As the Internet plays a vital role in modern lifestyles, there is a need for designing and implementing better network programming models. A high-performing network programming model will facilitate effective application interaction. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best network programming projects that will expand your skills with real-world experience.
5 Skills That Network Programming Projects Can Help You Practice
Working on network programming projects can help you practice numerous skills. Below is a curated list of skills you can practice through the beginner, intermediate, and advanced network programming projects featured in this article.
- Network Firewalling. A firewall can be implemented on software or hardware. Sometimes it’s implemented in both. Network firewalls prevent unauthorized users from accessing private networks. As you work on network programming projects, you will gain familiarity with using packet filters, proxy servers, or application gateways.
- Network Protocols. Through network protocol, computers are able to communicate regardless of the difference in structure, process, or design. The protocols form the foundation of Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks.
- Programming. You’ll need to thoroughly know a programming language in network programming. Some of the most popular programming languages are Python, Perl, Bash, and Go. Network administration utilizes Python to automate systems, Go for mission-critical services, and Perl for scripting. Bash is excellent for Unix-based systems.
- Cloud Computing. As you work on different network programming projects, you will find that most are based in the cloud. The cloud offers a cost-effective, accessible, reliable, and scalable platform for storage. This means you will acquire a few skills in cloud computing as you see your projects to completion.
- Switching and Routing. These are the concepts in network communication. Switching helps to switch data packets on the same network. Routing directs packets to different networks.
Best Network Programming Project Ideas for Beginners
As a beginner in the field, it may be a bit difficult to work on network programming projects. However, there are multiple beginner-friendly project ideas available to jumpstart your career in network programming. You can use the list of project ideas below to guide you.
Build a Network Proxy
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Network Protocols
This project will teach you socket programming, network protocols, and threading. You will also learn concepts like addresses and ports. You will also cover HTTPS and the structure of a request. Threading will help you handle multiple connections. The difficulty of this project depends entirely on the complexity of the proxy.
A Networked Game Framework
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Network Protocols, Programming
This project requires you to create a network application where users can post messages. To establish the success of the project, the users should be able to participate in the chat room by identifying the IP address. Through the dialog box, the user will display the information. This will open up as a user interface. They should also have a text input box to type in messages.
Network Programming Project
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Network protocols, Programming
As part of this project, you will develop small-scale applications. You will design and implement transmission control protocol and internet protocol networking applications in a Unix environment. This project will especially allow you to develop your programming skills.
Implement TCP/IP Stack in C
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Routing and Switching
This project will help you learn the basics of network programming. Some of the elements involved include network topology, library integration, and project modularization techniques. You will also learn how to implement routing and switching, develop source code, and write command-line interface commands.
Network Desktop Manager
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Network Protocols
This project will take you through connecting two or more computers to communicate with each other. You will learn to design, program, and develop support for local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).
A desktop manager should be able to access the configuration settings of desktops to determine the reception of updates. This ensures that all of the computers are working efficiently and securely. The admin should be able to conduct desktop sharing, port scanning, and desktop locking.
Best Intermediate Network Programming Project Ideas
Once you have some experience in the field, you can take on intermediate projects. The network projects below will help you solidify your skills and provide you with impressive portfolio content.
Socket Programming in Python
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Programming, Network Protocols
Socket programming involves the connection of two nodes for network communication. In this case, the server acts as a listener socket. You will start by importing a socket library to make a socket. After importing the socket, you can make a socket object and bind the server to the port on your PC. Once the server receives incoming connections, you can listen to the local computer’s calls.
Software-defined Networks and Network Functions Virtualization
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Network Protocols, Programming
In this project, you will develop and implement software-defined networks for programming network applications. To complete this project, you will conduct a network programming project associated with software-defined networks and network function virtualization.
Network Programming
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Network Protocols, Network Firewalling
This project involves routing, remote procedure calls, shared memory, and socket programming. It fosters network protocol development and implementation. It also features distributed services and applications such as client to server interactions, name services, and distributed file systems.
