Network Management, Automation, and Emerging Technologies from Coursera

This course offers a deep dive into advanced network management and the latest technologies transforming IT infrastructure. You'll begin by mastering critical device management protocols like SNMP and Syslog, learning to monitor network performance effectively. These skills are reinforced through hands-on labs, where you will configure SNMPv3, manage logging with Syslog, and understand the differences between these monitoring tools.

Next, the course covers Quality of Service (QoS), exploring how to prioritize network traffic and manage congestion. You'll also explore cloud computing and virtualization, essential technologies for scaling network resources efficiently. You’ll learn about traditional IT deployment models, cloud service models, and cloud networking, alongside practical examples of server virtualization and cloud-based networking solutions. This section will empower you to integrate cloud technologies into your network architecture.

Finally, the course tackles network automation and programmability, focusing on tools like Python, Git, and Ansible. You'll learn how to automate routine network tasks, optimize configurations, and integrate APIs (REST, SOAP) for scalable, programmable networks. Emerging technologies like Software Defined Networking (SDN), SD-WAN, and network virtualization will prepare you for the future of network management, ensuring that you remain competitive in a rapidly evolving field.

This course is ideal for network engineers, administrators, and IT professionals looking to enhance their skills in modern network management, automation, and cloud technologies. A foundational understanding of network protocols is needed.

What's inside

Syllabus

Network Device Management

In this module, we will explore network device management tools like Syslog and SNMP, teaching you how to set up logging and monitoring systems for effective network management.

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Covers network automation and programmability, which are essential for optimizing configurations and integrating APIs for scalable networks

Explores cloud computing and virtualization, which are essential technologies for scaling network resources efficiently

Teaches Python, Git, and Ansible, which are standard tools for automating routine network tasks and optimizing network configurations

Requires a foundational understanding of network protocols, which may exclude absolute beginners without prior experience

Includes practice tests that help learners review key topics and assess their readiness for the CCNA certification exam

Examines emerging technologies like SDN, SD-WAN, and network virtualization, which are critical for future-proofing network management skills

Reviews summary

Network automation, cloud, and management overview

According to learners who have taken this course, it offers a solid introduction to modern network concepts like automation, cloud networking, and emerging technologies. Many found the sections covering Python, Ansible, and SDN to be particularly relevant and practical. While the course provides a broad overview of several key areas, some students felt that certain topics, like wireless networking, might be less up-to-date or covered with less depth compared to the more modern subjects. The inclusion of CCNA practice tests was a positive bonus for those preparing for certification.

Offers a wide range of networking topics.

"Covers many different areas from SNMP to SDN."

"I liked getting an overview of cloud and wireless alongside automation."

"It touches on a lot of current and traditional topics."

"A good course for seeing the landscape of network management."

Includes useful practice tests.

"The bonus CCNA practice tests were a nice addition."

"Found the practice questions helpful for review."

"Good to see some resources aligned with certification goals."

"The practice tests helped me gauge my understanding."

Explores automation, cloud, and SDN.

"The focus on network automation with Python and Ansible was exactly what I needed."

"I appreciated the introduction to SDN and cloud networking concepts."

"Provides a relevant look at modern network technologies."

"The automation part felt very timely and useful for my job."

Wireless section may be outdated.

"The wireless module felt a bit dated compared to the rest of the course."

"Information on wireless security seemed to be missing newer protocols."

"I wasn't sure if the wireless part was current enough for today's networks."

"Wish the wireless section was as current as the automation part."

Coverage depth varies across modules.

"Some sections felt much more detailed than others."

"I felt the automation module was strong, but wireless seemed basic."

"Could use more depth on certain topics discussed."

"Some topics are just briefly introduced without much practical application."

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 Management, Automation, and Emerging Technologies with these activities:

Review Basic Networking Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental networking concepts to better grasp the advanced topics covered in the course.

Browse courses on OSI Model

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Review the OSI and TCP/IP models.
Practice subnetting exercises.
Familiarize yourself with common routing protocols.

