Overview
What this challenge is about.
Build a unikernel with WireGuard for a VPN provider, benchmark it against Linux, and deliver source and a memo to earn your verifiable certificate.
The scenario
The provider (zero-logging stance, audited annually, runs roughly 350 exit nodes) wants to shrink the attack surface — every Linux daemon on an exit node is a potential risk.
The Brief
What you'll do, and what you'll demonstrate.
Build a unikernel-based WireGuard exit-node prototype and assess viability against a Linux baseline on boot time, footprint, throughput, and operational cost.
Earning criteria — what you'll demonstrate
- Understand unikernel design (library OS, single address space)
- Reason about the attack-surface vs operational-cost tradeoff
- Benchmark network throughput rigorously (saturation, percentiles)
- Recommend a kernel-architecture path that respects ops reality
Program Fit
Where this fits in your program.
Sharpens the same skills your degree expects you to demonstrate.
Advanced Operating Systems
Master · Systems
Strong alignment
This challenge maps to Advanced Operating Systems at the Master level. It sharpens the same practical skills your coursework expects — but in a real industry context with actual constraints and deliverables.
Skills
Skills you'll demonstrate.
Each one shows up on your verified credential.
- Unikernels
Apply unikernels to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Virtualization
Apply virtualization to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Wireguard
Apply wireguard to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Kernel Development
Apply kernel development to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Benchmarking
Apply benchmarking to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Operating Systems
Apply operating systems to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
Careers
Career paths this challenge builds toward
Completing this challenge demonstrates skills that transfer directly to these roles: