Programming for networks and information security (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the programming related concepts and techniques often needed in the field of data networks and information security.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to write small Python scripts to:
-Parse different kinds of data (JSON, log data etc.)
-Connect and query a database
-Query an external API for data and build a simple REST API of their own

The contents of the course:
-JSON format
-Using basic Python data structures to store data
-Parsing data in Python
-Basics of databases - concepts of relational and non-relational databases
-Querying databases with Python
-Concept of an API
-Querying an API with Python
-Building your own RESTful API
-Command line arguments and piping content to a Python script
-Accessing OS from scripts

Objective

The goal of this workshop is to introduce the students to the concepts and techniques for programming a network device. Upon completion of the workshop, students will be able to:
- Understand the value, set-up and use of software concepts and tools relevant to network programmability (Python scripting, Git, JSON, Postman, APIs).
- Describe a different approach to software-defined networking (SDN), including central application policy control.
- Create simple applications in Python with REST APIs.
- Use the Cisco DevNet Sandbox to interact with programmable devices using real-world APIs on Cisco APIC-EM programmable controllers.
- Create a variety of programs to interact with the Cisco APIC-EM APIs.

Content

Introduction to Python and Programming Basics
- Code and Communities of Practice
- Python Basics: Use Python to create programs that accept user input and read and write to external files
- APIs and Parsing JSON: Create a Python application that accesses an API based on user input and processes and displays the JSON data that is returned.
- Programming the APIC-EM 2.1
- Network Programmability: Explain how the Cisco APIC-EM enhances network management and performance
- Programming the APIC-EM REST API: Explain features of the APIC-EM API and documentation
- Create Python software tools for working with the APIC-EM API

Materials

Teacher provided lecture material
Supporting public online material
All needed material (or at least a link to them) will be available in itslearning.

Teaching methods

Lectures and program examples
Programming exercises
Independent learning

Exam schedules

Final exam in December. Please note that exam is compulsory.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Given program examples and programming exercises support each topic studied during the lectures. Additional material in the form of tutorials and reliable information sources is provided.

Student workload

Contact hours 56 h
Inpendent studying 79h, including:
- Studying the course material
- Completing exercises
- Preparation for the exam

Evaluation methods and criteria

Final exam in December during lecture or laboratory hours at campus..
Exam will be graded on scale 0-5. Please note that you must get a passing grade in exam to pass the course.
Programming exercises returned and presented in class throughout the course. Please note that to get credit for the exercises you have to be present at laboratory sessions for the learning to be assessed.
Homework will be graded on scale 0-5. Please note that you must get a passing grade in homework to pass the course.
0 - Less than 50% of assignments completed.
1 - 50% to 59% of assignments completed.
2 - 60% to 69% of assignments completed.
3 - 70% to 79% of assignments completed.
4 - 80% to 89% of assignments completed.
5 - 90% to 100% of assignments completed.

Final grade will be the average of exam and homework.
Course lecture and exercise session attendance will be monitored. Minimum of 50% attendance in the contact sessions is required to pass the course.

Failed (0)

Student has limited understanding of scripting and data structures.
Student fails the exam.
Student has completed less than 50% of the homework.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Student is able to create scripts to solve problems and automate actions in networking and cybersecurity. Student knows data structures and programming interfaces.
Student receives a passing grade from the exam.
Student has completed at least 50% of the homework.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Student is able to create scripts and software projects to solve problems and automate actions in networking and cybersecurity. Student understands data structures and programming interfaces.
Student receives an average grade from the exam.
Student has completed over 70% of the homework.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Student is able to independently design and create scripts and software projects to solve problems and automate actions in networking and cybersecurity. Student understands data structures and programming interfaces, and can apply their knowledge effectively in the solution.
Student receives grade 5 from the exam.
Student has completed at least 90% of the homework.

Qualifications

Introduction to Programming or equivalent competence in Python.

Further information

Itslearning and contact classes are the main communication channels used on this course.

The student is required to have a computer capable of running a simple Ubuntu virtual machine.