The Fundamentals of Software-Defined Networking: Towards Intelligent and Flexible Networks is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide to Software-Defined Networking (SDN), specifically designed for educators, trainers, and professionals transitioning into modern networking. It offers a structured, standards-based approach that starts with fundamental networking concepts and builds up to advanced SDN architectures. Focusing on accessibility and practical application, it emphasizes open-source tools and real-world labs that can be implemented in low-resource environments. It covers key SDN technologies, including OpenFlow, SD-WAN, SD-LAN, NFV, LISP, and orchestration with Ansible, while integrating Python-based automation and RESTful APIs.
Key Features
- Progressive, beginner-friendly structure ideal for academic and training settings.
- Hands-on labs using open-source tools such as ONOS, Ryu, Open vSwitch, and Python, plus real-world case studies and projects.
- Vendor-neutral content with no reliance on proprietary technologies.
- Supplementary materials, including scripts and emulator images are available online: http://github.com/sadiqui-ali/SDN_resources
This book is beneficial for instructors, students, and IT professionals seeking a practical and comprehensive introduction to SDN. Moreover, it is particularly suited for training environments where cost-effective, standards-based learning is essential.
The Fundamentals of Software-Defined Networking: Towards Intelligent and Flexible Networks is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide to Software-Defined Networking (SDN), designed specifically for educators, trainers, and professionals transitioning into modern networking.
1. Network Fundamentals and Technological Developments. 1.1
Introduction. 1.2 Traditional Network Architectures. 1.3 Limits of
Traditional Network Architectures. 1.4 SDN Network Overview. 1.5 Advantages
of an SDN Network. 1.6 Main SDN Components. 1.7 API North and South: The
Pillars of SDN Orchestration. 1.8 SDN Network Models. 1.9 An Example of SDN
Architecture in Action. 1.10 Main SDN Controllers: An Overview. 1.11 SDN
MultiController Network. 1.12
Chapter Conclusion. Lab 1: Exploring
Centralized WiFi Control with Cisco WLC. Lab 2: Deploying and Managing SDN
Controllers with Cisco Packet Tracer.
2. Network Programming and Automation.
2.1 Introduction. 2.2 Network Programming and SDN Networks. 2.3 Different
Network Programmability Models. 2.4 Imperative and Declarative Programming
Models. 2.5 Application Programming Interfaces. 2.6 Network Automation via
RESTful API. 2.7 Using Python in Network Programming and SDN Architectures.
2.8
Chapter Conclusion. Lab 3: Python Automation for VLAN Management. Lab 4:
SDN and RESTful API Integration.
3. The OpenFlow Protocol. 3.1 Introduction.
3.2 Benefits of the OpenFlow Protocol. 3.3 OpenFlow Protocol Versions. 3.4
Components of an OpenFlow Architecture. 3.5 Management and Role of Tables in
OpenFlow Switching. 3.6 Flow Table and Flow Entries. 3.7 OpenFlow Messages.
3.8 How OpenFlow Works. 3.9 OpenFlow Ecosystem and Switch Management. 3.10
Other SDN Protocols. 3.11 Conclusion. Lab 5: SDN Architecture and Flow
Control with OpenVSwitch and OpenFlow.
4. SDWAN Technology. 4.1
Introduction. 4.2 Introducing SDWAN. 4.3 Key SDWAN Features. 4.4 SDWAN
Architecture. 4.5 Issues and Challenges of SDWAN Technology. 4.6 Conclusion.
Lab 6: Optimizing WAN Traffic with SDWAN and FortiGate Configuration.
5. SDN
Technology Applied to Campus Networks: SDLAN and GroupBased Policy
Management. 5.1 Introducing Campus Networks. 5.2 Key Requirements for Campus
Network Optimization. 5.3 SDLAN Technology. 5.4 GroupBased Policy
Management. 5.5 Automated Campus Network Solutions. 5.6 Conclusion. Lab 7:
Implementing SDLAN Segmentation and Group Policies via OpenFlow. Lab 8:
Programmable MicroSegmentation in SDLAN Using Ryu and OpenVSwitch. Lab 9:
Cisco MicroSegmentation with SGT and CTS.
