Building a Software-Defined Network with Open-Source Components

This case study explores the creation of a Software-Defined Network (SDN) using open-source networking components, with an emphasis on networking fundamentals, Linux, and coding. The project focuses on:

• Back-End Development: Utilizing Golang and Python
• Front-End Development: Utilizing JavaScript for user interfaces
• Open Source Technologies: Utilizing Linux namespaces, FRRouting, and GoBGP

My Goals: Create a Virtual Network Similar to a Cloud Network Using Open Source Tools

• How to create VPCs using Linux Bridge or Open vSwitch (OVS), namespaces, and GRE on Linux (manual/automated).
• How to create VPC peering using static routes, namespaces, and GRE on Linux (manual/automated).
• How to create VPC endpoints using static routes, namespaces, GRE, and NAT on Linux (manual/automated).
• How to create central VPC routing using dynamic routes, namespaces, and GRE on Linux (manual/automated).
• How to create central VPC routing using dynamic routes, namespaces, and MPLS L3VPN Central Service on Linux (manual/automated).

Objectives

• Transform ideas into real-world solutions
• Provide practical examples for aspiring Network Engineers aiming to become Network Development Engineers or Network Automation Engineers
• Inspire the next generation of network professionals through coding, Linux, and open-source routing technologies

Features

• End-to-end SDN design using open-source tools
• Implementation of MPLS VPN Layer 3, BGP, and OSPF using FRRouting and GoBGP
• Utilization of Linux Bridge and Open vSwitch (OVS) for Layer 2 networking
• Deployment of GRE, GENEVE, and VXLAN tunnels via iproute2 to interconnect Linux namespaces
• Integration of back-end and front-end technologies
• Real-world use cases and implementation examples