Software-defined Networking (sdn) & Network Function Virtualization (nfv): Build Agile & Programmable Networks

Introduction:

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) are revolutionizing network design and management. This course equips network engineers and architects with the specialized knowledge and skills to implement SDN and NFV in modern networks. Participants will learn how to decouple network control from hardware, virtualize network functions, and automate network operations. This course bridges the gap between traditional network architectures and the agile, programmable networks of the future, empowering professionals to build efficient and scalable network solutions.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for network engineers, network architects, and system administrators involved in the design, deployment, and management of modern networks, including:

• Network Engineers
• Network Architects
• System Administrators
• Cloud Engineers
• DevOps Engineers
• Telecommunication Engineers
• Professionals in Data Centers and Cloud Computing

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and applications of SDN and NFV.
• Design and implement SDN architectures and controllers.
• Implement NFV for virtualizing network functions.
• Understand the role of network virtualization and overlay networks.
• Utilize orchestration and automation tools for SDN and NFV deployments.
• Understand the challenges and opportunities of SDN and NFV in cloud computing and data centers.
• Implement strategies for network security and performance optimization using SDN and NFV.
• Understand the role of open-source platforms and standards in SDN and NFV.
• Implement strategies for migrating to SDN and NFV architectures.
• Utilize simulation and modeling tools for SDN and NFV network design and analysis.
• Implement strategies for network monitoring and troubleshooting using SDN and NFV.
• Enhance their ability to design and implement agile and programmable networks using SDN and NFV.
• Improve their organization's network flexibility and scalability.
• Contribute to the development of innovative and efficient network solutions.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in SDN and NFV.
• Become a more knowledgeable and effective network engineer in the era of SDN and NFV.
• Understand ethical considerations in network virtualization and automation.
• Learn how to use SDN and NFV simulation and orchestration tools efficiently.

Duration

10 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to SDN and NFV

• Overview of traditional network architectures and their limitations.
• Understanding the principles and benefits of SDN and NFV.
• Introduction to key SDN and NFV concepts and terminology.
• Review of relevant standards and industry initiatives.
• Setting the stage for building programmable networks.

Module 2: SDN Architecture and Components

• Understanding the SDN architecture (control plane, data plane, application plane).
• Implementing SDN controllers (OpenDaylight, ONOS, Ryu).
• Understanding SDN protocols (OpenFlow, Netconf, Restconf).
• Analyzing the performance of SDN controllers and switches.
• Understanding various southbound and northbound APIs.

Module 3: NFV Architecture and Components

• Understanding the NFV architecture (NFVI, VNFs, MANO).
• Implementing NFV orchestrators (OpenStack, ETSI MANO).
• Understanding the role of virtualized network functions (VNFs).
• Analyzing the performance of NFV deployments.
• Understanding the concept of service function chaining.

Module 4: Network Virtualization and Overlay Networks

• Understanding the principles of network virtualization.
• Implementing overlay network technologies (VXLAN, NVGRE, GRE).
• Understanding the role of virtual switches and routers.
• Analyzing the performance of overlay networks.
• Understanding the concept of network namespaces.

Module 5: SDN and NFV Orchestration and Automation

• Utilizing orchestration tools for SDN and NFV deployments (Ansible, Terraform).
• Implementing automation scripts for network configuration and management.
• Understanding the role of service orchestration and resource management.
• Analyzing the benefits of automation in network operations.
• Understanding the use of policy based automation.

Module 6: SDN and NFV in Cloud Computing and Data Centers

• Understanding the applications of SDN and NFV in cloud computing environments.
• Implementing SDN and NFV for data center virtualization and automation.
• Analyzing the impact of SDN and NFV on cloud network performance.
• Understanding the role of SDN and NFV in cloud-native applications.
• Understanding the concept of network as a service.

Module 7: SDN and NFV Security

• Understanding security threats and vulnerabilities in SDN and NFV deployments.
• Implementing security measures for SDN controllers and VNFs.
• Analyzing the impact of SDN and NFV on network security.
• Understanding the role of security orchestration and automation.
• Understanding the importance of microsegmentation.

Module 8: SDN and NFV Performance Optimization

• Implementing strategies for optimizing SDN and NFV network performance.
• Analyzing the impact of SDN and NFV on network latency and throughput.
• Understanding the role of traffic engineering and quality of service (QoS).
• Implementing performance monitoring and troubleshooting techniques.
• Understanding the importance of telemetry data.

Module 9: Open-Source Platforms and Standards in SDN and NFV

• Understanding the role of open-source platforms in SDN and NFV (OpenDaylight, OpenStack).
• Analyzing the impact of open standards on SDN and NFV interoperability.
• Contributing to open-source SDN and NFV projects.
• Understanding the role of open networking foundation (ONF).
• Understanding the importance of community driven development.

Module 10: Migration to SDN and NFV Architectures

• Developing migration strategies for transitioning to SDN and NFV architectures.
• Analyzing the challenges of migrating legacy networks to SDN and NFV.
• Implementing proof-of-concept (PoC) deployments and pilot projects.
• Understanding the importance of phased migration.
• Understanding the importance of rollback plans.

Module 11: SDN and NFV Simulation and Modeling

• Utilizing simulation tools for SDN and NFV network design and analysis (Mininet, GNS3).
• Developing and validating models of SDN and NFV deployments.
• Analyzing the performance of SDN and NFV networks under various scenarios.
• Understanding the importance of accurate simulation.
• Understanding the use of emulators.

Module 12: Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting with SDN and NFV

• Implementing network monitoring techniques for SDN and NFV deployments.
• Utilizing telemetry data and analytics for network troubleshooting.
• Understanding the role of network visibility and analytics platforms.
• Implementing automated troubleshooting and remediation techniques.
• Understanding the use of event driven monitoring.

Module 13: SDN and NFV for 5G and Edge Computing

• Understanding the applications of SDN and NFV in 5G and edge computing.
• Implementing network slicing and mobile edge computing (MEC) with SDN and NFV.
• Analyzing the impact of SDN and NFV on 5G network performance.
• Understanding the role of SDN and NFV in supporting IoT applications.
• Understanding the concept of cloud RAN.

Module 14: SDN and NFV for Intent-Based Networking (IBN)

• Understanding the principles and benefits of intent-based networking.
• Implementing IBN with SDN and NFV.
• Analyzing the impact of IBN on network automation and agility.
• Understanding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in IBN.
• Understanding the concept of closed loop automation.

Module 15: Future Trends and Research Directions in SDN and NFV

• Exploring emerging trends in SDN and NFV (cloud-native networking, service mesh).
• Understanding the impact of evolving technologies on SDN and NFV.
• Discussing research directions and opportunities for innovation.
• Developing a roadmap for continuous improvement in SDN and NFV capabilities.
• Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in networking technologies.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world.

The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.