Open-source networking
Modules 2–9SONiC Linux
hands-on labs
A safe, pre-configured environment to practise exactly what you learned in each module of the Enterprise SONiC Linux course.
8
modules with labs
20+
lab exercises
3
steps to book
Pre-configured topologies
Hints at every step
Model answers
Book any session
Illustrative session. You run the real commands in your booked lab.
The labs
A lab for every module,
from Module 2 onward
Each lab mirrors one module of the course: the same topics, in a working topology you configure, break and verify yourself. Open a module to see its exercises.
M2 Installation & Initial Setup 4 labs
Installing a switch OS with ONIE - configure SERVER1 and SW1, install SONiC, verify the result
Configuring switch management - hostname, static IP, physical port parameters, then back to DHCP
User accounts and authentication methods - inspect AAA, add RADIUS, set it as the default login method
Zero Touch Provisioning - DHCP server for ZTP, enable the service on SW1, check the results
M3 Configuration Methods & Interfaces 4 labs
CLICK configuration - assign a static management address from the CLI
Klish, the management framework CLI - back up a switch configuration to SERVER1 and restore it
Basic interface configuration - physical ports, port channels and Layer 3 interfaces
Configuring VLANs - isolate HR (VLAN 10) from Sales (VLAN 20) across two floors
M4 Layer 2 & Layer 3 Redundancy 2 labs
MC-LAG configuration - dual-home a server to SW1 and SW2 with trunked LAGs on both sides
VRRP configuration - set up master and backup routers behind a shared switch and verify failover
M5 Routing Protocols in SONiC 5 labs
OSPF configuration - three routers in a triangle, loopbacks, neighbours, end-to-end reachability
BGP configuration - unique AS numbers and router IDs, IPv4 unicast neighbours, session checks
Static routes configuration - full connectivity across a linear topology plus a blackhole route
BGP with BFD - add fast failure detection to every neighbour and verify peer state
DHCP relay - relay client requests through an L3 switch to a remote DHCP server
M6 Automation for SONiC 3 labs
Ansible - build an inventory with groups, test reachability, then change MTU with a playbook
RESTCONF automation - discover resources in the Swagger UI, read and change interface MTU
gNMI - verify the telemetry server, configure user authentication, test access to the API
M7 Troubleshooting SONiC 2 labs
Interface troubleshooting - find what is wrong on R2 and match its settings to R1 using interface status and the LLDP table
Analysing packet drops & generating tech-support logs - locate the source of packet loss on R1 with counter analysis, then package the logs for escalation
M8 VXLAN, EVPN & DCI 1 lab
EVPN VXLAN Configuration Lab - build a spine-leaf fabric with VXLAN tunnels and EVPN control plane, then verify end-to-end connectivity
M9 Access Control & Traffic Filtering 1 lab
Basic ACL Configuration & Traffic Filtering - configure ACLs on R1 to control traffic between PC1, SRV-FTP and SRV, then test them from each host
The labs follow the module structure of the Enterprise SONiC Linux course. Watch a module, then book its lab and put it into practice.
Why use the labs
Build practical SONiC skills
in ready-to-use lab environments
Hands-on practice
Work through practical scenarios on working topologies, not just slides.
From setup to EVPN/VXLAN
Practise tasks from installation and initial setup through to EVPN/VXLAN fabrics.
Flexible learning
Book lab time to fit your schedule and work through the modules at your own pace.
Pre-configured environments
Each topology is prepared in advance, so you can focus on the task.
Hints and tips
Use guidance and hints when you need support during an exercise.
Model answers
Check your work against example answers and explanations.
How it works
Three steps from lesson to lab
1
Finish a module
Work through a module of the course — labs start from Module 2.
2
Book your session
Create a profile on the training platform and pick a date and time that suits you.
3
Configure it yourself
Join the session and work through the tasks, with hints and answers on hand.
Sessions are booked on the route2open training platform. Times shown there are CE(S)T.
In collaboration with
What participants say
Practitioners who trained in the labs
“The SONiC hands-on training was a game-changer for me. The practical labs and real-world scenarios helped me gain confidence in managing and configuring open-source network systems.”
Tim
Senior Network Architect
“I highly recommend this training to anyone looking to advance their networking skills. The labs were thorough and well-structured, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply.”
Michael
Systems Administrator
“The labs thoroughly prepared me for our upcoming migration to SONiC. I now feel capable of managing open-source network systems.”
David
Cloud Infrastructure Specialist
Book your session
Ready to configure
something for real?
Choose a lab module, a day and a time slot in the calendar below. Your lab login details will be emailed to you.
What you need
A browser and an SSH client
The course module the lab belongs to
No switch or home lab of your own
- Available
- Some slots left
- Fully booked
Practise on your own
with the SONiC GNS3 lab
A ready-to-run GNS3 environment with nine pre-configured SONiC switches in a full leaf-and-spine fabric — now with built-in Ansible automation and Zero Touch Provisioning. No physical hardware required.
Instant delivery · NDA & software terms apply · Hosted by STORDIS
2 spine · 4 leaf · 4 access
Fully cabled fabric with an out-of-band management network
BGP-EVPN config included
eBGP underlay, VXLAN VTEPs and a Static Anycast Gateway on every leaf
Ansible controller + ZTP
Ready-to-run playbooks and SSH-key onboarding, pre-wired
Complete VM or project file
Boot the OVA, or import the topology into your own GNS3 server
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Questions before you book
How do the hands-on labs work?
Our hands-on labs simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to practise and apply what you have learned in a controlled environment. You follow step-by-step instructions to complete various tasks, ensuring practical experience.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. We cover foundational concepts before diving into advanced topics.
How long does each training module take to complete?
Each training module is self-paced, allowing you to complete it at your own convenience. On average, a module takes a few hours to complete, depending on your familiarity with the material.
Which modules have a lab?
Every module from 2 to 9. Module 1 is an introduction, so the practical work starts with installation and initial setup in Module 2.
What do I need to take part?
A browser and an SSH client. The topology, switches and servers are already built and waiting in the hosted environment — you never need hardware of your own.
Why is SONiC so essential in the current networking landscape?
SONiC is poised to grow substantially in the data-centre switch market, with predictions indicating significant adoption in large data-centre networks in the coming years.
Are there any prerequisites for taking SONiC hands-on training?
While a basic understanding of networking concepts can be beneficial, our SONiC hands-on training is designed to be comprehensive, catering to both beginners and experienced professionals.
How can I monitor devices running SONiC?
You can try Monsoon, the open-source network monitoring exporter for SONiC — an easy-to-use, affordable exporter that monitors routers and switches running the SONiC Linux Network Operating System. It is available from our GitHub repository.
