Network Services
In this stage of the course, we focus on building Network Services, which are integral to modern computing systems. Network services allow devices to communicate and share resources over a network, forming the backbone of the internet and corporate IT infrastructures. By creating both clients and servers for these services, you'll gain a deep understanding of how these systems operate and interact.
This section emphasizes creating robust, efficient, and secure network applications. You will explore a range of protocols—HTTP, FTP, SMTP, Telnet, SSH, DNS, and more—while implementing real-world solutions. These projects will enhance your ability to build scalable applications and design complex systems.
Tools We Will Build
1. HTTP Client
An HTTP Client sends requests and processes responses from web servers. In this module, you will:
Build a client that supports GET, POST, and other HTTP methods.
Handle headers, cookies, and query parameters.
Implement timeout and retry mechanisms for reliability.
This project introduces you to the ubiquitous HTTP protocol and its practical applications.
2. HTTP Server
An HTTP Server responds to client requests and serves content. You will:
Build a web server using Go’s
net/httppackage.Implement routing to handle different endpoints.
Add features like logging, static file serving, and API responses.
This tool demonstrates how to set up a basic web application or API backend.
3. HTTPS Client
An HTTPS Client establishes secure connections to servers, ensuring privacy and integrity. You will:
Configure TLS for encrypted communication.
Validate certificates and handle errors gracefully.
Work with secure APIs and web services.
This module highlights the importance of encryption in modern applications.
4. HTTPS Server
An HTTPS Server secures web communications for clients. In this project, you will:
Set up TLS certificates for HTTPS.
Enforce strong encryption standards.
Implement best practices for securing your server.
This tool prepares you to build secure, production-ready web applications.
5. FTP Client
An FTP Client handles file transfers over the File Transfer Protocol. You will:
Connect to FTP servers and navigate directories.
Upload, download, and delete files programmatically.
Handle authentication and file permissions.
This project provides practical experience with legacy yet widely-used protocols.
6. FTP Server
An FTP Server facilitates file sharing and management for clients. You will:
Implement user authentication and access control.
Manage file uploads, downloads, and directory operations.
Log client activity for monitoring purposes.
This project teaches you server-side file handling and user management.
7. FTPS Client & 8. FTPS Server
FTPS (FTP Secure) adds encryption to the FTP protocol. In these modules, you will:
Integrate TLS with your FTP client and server.
Secure file transfers against interception and tampering.
Ensure backward compatibility with traditional FTP systems.
These tools emphasize the importance of securing legacy protocols.
9. SMTP Client & 10. SMTP Server
The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is used for sending and relaying emails. You will:
Build an SMTP client to compose and send emails programmatically.
Create an SMTP server to receive and route emails.
Implement features like email attachments and authentication.
These projects explore the fundamentals of email communication.
11. Telnet Client & 12. Telnet Server
Telnet provides text-based remote access to servers. You will:
Implement a client to connect and communicate with Telnet servers.
Build a server that handles remote sessions.
Address security considerations for Telnet, such as plain-text communication risks.
These tools introduce the basics of terminal-based remote communication.
13. SSH Client & 14. SSH Server
SSH (Secure Shell) offers secure remote access. In these modules, you will:
Create an SSH client to authenticate and execute remote commands.
Build a secure SSH server for managing remote sessions.
Implement features like key-based authentication.
These tools are crucial for secure remote administration and automation.
15. DNS Client & 16. DNS Server
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. You will:
Build a client to query DNS records (A, MX, TXT, etc.).
Create a server to handle and resolve DNS requests.
Explore caching and load balancing techniques.
This project provides insight into domain resolution and traffic management.
17. DHCP Client & 18. DHCP Server
DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. You will:
Implement a DHCP client to request and renew IP leases.
Build a DHCP server to allocate and manage IP addresses.
Handle address conflicts and lease expiration.
These tools demonstrate how networks dynamically configure devices.
19. VPN Client & 20. VPN Server
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) secure communication over untrusted networks. You will:
Build a client to connect to VPN servers and establish secure tunnels.
Create a server to manage VPN connections.
Implement encryption and routing for secure data transmission.
These projects explore advanced networking concepts like tunneling and security.
Why This Section Matters
By the end of this section, you will have gained:
A deep understanding of client-server communication.
Proficiency in implementing a wide range of network protocols.
The ability to build secure, reliable, and scalable network services.
These skills are essential for modern application development and prepare you for the final stage of the course: Security Tools.