• Online, Self-Paced
Course Description

Software Defined Networking or SDN enables holistic network management, and intelligent use of network resources, both physical and virtual. In this course, you will explore a vendor neutral overview of SDN and how it works.

Learning Objectives

What is SDN?

  • start the course
  • recognize the need for Software Defined Networking
  • describe how Software Defined Networking works and the problems that it solves
  • describe the relationship between network function virtualization and Software Defined Networking
  • describe software defined storage and autotiering
  • describe how virtualization, Software Defined Networking or SDN, and software defined storage combine into a software defined data center
  • recognize the major use cases for Software Defined Networking and the benefits that it brings

SDN in Detail

  • describe the components and architecture of a Software Defined Networking or SDN system
  • recognize the data, control, and management planes, and how they are separated in Software Defined Networking or SDN
  • describe how Software Defined Networking or SDN enables centralized command and control, and the benefits this brings
  • define data flow in the data center, recognize east-west and north-south data flow, and describe how Software Defined Networking can manage flow when a problem presents
  • describe the northbound and southbound interfaces of an Software Defined Networking or SDN controller, and how these differ from north-south data flow

NFV

  • describe the goals and benefits of network function virtualization
  • recognize the major use cases for network function virtualization without Software Defined Networking or SDN, and the benefits that it brings
  • recognize the major use cases for network function virtualization and Software Defined Networking combined, and the benefits they bring
  • recognize the main overlay protocols used in network function virtualization systems
  • describe the operation of virtual switches, routers, and firewalls in a network function virtualization system
  • describe the operation of network load balancers, intrusion detection and intrusion prevention, and antivirus devices in a network function virtualization system

Vendors and Industry

  • describe the current state of the software-defined market
  • recognize the main open source Software Defined Networking products
  • list the certifications available for Software Defined Networking professionals
  • describe the decision process when choosing a Software Defined Networking solution
  • describe the impact of Software Defined Networking on job roles in network administration and management

Practice: SDN and NFV

  • describe the benefits of Software Defined Networking or SDN and network function virtualization or NFV over traditional network management

Framework Connections

The materials within this course focus on the Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs) identified within the Specialty Areas listed below. Click to view Specialty Area details within the interactive National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.