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Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV): The Big Picture

by John Hales and Brian Eiler

This course is designed to introduce you to software defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV). This course will teach you what they are and why they are used to solve common networking problems.

What you'll learn

Many network engineers are familiar with using physical networking devices to connect and protect their networks; here you will be introduced to how to do the same things virtually, much like the relationship between physical and virtual machines. In this course, Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV): The Big Picture, you’ll learn to understand the purpose and role of the virtual implementations of familiar devices. First, you’ll explore the similarities and differences between SDN and NFV, along with who uses these technologies. Next, you’ll discover SDN in more detail to understand the command and control concepts as well as what traffic flows are and how they are controlled. Finally, you’ll learn how to describe NFV, including the broad range of capabilities, what overlays are and why they are used, and the landscape of vendors who offer solutions in the space. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of SDN and NFV needed to virtualize your network and/or physical devices you are using today.

About the authors

John Hales is also the author of many books, from involved technical books from Sybex and Cengage to exam preparation books, to many quick reference guides from BarCharts, in addition to custom courseware for Fortune 500 customers. His latest book on vSphere is entitled Administering vSphere 5: Planning, Implementing and Troubleshooting. He has taught in many countries in Europe (including Russia, The Netherlands, Germany, Latvia, England, France, and Ireland), the Middle East (including Israel ... more

Brian's technical background includes almost 20 years of implementing, teaching, and writing about products from VMware, Microsoft, Citrix, IBM, HP, EMC, Dell, and Cisco. In addition to his other certifications, he holds VMware's advanced instructor credential (VCI-Level 2) and two of their most advanced design and implementation credentials: VCAP-DCD and VCAP-DCA. Brian has recently begun taking his classroom and field experience to the masses by authoring a number of publications, training cou... more

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