Linux for Network Engineers

Business Benefits

• Faster diagnosis of network problems thanks to practical Linux tools and a structured testing methodology.
• Ability to build repeatable labs (GNS3) for change testing and internal training without risking production environments.
• Better quality of infrastructure service configurations (DNS/DHCP/TFTP) and fewer operational incidents.
• Enhancing team competencies in modern architectures (SDN, container networks) and improving NetOps/DevOps collaboration.

Target Audience

• Network Engineers
• System Administrators
• Infrastructure Maintenance Specialists
• Individuals working with network devices (e.g., Cisco/Juniper) and lab environments
• Testers and DevOps/SRE professionals who need practical Linux skills in the area of networking and infrastructure services

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of networking concepts (TCP/IP, addressing, DNS, routing). Familiarity with Linux basics or CLI is helpful but not required – essential commands will be introduced during exercises.

Technical Requirements

A computer with internet access (stable connection of at least 10 Mbps). Minimum recommended RAM is 8 GB (16 GB preferred) due to the lab environment (GNS3/VM). Headset and microphone required; camera optional. Ability to install software (GNS3 and dependencies) or access to a pre-prepared environment.

Training Methods

• Hands-on workshops in a lab environment (GNS3)
• Demonstrations and brief theoretical introductions before exercises
• Mini-cases and diagnostic scenarios (realistic network problems)
• Q&A sessions and consultations during task completion

Materials and Tools

• Electronic materials: presentation, lab instructions, configuration examples.
• Tools: GNS3, Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu/Debian), dnsmasq, TFTP server, DHCP service, Wireshark, Docker, Open vSwitch, OpenDaylight.
• Communication platform: MS Teams or Zoom.

Organization and Delivery

The training is delivered remotely in blocks of 2 x 7 hours (total 14 hours). Approximately 10 hours are dedicated to workshops and lab work, while about 4 hours cover introductions, demonstrations, and reviews. Participants complete practical tasks under the trainer's supervision, and validation is based on completed exercises and checklists.

Day 1 (7h) – Linux Basics for Networking and GNS3 Lab

• Introduction
• Networking in Depth: clients and servers, IP addresses, hubs and switches, routers and firewalls
• Linux Networking – overview: Linux NOS, equivalents of Cisco IOS commands in Linux
• Environment setup: GNS3 lab configuration, installation and configuration of Linux distribution
• Linux basics: file management, permissions, users/groups/passwords, processes
• GNS3 and Linux: testing networks and Internet, switch swapping

Day 2 (7h) – Network Services and SDN Basics

• TFTP/DNS/DHCP servers: configuration and tests (TFTP, dnsmasq, DHCP), tests with additional hosts
• SDN configuration: Open vSwitch and OpenDaylight, Docker-based networks, traffic analysis in Wireshark
• Summary and conclusions

Building and Preparing the GNS3 Lab

The participant configures the environment, adds a Linux distribution, and launches a test scenario.

Criterion: a correctly functioning lab and topology replication. Validation: practical task + trainer observation.

Basic Linux Administration

The participant works with files, permissions, users/groups, and processes.

Criterion: completion of administrative tasks according to the checklist. Validation: practical exercises.

Network Diagnostics and Testing in Linux

The participant identifies connectivity issues and correctly interprets test results. 

Criterion: correct diagnosis and proposed corrective actions. Validation: mini-case + check questions.

Configuring TFTP/DNS/DHCP Services

The participant configures and tests services (including dnsmasq) and handles additional hosts. 

Criterion: host receives an address from DHCP and resolves names in DNS; TFTP test successful. Validation: test scenario.

Network Traffic Analysis

The participant performs a capture in Wireshark and identifies key communication elements. 

Criterion: correct capture + discussion of conclusions. Validation: practical task.

SDN Basics and Container Networks

The participant launches Open vSwitch/OpenDaylight, creates a Docker-based network, and tests communication. 

Criterion: functioning SDN topology and connectivity between components. Validation: concluding exercise.

Trainer: Łukasz Walec

Technical trainer and practitioner in Linux administration and networking. Conducts workshops on diagnostics, network service configuration (DNS/DHCP/TFTP), and building lab environments (including GNS3). In training, he emphasizes exercises, "real-life" scenarios, and maintenance best practices.

Validator: Kamil Baran

Technical trainer and consultant with experience in validating learning outcomes in IT training. Validates achievement of objectives through checklists of practical tasks, check questions, and assessment of final exercise results.