Read 'Practical Packet Analysis'

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Enhance your understanding of network protocols and troubleshooting techniques by studying packet analysis.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to SNMP and network monitoring.
Practice analyzing network traffic captures using Wireshark.

Follow Cloud Deployment Tutorials

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Learn how to deploy network services in the cloud by following online tutorials.

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Choose a cloud platform (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Follow tutorials to deploy virtual machines and network services.
Configure network security groups and firewalls.

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Ansible Playbook Exercises

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Improve your network automation skills by practicing Ansible playbook creation and execution.

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Write playbooks to automate common network tasks.
Test playbooks in a virtualized environment.
Debug and refine playbooks based on test results.

Set up a Home Lab Network

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Gain hands-on experience by building and managing a small network, applying the concepts learned in the course.

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Acquire necessary hardware (routers, switches, access points).
Configure network devices using command-line interface.
Implement SNMP and Syslog for network monitoring.
Experiment with QoS settings to prioritize traffic.

Document Your Home Lab Setup

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Solidify your understanding by documenting the configuration and management of your home lab network.

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Create a network diagram of your home lab.
Document the configuration of each network device.
Explain the purpose of each configuration setting.

Read 'Network Warrior'

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Gain practical insights into network troubleshooting and configuration from real-world scenarios.

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Read the chapters related to routing and switching.
Apply the troubleshooting techniques to your home lab.

Career center

Learners who complete Network Management, Automation, and Emerging Technologies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

A network engineer designs, implements, and manages an organization's network infrastructure. This career involves ensuring network stability with tools like SNMP and Syslog, covered in this course. You'll learn how to monitor network performance effectively, a crucial aspect of the job. The course also covers Quality of Service, equipping you to prioritize network traffic and manage congestion. Additionally, cloud computing and virtualization topics are relevant, as they are frequently utilized in modern network architectures. Finally, network automation with Python and Ansible, also taught in this course, are becoming increasingly important for network engineers looking to streamline their tasks. This course is for individuals who want a deep understanding of network management and automation.

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Network Administrator

A network administrator ensures the proper functioning of an organization's network. This career requires skills in network device management, such as using SNMP and Syslog for monitoring, topics covered in this course. Understanding Quality of Service is also important for network administrators to ensure optimal network performance. Cloud computing and virtualization, also discussed, are essential for managing resources efficiently, especially in hybrid environments. Finally, knowledge of network automation, with Python and Ansible, can greatly enhance the efficiency of network administrators and is part of the curriculum. This course provides a strong foundation for anyone in network administration.

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Systems Administrator

A systems administrator maintains and supports an organization's computer systems, including the network infrastructure. This role requires a strong understanding of network protocols and monitoring tools like SNMP and Syslog, which are taught in this course. Handling network performance and traffic through Quality of Service techniques is also important for a systems administrator to ensure smooth operations, and this is covered in this course. Cloud computing and virtualization, also part of the course curriculum, play a significant role in modern system administration. Finally, exposure to network automation and programmability through tools such as Python can enhance the skills of system administrators. This course is useful for those seeking to optimize their server and network management skills.

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Cloud Engineer

A cloud engineer designs, builds, and manages cloud-based systems. A cloud engineer should understand cloud service and deployment models. This course covers cloud computing and virtualization in detail, which are core to this role. The course also gives exposure to cloud-based networking solutions. A cloud engineer can also benefit from understanding how networks are managed and monitored using technologies like SNMP and Syslog. Finally, the course's section on network automation provides a foundation for cloud automation and orchestration, as it relates to infrastructure as code. This course is useful for those who want to build and manage modern cloud environments.

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Infrastructure Architect

An infrastructure architect designs and plans the physical and virtual infrastructure of an organization. This role requires an understanding of cloud computing, virtualization, and network technologies, and this course covers these topics. The course's emphasis on network automation and programmability also equips the architect with knowledge of efficient management of the infrastructure. Specifically, topics such as quality of service and network device mangement are particularly relevant. This course can help build skills required for designing modern and efficient infrastructures.

