Network Function Virtualization

Georgia Institute of Technology via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/network-virtual

Introduction

### Course Review: Network Function Virtualization on Coursera **Course Overview** The "Network Function Virtualization" course on Coursera provides an in-depth exploration of the transforming landscape of network functions through the lens of systems engineering. With a strong focus on understanding the necessity of virtualizing middleboxes—an essential component of modern enterprise networks—the course also delves into the operational efficiencies gained from such virtualization. Participants will gain insights into optimizations within operating systems that enhance networking on virtualized hardware, and the architectural decisions involved in building user-plane libraries for effective packet processing. **Syllabus Breakdown** 1. **Introduction to Network Functions** - This introductory module serves as a foundation for understanding network functions. It covers the origins and roles of middleboxes while addressing network management issues that arise from their proliferation. The discussion surrounding the shift towards virtualized software services is particularly significant as it sets the stage for the course's advanced topics. 2. **Developing Virtual Network Functions** - As the course progresses, this module focuses on the challenges involved in developing virtual network functions. It highlights emerging technologies that support performance-oriented development practices—an essential area for anyone interested in optimizing network operations. 3. **System Architecture for NFV Ecosystem** - This module addresses the architectural considerations for deploying multiple network functions within enterprise environments. Incorporating cloud technologies and software-defined networking (SDN) orchestration, it equips learners with the knowledge to efficiently provision resources for various virtual network functions. 4. **Deploying Virtualized Network Functions in Managed Cloud Infrastructures** - This part of the course explores the techniques that enable the offloading of NFV workloads to managed cloud services. This is particularly relevant given the recent trends in telecommunications, making cloud deployment not only viable but advantageous. 5. **Guest Lecture for an Industry Perspective** - A guest lecture provides practical insights from industry experts, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This guest segment is a valuable addition, offering students a chance to understand current industry trends and challenges in network virtualization. 6. **Project** - The capstone project involves implementing a control plane for orchestrating network function chains. Utilizing Docker for virtual infrastructure and Ryu SDN controllers for network programming, this hands-on experience solidifies learners' understanding of the theoretical concepts covered throughout the course. The project requires students to create a system that supports multi-tenant environments, emphasizing real-world application and scalability. **Recommendation** This course is highly recommended for IT professionals, systems engineers, and network administrators looking to deepen their understanding of network function virtualization. Its structured approach—from foundational knowledge to hands-on implementation—ensures participants can grasp both the theoretical and practical elements of this evolving field. The blend of guest lectures and project work makes this course particularly beneficial for those seeking to gain insights from industry leaders while applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings. With the increasing importance of network virtualization in cloud computing and telecommunications, completing this course will undoubtedly enhance your skill set and career prospects. In summary, if you're hoping to stay ahead in the realm of networking technologies, the "Network Function Virtualization" course on Coursera is an excellent investment in your professional development.

Syllabus

Introduction to Network Functions

This module introduces the viewer to network functions: What is the origin of network functions? What is the role of middleboxes in realizing network functions? What are the network management issues with the proliferation of middleboxes? The introduction will walk the viewer through these topics and the move towards network functions as virtualized software services.

Developing Virtual Network Functions

This module takes an in-depth look at virtual network functions. In particular, the viewer is introduced to the issues in developing virtual network functions and the emerging technologies for aiding the performance-conscious development of virtual network functions.

System Architecture for NFV Ecosystem

An enterprise uses a number of network functions in the path of network packet processing which is the reason for the proliferation of middleboxes. This module discusses techniques for provisioning computational resources for multiple virtual network functions via Cloud technologies and orchestrating their deployment using SDN.

Deploying Virtualized Network Functions in Managed Cloud infrastructures

This module discusses techniques that enable offloading NFV workload to a managed Cloud (as opposed to on-premise clusters), as well as other developments in the telecommunications industry that makes offloading NFV workloads viable

Guest Lecture for an Industry Perspective

Project

This project involves the implementation of a control plane for the orchestration of network function chains. The final system would allow NFV system administrators to register and launch NF chains belonging to multiple tenants on a shared physical infrastructure. Additionally, the control plane would provide interfaces for scaling existing NF chains in response to workload changes. The virtual infrastructure would be implemented using Docker, while network programming would be done using Ryu SDN controller.