TCP Performance in an EGPRS system
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Programming
Transmission control protocol (TCP) is one of the most popular protocols used to provide reliable service control on the internet. This project will help you delve deeper into TCP functions and uses. The Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (EGPRS) extension of the global system for mobile communications is one of the technologies relevant to mobile internet.
Throughout varying phases of this project, you’ll need to create simulations to test for problems. Therefore, by completing this project, you will get an overview of the EGPRS system and technologies.
Libdnet
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Network Firewalling
This interface is reliable and simplified for low-level networking tasks. Routines include network address manipulation, table lookup, and network firewalls. It also fosters network interface manipulation, Ethernet frame transmission, and internet protocol tunneling.
Advanced Network Programming Project Ideas
To upskill, you can try more challenging projects in network programming. The projects below can help you develop network programming skills and prepare for the workplace.
Internet Protocols Course Project
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Programming, Network Protocols
This project involves building a Dash video streaming protocol. You will build the platform on Dash but without support from HTTP. Dash contributes to improving viewers’ experience by limiting interruptions caused by network instability. With Dash, the video quality and lag are adjusted based on the network condition.
The software you will work on should be able to receive clients’ video requests and parts of video files. There should be available resolution files for the videos. Through the software, clients can communicate to the server program and vice versa.
Cloud-Based Network Programming
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Cloud Computing, Network Protocols, Network Firewalling
This project focuses on cloud-based programming, due to its scalability, flexibility, security, and cost-efficiency. You will develop your familiarity with cloud-based network programming. You can use the cloud to test and deploy the networking programs. By completing this series of projects, you can easily start your career in network programming.
IP-Based Patient Monitoring System
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Network Protocols, Network Firewalling
In this advanced network programming project, you will get to work on a patient monitoring system based on one of the most popular network protocol suites. The TCP/IP protocol suite will enable the user to upgrade the firmware and software of the patient monitoring system using TCP protocols through an open communication network. The user should also be able to monitor the physiological signs of the patient.
Nursing Home COVID-19 Action
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Switching and Routing
This project is inspired by over 9,000 nursing homes that are aiming to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In partnership with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Project ECHO, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, this project takes the nursing staff through ten months of training and technical assistance. You can use this as an example for new projects.
Advanced Network Programming
- Network Programming Skills Practiced: Network Protocols
This project will take you through ARP and TCP protocols using Linux devices. It will help you explore techniques in data center networking advancements, debugging tools, and network implementation protocols. As part of the project, you will touch on IP packet headers, the evolution of raw sockets, networking concepts, RDMA networking, and TCP state machine processing.
Next Steps: Start Organizing Your Network Programming Portfolio
Many hiring companies seek to employ professionals with hands-on experience in network programming. A portfolio is one of the best ways to showcase your skills to the recruiting team. Below are a few factors to consider when organizing your network programming portfolio.
Pinpoint Major Achievements
You can easily gain an advantage over other job applicants by listing your highest achievements in the portfolio. Your most significant projects have precedence over minor accomplishments in network programming. List achievements that showcase a wide range of skills and expertise.
Relevance
To get a good understanding of what recruiters are looking for, you can read the job description and visit the company website. They will help you gauge the best skills and expertise to highlight in your portfolio. Use your research findings to update or polish your portfolio to fit the position.
Provide Links
If you have any of your network programming projects online, you can choose to include the links in your portfolio. Not only will this allow employers and recruiters to see your work in action, but it also serves as a testimony to your work. Recruiters will also be able to verify your skills by checking your projects online.
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Network Programming Projects FAQ
Programming languages used in network programming are Python, Bash, Golang, and Perl. Python is a simple and readable language that is used in writing scripts and networking tools. Golang, developed by Google, is used for creating network software. Network engineers use Perl and Bash to write scripts for automation.
You can start a career as a network programmer, network specialist, network analyst, network engineer, or network technician.
There are plenty of certifications available for professionals who have gained experience through network programming projects. You can choose to pursue Cisco certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco Certified Network Professional, and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. You can also pursue Wireshark WCNA or Juniper certifications.
You can acquire skills in network programming by enrolling in an online course, attending a bootcamp program, or through video tutorials. You can also attend vocational training or a university program.
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