The P4 Programming training is an intensive two-day program designed to introduce participants to the P4 language and its role in programmable data planes for modern networks. This course focuses on understanding how P4 enables fine-grained control over packet processing behavior in switches and network devices, allowing engineers to design flexible, protocol-independent, and high-performance networking solutions for SDN, cloud, and data center environments.

• Understand the architecture, concepts, and programmable data plane capabilities of P4 for modern networking.
• Set up and configure P4 development environments for programmable network application development.
• Design and implement packet parsing, header processing, match-action tables, and forwarding logic.
• Work with protocol-independent packet processing, pipeline configuration, and custom network behaviors.
• Debug, test, and optimize P4 programs for performance, scalability, and network efficiency.
• Build scalable, flexible, and production-ready programmable networking solutions using P4 best practices.

 • Network engineers and network architects
 • SDN and network automation professionals
 • Data center and cloud networking specialists
 • Researchers and professionals exploring programmable networks
 • IT professionals involved in next-generation networking technologies

 • Basic understanding of computer networking concepts
 • Familiarity with TCP/IP and packet forwarding fundamentals
 • Basic programming knowledge in any language is recommended
 • Awareness of SDN concepts is beneficial

 • Understanding P4 language concepts and architecture
 • Writing basic P4 programs for packet processing
 • Designing match-action tables and pipelines
 • Implementing protocol-independent forwarding behavior
 • Understanding P4 runtime and target architectures

By the end of this training, participants will be able to understand and develop basic P4 programs to control packet forwarding behavior in programmable network devices. Learners will gain the foundational skills required to design flexible data plane logic, interact with control planes, and explore advanced use cases in SDN and next-generation networking.

Introduction to P4 and Programmable Data Planes
 • Overview of programmable networking and data planes
 • Introduction to P4 language and design philosophy
 • P4 architecture and processing pipeline concepts
 • Packet parsing and header definitions
 • Match-action tables and control flow
 • Writing and compiling basic P4 programs
 • Overview of P4 targets and software switches

Advanced P4 Concepts and Use Cases
 • P4 control blocks and externs
 • Stateful packet processing concepts
 • P4 runtime and control plane interaction
 • Debugging and testing P4 programs
 • Common P4 use cases and deployment scenarios
 • Performance considerations and best practices
 • Future trends in programmable networking

• P4 Setup & Programmable Data Plane Architecture
• Packet Parsing, Header Processing & Match-Action Tables
• Pipeline Configuration, Forwarding Logic & Protocol Implementation
• Debugging, Testing & Performance Optimization
• End-to-End Programmable Network Development Project

Participants will be evaluated through hands-on programming exercises, conceptual discussions, and practical scenarios during the training sessions. The evaluation focuses on understanding P4 concepts, correctness of P4 programs, and the ability to apply programmable data plane principles to real-world networking problems.

Participants will receive course materials, slides, reference materials, exercises and access to resources for further learning.

Upon successful completion of the training, participants will receive the AcadNXT Certification for P4 Programming. This certification validates the learner’s foundational knowledge of programmable data planes, P4 language constructs, and practical implementation of packet processing logic in modern networks.