Please note: this learning path has been replaced with an updated version for the ANS-C01 exam. Please find the new learning path here.

This learning path prepares you for the AWS Network Specialty certification exam. The combination of practical courses, labs, and quizzes deepens your knowledge and expertise in building and connecting AWS services and solutions. We cover content under the six domains outlined in the AWS exam guide. This study guide helps to ensure you are well prepared for the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty Exam.

What you will learn

This learning path covers the six major domains necessary to help you get to grips with advanced networking.

Domain 1.0: Design and implement hybrid IT network architectures at scale

In this domain, we learn how to define network architectures on AWS and how to derive an appropriate architecture, and how to evaluate and optimize for performance and cost. We then explore the procedural concepts for the implementation of hybrid IT architecture connectivity. We examine hybrid IT architecture connectivity solutions using BGP, VPN, and AWS Direct Connect.

Technical expertise in cloud computing, using AWS, is in high demand, and the AWS certification shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to deliver practical, forward-looking cloud-based solutions.

VPN and advanced subnetting - understand VPC Subnet configurations and VPC routing to ensure you architect your solution correctly and efficiently. The Subnets and Routing course looks and VPC Subnets and VPC Routing in detail, providing examples of both across different configurations and solutions and how to best implement your network design. In this domain we explore:

• VPC Subnets
• VPC CIDR Blocks - The effect of subnetting your VPC CIDR Block
• VPC Subnets - Public & Private Subnets
• VPC Peering: Subnet Considerations - considerations when architecting your subnets in different VPC Peering configurations
• Flow Logs: VPC Subnets
• VPC Routing - Routing Fundamentals & Route Tables
• Routing Priorities
• Routing: VPC Peering - Routing: VPN Connection via a Virtual Private Gateway
• Routing: Internet Gateways & NAT Gateways 
• Routing: VPC Endpoints - This lecture looks at the automatic routing configuration when creating a VPC Endpoint
•  VPC IPsec VPNs. We explain the IPsec security protocol, highlighting key components - providing explanations of what it is and why and where it is useful

We describe in detail the individual parts of IPsec protocol suite, such as Authentication Headers and Encapsulating Security Payloads.

We review the triple AAA of security - Authentication, Access, and Authorization. We then explore Security Associations and Key negotiation phases such as IKE phase 1 and phase2. We will finish our IPsec theory with an explanation of the differences between the different network transportation modes, Transport mode, and Tunnel mode. We examine where and how AWS uses and implements IPsec, introducing you to the VPC components Virtual Private Gateway, Customer Gateway, and VPN Connection. This section includes two VPC IPsec demonstrations. First, we will create a Statically routed IPsec VPN between 2 VPCs. Then create a Dynamically routed IPsec VPN between 2 VPCs. We work with BGP to perform route advertisements and route propagation.

Domain 2.0: Design and implement AWS networks

In this domain, we extend our knowledge of AWS networking concepts including:

• OSI and TCP/IP networking models. We ensure you have an understanding of both models, useful for learning, architecting, and/or operating large scale networks. To start with, we will review the Open System Interconnection model, which is a 7 layer reference model used to aid both learning, building, and troubleshooting of networks. Next, we will review the TCP/IP model, a more simplified 4 layer model that is used in the implementation of real-world networks such as the Internet and/or private networks such as corporate LANs.
• Jumbo Frames We provide a detailed overview of Ethernet frames and how and what effect Jumbo Frames have when configured. Jumbo frames allow more than 1500 bytes of data by increasing the payload size per packet. We will review use cases and scenarios where Jumbo Frames are useful. We create a complete working demonstration - configuring a Jumbo Frame enabled network between 2 VPCs. We deploy an EC2 instance within each VPC, each instance will be configured with a pair of ENIs. We will establish policy-based routing such that we end up with 2 network paths between the instances - the 1st network path will have a 1500 MTU - utilizing ethernet standard frames, and the second network path will have a 9000 MTU - utilizing Ethernet jumbo frames. 

Domain 3.0: Automate AWS tasks

For domain 3 we examine and explore automation use cases including security and environment monitoring. 

• We evaluate automation alternatives within AWS for network deployments
• Evaluate tool-based alternatives within AWS for network operations and management

Domain 4.0: Configure network integration with application services

• Evaluate DNS solutions in a hybrid IT architecture
• Leverage the capabilities of Route 53
• Determine the appropriate configuration of DHCP within AWS
• Determine a content-distribution strategy to optimize for performance using Amazon CloudFront

 Domain 5.0: Design and implement for security and compliance

• Evaluate design requirements for alignment with security and compliance objectives.
• Evaluate monitoring strategies in support of security and compliance objectives

Domain 6.0: Manage, optimize, and troubleshoot the network

• We explore the tools and steps you can implement to troubleshoot and resolve network issues using hands-on labs and a preparation exam. 

Prerequisites

• We recommend having a solid foundation of AWS and the services it has to offer before engaging with this learning path. 

Updates

April 9, 2018 - Added Certification Preparation Exam

FAQ

What is AWS Advanced Networking?

The AWS Advanced Networking Specialty is designed for people who create and execute complex networking tasks. The exam focuses on advanced skills in planning and applying AWS and hybrid IT network architectures.

What is the purpose of VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) provides the strongest security for remote, private networks to connect to the Internet. VPNs are exceptional at allowing users to work from home yet still have the same access as if they were in the office.

What is VPC in AWS?

Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) provides a launching point for AWS resources into a virtual network. By using AWS with the VPC, users can access their own data center with the scalable infrastructure provided by AWS.

How many VPC can be created in AWS?

A VPC can handle any number of Amazon EC2 instances, so long as it has enough space for each IP address. There is a limit of 20 Amazon EC2 instances that can be launched to start, with a maximum of over 65,000 IP addresses. 

What are the components of an Amazon VPC?

An Amazon VPC consists of eight separate objects:

• Virtual Private Cloud
• Subnet
• Internet Gateway
• NAT Gateway
• Virtual Private Gateway
• Peering Connection
• VPC Endpoints
• Egress-only Internet Gateway

What is the difference between a VPN, VPS, and VPC?

A VPN is a secure network of systems that are accessible through public access such as the internet. Users can exchange information across a public network, though they are linked directly to a private one. A virtual private server (VPS) allows users to share computer resources on a single data center. The data center is partitioned to create instances (another term for VPS) that function independently. A VPC is similar to the VPS except that instead of using one data center, the VPC uses a cloud of servers to provide the necessary space requirements.