Lab Activity

Podman Networking

Configure and manage container networks with Podman to ensure seamless communication between containers .

About This Lab

In this hands-on lab, you will learn how to create and manage container networks using Podman. Podman is a powerful, daemon-less container engine that offers secure and flexible alternatives to Docker. Networking is a critical component of containerized applications, allowing containers to communicate securely and efficiently. This lab will guide you through creating custom networks, attaching containers to networks, testing connectivity, and managing network resources.

What You Will Learn

This lab will guide you through:

Installing Podman using the dnf package manager and verifying the installation.
Listing and inspecting default Podman networks.
Creating custom networks using the podman network create command.
Attaching and detaching containers from custom networks.
Testing container-to-container connectivity within a network.
Managing networks by pruning unused ones and ensuring proper network cleanup.

Why Learn Podman Networking?

Container networking is a fundamental skill for deploying and managing containerized applications, especially in complex, multi-container environments. Podman provides robust networking capabilities that are essential for connecting services and ensuring secure communication between containers. Unlike traditional Docker-based setups, Podman's daemon-less architecture enhances security and control. Learning Podman networking equips system administrators and developers with the skills to manage containerized services effectively in both development and production environments.

Who Should Take This Lab?

This lab is ideal for:

Beginners interested in container networking concepts.
Linux system administrators seeking to manage container networks securely.
Developers and DevOps professionals looking to enhance their container infrastructure skills.
Students preparing for certifications like Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA).

Prerequisites

Before starting this lab, ensure you have:

Basic knowledge of Linux command-line operations.
Familiarity with fundamental container concepts (recommended).

Lab Highlights

Key steps you will perform in this lab include:

Installing Podman and verifying the installation.
Listing and inspecting Podman’s default network setup.
Creating custom networks and verifying their configurations.
Attaching and detaching containers from networks.
Testing connectivity between containers on the same network.
Cleaning up unused networks using podman network prune.

This lab provides hands-on experience with Podman’s networking capabilities, essential for building scalable, secure, and connected container environments.