBOSS
OpenDayLight, Tungsten Fabric (OpenContrail) , ONOS, CORD, Open Security Controller
ONAP, OPNFV
PNDA, SNAS.

What you'll learn

The software-defined and open source networking landscape
How networking hardware is being disaggregated
Open network operating systems (NOS) and how they run on different networking hardware
Ways to automate networking tasks
How software-defined network (SDN) controllers manage underlay networks
Network function virtualization and how it can help reduce the complexity of today's data center environments
Orchestration tools that can build a bridge between applications and networking

What's inside

Learning objectives

The software-defined and open source networking landscape
How networking hardware is being disaggregated
Open network operating systems (nos) and how they run on different networking hardware
Ways to automate networking tasks

How software-defined network (sdn) controllers manage underlay networks
Network function virtualization and how it can help reduce the complexity of today's data center environments
Orchestration tools that can build a bridge between applications and networking

The software-defined and open source networking landscape
How networking hardware is being disaggregated
Open network operating systems (nos) and how they run on different networking hardware
Ways to automate networking tasks
How software-defined network (sdn) controllers manage underlay networks
Network function virtualization and how it can help reduce the complexity of today's data center environments
Orchestration tools that can build a bridge between applications and networking

Syllabus

Welcome and Introduction

Chapter 1. Introduction to Open Source Networking

Chapter 2. The Open Source and Software Defined Networking Landscape

Chapter 3. Disaggregated Hardware

Chapter 4. IO Abstraction and Data Path

Chapter 5. Network Operating systems

Chapter 6. Network Control

Chapter 7. Cloud and Virtual Management

Chapter 8. Network Virtualization

Chapter 9. Network Function Virtualization

Chapter 10. Orchestration, Management, Policy

Chapter 11. Network Automation

Chapter 12. Network Data Analytics

Chapter 13. Summary

Final Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on the future of networking and telecommunications

Emphasizes open source networking projects

Covers the open networking stack from top to bottom

Provides a great introduction to open source networking

Taught by Reza Toghraee, an expert in open source networking

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 Introduction to Open Source Networking Technologies with these activities:

Create a Network Resource Toolkit

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Organize and consolidate your learning materials, including notes, articles, videos, and software tools, into a comprehensive toolkit. This will provide you with a valuable reference for future use.

Browse courses on Networking Tools

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Gather all relevant materials related to the course.
Organize the materials into logical categories or folders.
Create a documentation or index to easily navigate the toolkit.

Network Configuration Exercises

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Gain hands-on experience by configuring network devices. This will reinforce the concepts you learn in the course and prepare you for real-world scenarios.

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Use a network simulator to practice configuring routers and switches.
Set up a small network in a lab environment and configure it from scratch.
Follow online tutorials or documentation to learn about specific network configuration commands.

Volunteer in a Network Engineering Role

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Gain practical experience and give back to the community by volunteering in a network engineering role. This will allow you to apply your skills while making a positive impact.

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Identify volunteer opportunities at local organizations or non-profits.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteering options.
Offer your skills and assist with network-related tasks.

Two other activities

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Contribute to Open Source Networking Projects

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Gain practical experience in open source networking by contributing to real-world projects. This will give you hands-on exposure to the latest technologies and help you build a portfolio.

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Identify open source networking projects that align with your interests.
Start by reporting bugs or suggesting improvements.
Gradually contribute code or documentation patches.

Network Design Project

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Apply your knowledge to a practical project by designing a network for a specific scenario. This will help you understand how to apply the principles you learn in the course.

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Define the requirements of the network, including the number of devices, bandwidth requirements, and security considerations.
Choose appropriate network devices and technologies based on the requirements.
Design the network topology and create a diagram.
Write a report documenting your design, including the rationale behind your choices.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Open Source Networking Technologies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Automation Engineer

Network Automation Engineers dream up and implement creative, process-oriented solutions that simplify complex tasks and make networks more efficient. Their efforts free up network engineers for higher-value work, making this a highly sought-after role. For the learners in this course, the curriculum's emphasis on automation is especially relevant. Concepts such as Network Function Virtualization, Disaggregated Hardware, and Cloud and Virtual Management will be essential for Network Automation Engineers to keep up with the contemporary demands of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Automation Engineer

Network Architect

Network Architects design and deploy computer networks for businesses. They also plan for future network expansion and upgrades to accommodate business growth. The course curriculum is brimming with useful material for budding Network Architects, especially the deep dive into the software-defined and open source networking landscape.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers are primarily responsible for protecting computer networks from viruses, malware, hackers, and other security threats. To be successful in this position, Network Security Engineers need to be experts on the latest security technologies. The material on Open Network Operating Systems, Network Function Virtualization, and Network Data Analytics will be especially valuable in developing the skills needed for a successful career in the field.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers are in charge of ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of computer networks. They also develop and implement network security measures to keep networks safe from threats. The material covered in this course, especially the content on Disaggregated Hardware and Network Control, is highly relevant to the work done by Network Engineers.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large amounts of data. They use this data to help businesses make better decisions. The material on Network Data Analytics in this course will be especially valuable for Data Scientists who want to specialize in network-related data.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. The material on IO Abstraction and Data Path in this course will be especially valuable for Software Engineers who want to work on network-related software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's IT systems. They may also be responsible for budgeting and staffing for IT projects. The material on Network Automation and Orchestration, Management, Policy in this course will be especially valuable for IT Managers who want to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their IT systems.

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, build, and maintain cloud-based systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. The material on Cloud and Virtual Management in this course will be especially valuable for Cloud Engineers who want to specialize in network-related cloud systems.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They work to ensure that new software applications are developed and deployed quickly and efficiently. The material on Network Automation and Orchestration, Management, Policy in this course will be especially valuable for DevOps Engineers who want to specialize in network-related DevOps.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal systems to large enterprise systems. The material on Disaggregated Hardware and Network Operating Systems in this course will be especially valuable for Systems Engineers who want to specialize in network-related systems.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal networks to large enterprise networks. The material on Network Operating Systems and Network Control in this course will be especially valuable for Network Administrators who want to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks to an organization's computer systems and networks. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal systems to large enterprise systems. The material on Network Security Controller in this course will be especially valuable for Security Analysts who want to specialize in network-related security.

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IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their IT systems and networks. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal systems to large enterprise systems. The material on Open Source and Software Defined Networking Landscape in this course will be especially valuable for IT Consultants who want to specialize in network-related consulting.

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Network Technician

Network Technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing computer networks. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal networks to large enterprise networks. The material on Disaggregated Hardware and Network Operating Systems in this course will be especially valuable for Network Technicians who want to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their work.

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Help Desk Analyst

Help Desk Analysts provide technical support to users of computer systems and networks. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal systems to large enterprise systems. The material on Network Operating Systems and Network Control in this course will be especially valuable for Help Desk Analysts who want to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Help Desk Analyst