Explore

Network Function Virtualization

Approx. 8 hours to complete

Save Course

Go to Course

Course Summary

Learn about Network Virtualization and Software Defined Networking (SDN) from industry experts. In this course, you will learn the basic concepts of network virtualization, including how to design and deploy virtual networks, and how to manage and troubleshoot them using various tools and techniques.

Key Learning Points

Understand the basic concepts of network virtualization and software defined networking (SDN)
Learn how to design and deploy virtual networks using different tools and techniques
Develop skills in managing and troubleshooting virtual networks

Learning Outcomes

Design and deploy virtual networks using various tools and techniques
Manage and troubleshoot virtual networks effectively
Understand the basic concepts of software defined networking (SDN) and network virtualization

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of networking
Familiarity with Linux command line

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online self-paced course
Video lectures
Assignments and quizzes

Similar Courses

Cloud Networking
Network Security and Database Vulnerabilities
SDN and NFV: The Future of Networking

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz
Professor of Computer Science at UC Berkeley

Related Books

Description

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.

Outline

Introduction to Network Functions
Introduction to NFV
Overview
What are Network Functions?
Middleboxes
Examples of Middleboxes
Network Management and proliferation of Middleboxes
Network Services as Software Entities
Virtualization Technology
Eliminating Overhead of Virtualization for NF
Putting it all together
Lesson 1 Wrap-Up
Workshop 1: Docker and Open vSwitch
Syllabus
Recommended Activity: Workshop 1
Quiz #1

Developing Virtual Network Functions
Lesson 2 Introduction
Developing Virtual Network Functions
Virtual Network Functions
Performance Issues Implementing VNF
Performance-conscious Implementation of VNF
Data Plane Development Kit
NIC Ring Buffer
Implementation of VNF
Multi-core Implementation Challenges
Putting it all together
Lesson 2 Wrap-Up
Workshop 2: Firewall and NAT
Recommended Activity: Workshop 2
Quiz #2

System Architecture for NFV Ecosystem
Lesson 3 Introduction
Outline
Limitations of Monolithic Software Middleboxes
Need for an NF Control Plane
Elements of NF Control Plane
NF Control Plane Architecture
Virtualization Platform Tasks
Network Programming Tasks
NFVs that modify Packets
Putting them all together
Lesson 3 Wrap-Up
Workshop 3: SDN for basic traffic forwarding to NF
Recommended Activity: Workshop 3
Quiz #3

Deploying Virtualized Network Functions in Managed Cloud infrastructures
Lesson 1 Introduction
Benefits of using Managed Cloud Services
Techniques for offloading NF to Managed Cloud
Observed Performance of NF Offloading
Mobile edge Computing
Cloud-RAN
Lesson 4 Wrap-Up
Workshop 4: Connection-affinity with multiple NF instances
Recommended Activity: Workshop 4
Quiz #4

Guest Lecture for an Industry Perspective
Introduction to Service Chaining over WAN
Switchboard Architecture
Switchboard Implementation and Performance Evaluation

Project
Project - NFV Orchestration
Network Function Virtualization

Summary of User Reviews

This course on Network Virtualization has received positive reviews from users. Many have praised the course for its comprehensive and detailed explanations on the topic.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course is praised for its comprehensive and detailed explanations on the topic.

Pros from User Reviews

The course is well-structured and easy to follow
The instructors are knowledgeable and engaging
The course provides hands-on experience through practical exercises
The course content is relevant and up-to-date
The course offers a good introduction to network virtualization

Cons from User Reviews

Some users feel that the course is too basic and not in-depth enough
The course may be too technical for beginners
The course requires a lot of time and effort to complete
Some users have experienced technical issues with the course platform
The course may not be suitable for those looking for a quick overview of the topic

Recommended for you

Introduction to ONAP: Complete Network Automation

Learn how the ONAP platform uses SDN and NFV to orchestrate and automate physical and virtual network services to help network operators accelerate time to market while reducing OpEx....

Save Course

NFV Acceleration: An Introduction to OPNFV

Open source networking projects are transforming how service providers and enterprises develop, deploy, and scale their networks and next-generation services. Is your organization embarking on an NFV transformation journey?...

Save Course