Cloud networking is an IT infrastructure approach in which networking capabilities, resources and services are delivered through cloud infrastructure rather than relying entirely on on-premises hardware. It can include virtual routers, firewalls, switches, load balancers, security tools and network management software, and can be deployed across public, private, hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
They can feature virtual routers, firewalls, bandwidth, switches, load balancers and network management software. In its basic form, cloud networking assists your application to be easily reached via the internet while offering connection between jobs, facilities and data hubs.
Advanced formats are utilised to assess and organise new services or enhancements to current ones, while also shielding against any mischievous players. Businesses are enabled to create complex networks via internet by hosting users and resources in the cloud.
Thanks to cloud networking, trades can move their network management, control, and data connectivity from on-premises to a cloud infrastructure.
Cloud Computing vs Cloud Networking
These conceptions can be easily confused sometimes.
The term networking refers to the type of IT infrastructure where, as aforementioned, network resources are hosted on the cloud and available on-demand.
Whereas, cloud computing denotes resources which are shared by several users and comprises all the features required to run an application.
We can look at cloud computing as the umbrella term, while cloud networking is part of it.
Types of Cloud Networking
Through cloud-based services, cloud networking architectures are created, usually accompanied by centralised management and control.
The inner mechanisms of a cloud network though can fluctuate, subject to which category it`s being utilised. We list the variety hereunder.
- Cloud-enabled networking – the core network infrastructure which can comprise routing and data remains on the business` premises, while other networking functions like management, monitoring, security and maintenance are hosted in the cloud. Common practice here is to utilise SaaS (Software as a Service) to safeguard on-prem networks. In this case, incoming traffic is filtered, so only proper and sterile requests are handled by the infrastructure.
- Cloud-based networking – here the entire network is hosted in the cloud, all the procedures, resources and competencies, comprising the handling of these resources and hardware. Cloud-based is the top solution to exploit connectivity between resources and applications.
- Public cloud networks – the network is administered by a third party while providing access to a platform which features servers, databases, applications and storage. Multi-tenancy or timeshare permits systems to be accessed by various machines at the same time, with slight or no interruption. It offers a low set-up cost, and its perfect for businesses that need to tackle jobs at peak volume.
- Private cloud networks – the platform remains on the premises and limits access to authorised users only. It holds the workloads within the system, while the business maintains uniform standards and procedures for all network users. This method provides higher security, and a level of customisation which isn`t available in public cloud networks. It`s ideal for trades who have exclusive processes and dealing with sensitive data.
- Hybrid cloud networks – this offers the best of both worlds by utilising a flexible infrastructure connecting both public and private cloud services. One of the advantages utilising hybrid is that thanks to this flexibility, it`s easier to shift jobs between public and private cloud based models, in line with the business` requirements and individual situations.
Multi-Cloud Networking
This would sound like a hybrid cloud network to you, since it enables an organisation to blend two or more public or private cloud networks. The difference is that in multi-cloud networks you can combine multiple clouds of the same type, wherein hybrid you can use different types.
Multi-cloud are ideal for companies which need to expedite the provision of applications, eluding vendor lock-in, while refining customer experience by allotting applications to the edge, which are nearer to users` locations and physical machines.
Benefits
Cloud networking solutions offer a myriad of advantages, among which:
- Reduced costs – instead of maintaining your own equipment and software, you are accessing these plus storage via cloud. Pay-per-use billing models also subsist, so you don`t have to pay for resources that you`re not using
- Increased productivity – hardware and software upgrades, configurations and maintenance are handled by the cloud provider, freeing precious time to organisations to focus on other matters, while keeping admin costs low
- Security – cloud networking offers various options like Web Application Firewall (WAF), encryption, authentication and authorisation, plus malware protection solutions
Challenges
- Security – it is in the organisation`s best interest to audit vendors, and make sure they provide what they need
- Availability and downtime – if something goes wrong within the cloud, the solution rests with the providers and is out of the organisation`s control
- Vendor lock-in – it can impact an organisation`s flexibility when there`s need to move among cloud services. Multi-cloud could be a solution, but even there multi-vendor lock-in exists
Concluding with Unified Cloud Networking
Let us conclude by mentioning another handy aspect of cloud networking, which is a unified one. As you can appreciate now that you have gone through the article, cloud networking could be complex at times, and organisations need to put pieces together.
A Unified Cloud Networking could be the solution, like Application Programming Interface Management or API Management, which can ease cloud networking for developers and operations teams across an organisation.
Cloud networking remains the new way forward, as it revolutionises how businesses handle their IT needs, not only in cost savings, but innovation and swiftness.
FAQs
What is cloud networking used for?
Cloud networking is used to connect applications, users, devices, workloads and data across cloud and hybrid environments. It provides networking capabilities such as routing, security, load balancing, connectivity and network management without requiring all networking infrastructure to be hosted on-premises.
What is the difference between cloud networking and cloud computing?
Cloud computing provides computing resources and services such as servers, storage, databases and applications through cloud infrastructure. Cloud networking focuses specifically on the connectivity, communication, security and management of those resources and is therefore a component of the broader cloud computing environment.
What are the main types of cloud networking?
The main types include cloud-enabled networking, cloud-based networking, public cloud networking, private cloud networking, hybrid cloud networking and multi-cloud networking. Each model differs in where networking infrastructure is hosted and how public and private cloud resources are connected and managed.
What are the main benefits of cloud networking?
Cloud networking can reduce infrastructure costs, improve scalability and productivity, and provide access to cloud-based security and network management capabilities. It can also make it easier for organisations to connect users, applications and workloads across different locations.
What are the main challenges of cloud networking?
The main challenges include security, availability, downtime and vendor lock-in. Organisations can reduce these risks by carefully evaluating cloud providers, implementing appropriate security controls, planning for resilience and considering hybrid or multi-cloud strategies where appropriate.