Network Principles in Practice: Cloud Networking

Overview

In Network Principles in Practice: Cloud Networking, you will learn about both the networking abstractions and services for building applications in the cloud, and the technology underlying cloud networking. You will be able to architect complex applications in the cloud. In understanding how the cloud providers created their networks, you will be in a better position to troubleshoot applications and analyze different possible ways of architecting applications, and even help design the next generation of networking for cloud providers. This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Masters of Science in Computer Science (MS-CS) degrees offered on the Coursera platform. This fully accredited graduate degree offer targeted courses, short 8-week sessions, and pay-as-you-go tuition. Admission is based on performance in three preliminary courses, not academic history. CU degrees on Coursera are ideal for recent graduates or working professionals. Learn more: MS in Computer Science: https://coursera.org/degrees/ms-computer-science-boulder Course logo by Jordan Harrison on Unsplash.

Syllabus

Cloud Background

This week will introduce cloud networking. In the beginning of the module, we will explore the basics of cloud computing, including virtualization and data center architectures. Then, we will focus on practical implementation through creating and managing cloud resources using Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Terraform.

Understanding and Creating VPCs

Welcome to Module 2! In this module, you will deepen your understanding of cloud networking by exploring Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and learning about advanced networking concepts like Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and specialized cloud networking platforms. The module begins with an introduction to VPCs. Then, you will explore SDN principles and the specifics of Google's Andromeda and Azure's AccelNet.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

This module delves deeper into cloud networking, focusing on advanced configurations of Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and the integration of Wide Area Networks (WANs). You will learn to create and manage complex VPC setups, establish WAN connectivity, and explore specific cloud networking solutions from industry leaders like Microsoft and Google. The lessons will cover both theoretical concepts and practical applications, culminating in a hands-on lab where students will deploy multiple VPCs using Terraform and establish WAN connectivity.

Network Services

This module, you will explore essential network services in cloud environments, with a particular focus on load balancing, autoscaling, and content distribution networks (CDNs). Throughout the module, you will be introduced to different types of load balancers, their configurations, and practical applications. Additionally, you will learn about Google's Maglev and Akamai's CDN, delving into their underlying technologies and how they optimize network performance.

Hybrid Networks

In the final module of the course, you will focus on hybrid and inter-cloud networking, essential for integrating cloud services with on-premises infrastructure and other cloud platforms. Throughout the module, you will explore various technologies and methods for creating secure, efficient, and scalable hybrid networks, including Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Direct Connect options, and inter-cloud connectivity solutions.