Networking Graduation Project

[fx_33]

Hello,

As a senior networking student, I am currently planning my graduation project and would greatly appreciate your guidance. I am looking for a unique and innovative project idea that combines networking, security, and, if possible, some programming aspects, or any network project ideas.

If you have any suggestions of a good networking graduation project, I would be extremely grateful for your input.

[liviu.gheorghe]

A great example of a project that combines networking, security, and programming using Cisco equipment could be Automated Security Configuration for Cisco Routers and Switches Using Python.

You can create a Python-based automation system that securely configures and manages Cisco routers and switches with focus on applying best practices for network security, automating the configuration of network devices, and implementing security measures like access control, encryption, logging through code.

For the networking part you can configure basic network settings (IP routing, VLANs, interfaces, etc.) and more advanced features (routing protocols like OSPF/BGP, NAT, etc.) on Cisco devices.

For the security part you can implement security features like ACLs, port security, configure and enforce secure routing protocols (e.g., OSPF with authentication, BGP with MD5), enable logging and syslog server configuration for auditingand many more.

For the Programming part you can use Python with the Netmiko, Paramiko, or NAPALM libraries to automate network configuration tasks which will allow you to interact with Cisco devices via SSH and configure them programmatically.

You can use the Cisco Modeling Labs free version for your lab. The free CML is limited to 5 devices, but for the scope of the project I think it’s perfect.

You will be kind of reinventing the wheel here as many solutions out there do this kind of things, but it’s a great way to enhance your knowledge of both networking and security in a Cisco-based environment while applying programming skills to automate and improve operations.

[fx_33]

If I would like a more advanced networking project idea that doesn't involve programming, could you please suggest one? Thank you for your response!

[liviu.gheorghe]

An example of a more advanced networking project would be the Design and Implementation of a Multi-Site MPLS VPN to name the first one that comes to mind.

I'm thinking of build a scalable, secure, and efficient network that connects multiple remote sites over the public internet while keeping traffic isolated and secure. For the advanced networking concepts you have MPLS, VPNs, QoS, traffic engineering, and redundancy features.

What do you think? Is it too much?

[fx_33]

Actually, I completed a similar project in one of my networking courses. For my graduation project, I’m aiming for something new and unique. Thanks again for your suggestions, though!

[liviu.gheorghe]

Ok. A multilevel DMVPN type 3 infrastructure then?

[fx_33]

I worked on this on one of the projects as well. I’m exploring the possibility of addressing a specific security problem and do a project to help solving that problem, like malware analysis for example. Do you have any suggestions or ideas in this area? Thank you so much!