6. The Convergence of NFV and SDN
for a Modern Network Infrastructure. 6.1 Introduction to NFV. 6.2 Network
Virtualization Standards. 6.3 Data Center Optimization through NFV. 6.4
Interaction between NFV and SDN. 6.5 When Should NFV and SDN Be Combined?.
6.6 Conclusion. Lab 10: Isolating Traffic with VRF. Lab 11: InterVRF Routing
with Controlled Isolation on Cisco Devices. Lab 12: Enabling Secure Shared
Resource Access via VRFtoGlobal Routing. Lab 13: Deploying LISP
Architecture and Mobility in Cisco Networks. Lab 14: Integrating LISP and
NonLISP Networks in Cisco Architectures. Note.
7. Understanding and
Deploying SDN Overlay Networks. 7.1 Introduction. 7.2 Diversified
Applications of Overlay Networks. 7.3 Overlay Network Technologies and
Methods. 7.4 VXLAN Network Overlay. 7.5 VXLAN and SDN: Technical
Complementarity. 7.6 VXLAN Management Methods: Static versus Dynamic. 7.7
Technical Challenges of VXLAN Networks. 7.8 Conclusion. Lab 15: Deploying
Static VXLAN over Underlay Networks with Multicast Control. Lab 16: Static
VXLAN Deployment Over FortiGate with Overlay/Underlay Integration.
8.
Orchestration in an SDN Environment with Ansible. 8.1 Introduction. 8.2
Definition and Role of SDN Orchestrators. 8.3 Advantages of SDN
Orchestrators. 8.4 General Architecture of an SDN Orchestrator. 8.5 Leading
SDN Orchestrators. 8.6 Orchestrating a Network with Ansible. 8.7 Synergy
between Ansible and SDN Networks. 8.8 Conclusion. Lab 17: Automating Network
Configuration with Ansible Orchestrator.
9. Reinventing Enterprise Networks
with Cisco SDAccess. 9.1 Introducing the SDAccess Solution. 9.2 Cisco
SDACCESS Architecture. 9.3 Platforms and Management Tools Integrated into
Cisco SDAccess. 9.4 Cisco SDAccess Integration in External Networks. 9.5
Comparative Analysis: Cisco ACI vs Cisco SDAccess. 9.6 Conclusion. Lab 18:
Cisco SDLAN Deployment with TrustSecBased MicroSegmentation. Note.
Ali Sadiqui is an accomplished instructor and researcher, holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science and currently teaching at the Specialized Institute of Applied Technologies in Meknes. Specializing in computer networks, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, he is the author of several internationally recognized books and scientific publications.
With a career at OFPPT, Dr. Sadiqui has extensive experience in higher education. He teaches courses on computer architecture, preparation for Cisco certifications, database management, and programming in various languages such as Python, Java, and C. Before his academic career, he worked as an IT Service Manager.
Dr. Sadiqui is a prolific innovator. His doctoral dissertation introduced a pioneering system for automatic Arabic speech recognition. He is also the inventor of a patented multilayer internet filtering system, which combines a secure cloud architecture with a simplified interface.
Beyond teaching, he actively contributes to the OFPPT ecosystem as a member of committees for pedagogical validation, digitalization, and the design of final examinations. His commitment to supervising student projects has enabled many of his students to receive awards in national competitions. Engaged in the community, he has also promoted scientific research within several associations to introduce children to programming and robotics.
Moulay Rachid Filali is the Certification Manager at the Specialized Institute of Applied Technologies (ISTA) in Meknes, part of the OFPPT network. In this role, he oversees a strategic portfolio of professional certifications in the field of information technology. His mission is to equip future professionals with robust technical skills aligned with international standards.
A recognized expert in network and systems environments, Mr. Filali leads the training and preparation of students for several major industry certifications. He provides comprehensive support for Cisco certification tracks, including both CCNA and CCNP, focusing on advanced skills in network installation, configuration, and administration. He also oversees the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification, ensuring trainees master Microsoft technologies and their operational ecosystems. In the field of cybersecurity, he prepares candidates for the Fortinet FortiGate certification, which emphasizes the management of next-generation firewalls. Additionally, he ensures thorough preparation for Linux certification, essential for careers in system administration, cloud computing, and DevOps.
Thanks to his expertise and rigorous teaching approach, Mr. Filali plays a key role in developing learners competencies, contributing significantly to their successful integration into the fast-evolving technology sector.
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