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IT Manager

An IT manager oversees an organization's technology infrastructure and IT team. This role requires a broad understanding of network technologies, including those covered in this course. The course's emphasis on network device management, Quality of Service, and cloud computing provides the necessary technical understanding for this role. Additionally, understanding network automation and emerging technologies, also included in the course, enables more efficient management of the IT infrastructure. This course can be useful for someone seeking to lead an IT department with a view to modern technology.

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Solutions Architect

A solutions architect designs and plans IT solutions to meet business requirements. To succeed, they must have a broad understanding of technologies such as virtualization and cloud computing, taught in this course. Network management principles, Quality of Service, and network automation, also discussed in this course, are all relevant in a solution architect's role. The understanding you gain from this course can assist in designing efficient, scalable, and secure network architectures. This course can be useful for those seeking an architectural understanding of modern networks.

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Network Security Analyst

A network security analyst monitors networks for security threats and vulnerabilities. This role requires an understanding of network protocols and monitoring tools, such as SNMP and Syslog, which are covered in this course. Analysis and management of network traffic through Quality of Service, also a topic, is useful to assess network behavior. Knowledge of network virtualization helps understand network segmentation and security control. This course can help build a foundation in network monitoring and management, which can be useful to a security professional.

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DevOps Engineer

A DevOps engineer focuses on automating and streamlining software development and deployment processes. A DevOps engineer uses network monitoring and management tools, which are covered in this course with topics like SNMP and Syslog. The course also covers virtualization, cloud networking and network automation tools, which are particularly important for a DevOps role. Understanding cloud computing and integration through APIs are critical for this role. This course can be helpful, especially for those who wish to have more involvement with network level infrastructure as a DevOps practitioner.

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Automation Engineer

An automation engineer designs, develops, and implements automation solutions. This role involves leveraging tools such as Python, Ansible, and APIs, all of which are covered in the course. The course's focus on network automation and programmability equips the automation engineer with a strong foundation in creating automated network workflows. Network device management using SNMP and Syslog can also be relevant. This course may be useful for individuals focused specifically on network or infrastructure-related automation.

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Technical Support Specialist

A technical support specialist provides technical assistance to users, often involving network troubleshooting. This role requires knowledge of network protocols and how to monitor systems with SNMP and Syslog, which are covered in the course. Furthermore, being familiar with different aspects of network configuration, and Quality of Service is beneficial in identifying and resolving issues. The course also covers cloud computing and virtualization, which are increasingly relevant to support specialists. This course can provide foundational knowledge about the networking layer and related areas.

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IT Consultant

An IT consultant provides expert advice on technology-related matters. To succeed, a consultant should have a broad understanding of IT, which this course provides by discussing the latest technologies such as cloud computing and virtualization. Topics such as network management and automation, also covered in this course, are important, as these form the backbone of many IT projects. This course may be useful as a general overview of network technologies and emerging practices.

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Wireless Network Engineer

A wireless network engineer designs, implements, and manages wireless network infrastructures. This course covers the fundamentals of wireless networking, including access point configuration, wireless LAN controllers, and key security protocols, preparing someone for this role. Additionally, the course provides essential background with network management, including SNMP and Syslog. The course also touches on cloud computing and network automation, both of which are often integrated with modern wireless networks. This course can be useful for those interested in wireless networking.

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Data Center Technician

A data center technician installs, maintains, and repairs the hardware and infrastructure within data centers. Data center technician work often includes a component of network management. This course provides a basic understanding of network devices, protocols, and cloud technologies, which can be useful in this role. Topics such as SNMP and Syslog in this course can be used to monitor the status of equipment. This course may be helpful for someone seeking to broaden their understanding of how data centers operate.

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Technical Trainer

A technical trainer develops and delivers technical training, often to other IT professionals. This role requires an understanding of the subject matter such as networking, and the course provides a breadth of topics including network device management, cloud computing, and network automation. The course also provides an overview of critical technologies in demand today. The course can be helpful to professionals as a general overview or for a refresher of the topics covered.

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Network Management, Automation, and Emerging Technologies

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Network automation, cloud, and management overview

Activities

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