Program Highlights

Day-1
Networking & Virtualization

The first day of the APIE Local Camp focused on the fundamentals of network deployment and virtualisation. Participants explored key networking concepts including IPv4/IPv6, subnetting, VLAN, NAT, and OSPF, while also learning basic router and switch configuration techniques.

In the virtualisation session, participants gained hands-on experience with iDRAC and Proxmox to create and manage virtual machines on remote servers. Teams successfully understood the topology and completed cable connections smoothly.

Although the camp faced technical challenges due to frequent Proxmox downtime and switch bandwidth limitations, the issue was partially improved after replacing the main Cisco switch with a Huawei switch. Despite these obstacles, all groups managed to create multiple virtual machines by the following day, making the session a valuable practical learning experience.

Day-2
DNS Configuration

The second day of the camp focused on DNS deployment, security, and hands-on server configuration. Participants learned essential DNS concepts such as recursive and authoritative DNS, primary-secondary DNS, reverse DNS, ACL, zone transfer, and TSIG-based security.

During the practical sessions, participants installed and configured BIND9 on DNS server VMs, created forward and reverse DNS zones, and tested DNS resolution using dig. Teams successfully configured recursive as well as primary and secondary authoritative DNS servers, gaining valuable real-world experience in DNS management and security.

Day-3
IoT & Cloud Integration

The third day of the camp introduced participants to the world of IoT, cloud computing, and AWS integration. Participants explored IoT architecture, MQTT communication, and real-time data flow between sensors, dashboards, and actuators.

During the hands-on sessions, participants built IoT devices using ESP32, DHT11 sensors, and LEDs, then connected them to Wi-Fi to exchange data through the MQTT protocol. Later, they integrated their devices with AWS IoT Core, configured secure device authentication, processed sensor data using AWS Lambda, and stored the data in DynamoDB.

By the end of the day, every group successfully developed a complete cloud-connected IoT system while also gaining practical insight into IPv6 connectivity and scalable IoT infrastructure.

Day-4
VPN & Network Security

The fourth day of the camp focused on cybersecurity fundamentals, secure networking, VPN technologies, and firewall management. Participants learned about modern network security practices, attack vectors, and the role of security devices in protecting academic and enterprise infrastructures.

Hands-on activities included setting up Kali Linux environments, configuring OpenVPN for secure remote connectivity, and implementing firewall rules using pfSense. Industry experts and BUET professionals shared real-world insights into cybersecurity challenges and security practices used in enterprise and fintech environments.

By the end of the day, participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in network security, VPN configuration, and firewall management.

Day-5
Project Presentation & Closing Ceremony

The final day of the camp centered around group project presentations, industry insights, and the closing ceremony. Participants presented their secure and scalable smart campus network designs, showcasing concepts such as VLAN segmentation, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, NAT, security strategies, wireless networking, and IoT integration.

Faculty members provided feedback and conducted Q&A sessions to help participants refine their technical approaches and presentation skills. The day also featured an inspiring industry talk by a cybersecurity expert from BGD e-GOV CIRT, who shared real-world experiences on cybersecurity incidents, incident response, and career opportunities in the field.

The camp concluded with certificate distribution, participant reflections, and closing remarks from IICT, BUET faculty members, marking the successful completion of the 5-day learning journey.