What is Cloud Networking? A Complete Guide

You must be wondering What is Cloud Networking? It refers to the practice of utilising network resources, services, and infrastructure that are hosted in a cloud environment. It stands as the definitive avenue for propelling enterprises into the future with respect to their Data Management.  

Commonly referred to as Virtual Cloud Networking (VCN), Cloud Networking signifies the contemporary transformation of enterprise networks. This blog will discuss What is Cloud Networking in detail. Read below to learn more. 

Table of Contents 

1) Basics of Cloud Networking 

2) Cloud Networking services use cases 

3) Different types of Cloud Networking 

4) Significance of Cloud Networking 

5) Benefits of Cloud Networking 

6) Drawbacks of Cloud Networking 

7) Conclusion 

Basics of Cloud Networking 

What is Cloud Networking? To gain insight into this, it is essential to look into the underlying mechanisms of various network setups.  

In the traditional model, IT departments often segregate servers into distinct silos, each catering to specific data and management requirements. This approach has since evolved into virtualisation, permitting multiple operating systems to coexist in partitions on the same physical server. 

In a Cloud Network environment, all these components transition to the cloud, powered by numerous servers. As a result, Cloud Networking represents the most advanced and efficient approach to running an enterprise, even without considering the enhanced security and management features layered on top of it.  

Achieving this objective involves evaluating an organisation's existing setup, plans, and current capabilities. The following are some of the crucial factors to be considered: 

1) Scalability of Cloud Networks: Addressing scalability is imperative throughout the development life cycle, as resource needs change due to shifting demands arising from collaboration and testing. A Cloud Networking strategy must be constructed with foresight to ensure continued operation and effective budget management. 

2) Reliable Virtual Cloud Network (VCN): Enterprise needs to support both internal and external requirements, decisions regarding the configuration of a Cloud Network should encompass overall reliability. It must incorporate failover options and leveraging automation for proactive and reactive maintenance. 

3) Other cloud connections: Should the Cloud Network serve as the exclusive resource for the organisation, or will there be a necessity for a hybrid setup with some locally stored data? The decision, tailored to specific requirements, must be considered, including the possibility of a hybrid solution as part of a gradual transition to the cloud. 

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Cloud Networking services use cases 

Let us explore specific use cases to gain a deeper understanding of the potential of Cloud Networking.
 

1) Enhance on-premises networks: A virtual Cloud Network can seamlessly extend your existing on-premises network by utilising a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This offers a myriad of advantages, including encrypted communication and streamlined access to resources. 

2) Streamline network security automation: Cloud Networks possess the scalability and management capabilities required to implement security automation. This can encompass a wide range of functions, from automating patch deployment to enforcing security policies based on predefined criteria. The utilisation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning can predict and rectify issues proactively, preventing them from escalating. 

3) Efficient traffic inspection and Cloud Management: Cloud Networks can readily implement a hub-and-spoke topology, optimising resource and traffic management according to specific needs. This allows for the isolation of distinct customers based on resource utilisation or compliance requirements, enhancing overall efficiency. 

4) Create and segregate diverse cloud service environments: One of the most significant advantages of a virtual Cloud Network is its adaptability across usage, size, and scope. During the development lifecycle, different stages often have distinct requirements.  
When stages run concurrently, resource demands can fluctuate. Development, testing, implementation, and maintenance each come with unique needs, and a Cloud Network can seamlessly adapt to shifting resource requirements to accommodate these variations. 

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Different types of Cloud Networking 

The following are the different types of Cloud Networking:
 

1) Cloud Networking 

Cloud Networking encompasses the entire spectrum of connectivity among on-premises, edge, and cloud-based services. It includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). 

A thoughtfully implemented Cloud Networking strategy offers several key advantages, such as: 

1) Streamlined lifecycle management 

2) Assurance of a positive user experience 

3) Accelerated service rollout, reducing time to market 

4) Decreased operational expenses 

5) Mitigation of risks associated with applications and data 

2) Hybrid Cloud Networking 

Hybrid Cloud Networking falls within the domain of cloud and Multicloud Networking and focuses on establishing connections between two distinct cloud environments. It can include on-premises Private Clouds, hosted Private Clouds, and Public Clouds. It is also frequently employed to refer to the interconnection between an on-premises data centre and a Public Cloud. 

3) Multicloud Networking 

Multicloud Networking, often used interchangeably with Cloud Networking, refers to advanced capabilities that encompass being aware of applications and workloads, utilising a control plane delivered via SaaS, and establishing integrations with Public Cloud providers. 

These features simplify access to and the automated management of resources spanning multiple cloud platforms and on-premises environments. Common scenarios for Multicloud Networking implementation include: 

1) Leveraging SD-WAN and SASE for optimised access to Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings. 

2)  Employing Multicloud Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to ensure uniform application-aware policy automation across on-premises and IaaS environments. 

3) Facilitating hybrid application connectivity through SD-WAN solutions, extending between various Public Clouds and on-premises infrastructures. 

4) Cloud Networking and cloud-based networking 

It can specifically denote networking solutions where the control plane is hosted and delivered within Public Cloud environments, as opposed to relying on on-premises hardware or software stacks. Contemporary Cloud Networking solutions increasingly incorporate a cloud-based management plane. 

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Significance of Cloud Networking 

Cloud Networking is in high demand for its speedy and reliable data delivery, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. Businesses across various sectors, including internet service providers, e-commerce, and cloud service providers, are embracing it. 

Cloud Networking enables users to optimise their networks for cloud-based services, offering robust monitoring, traffic management, security, and centralised management. It enhances web access and bandwidth reliability for multiple network functions. 

In a Multicloud setting, Cloud Networking ensures performance and security, meets user needs and offers workloads distributed across cloud environments. This is achieved through a standard security framework, contextual access codes, and a multi-layer firewall, extending applications and services to distributed data centres in the cloud. 

Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) utilises network switches and routers to enable virtual access to hardware and software. It deploys secure devices and data in central locations and offers advanced networking features, cloud optimisation, and firewalls.  

SD-WAN standardises load balancing and enhances the user experience through intelligent analytics, providing tailored solutions for diverse cloud users. 

Benefits of Cloud Networking 

The following are the benefits of Cloud Networking: 

1) On-demand self-service: Cloud Computing offers necessary applications, services, and utilities to clients, allowing them to begin using them with a login key without the need for human interaction from cloud service providers. This includes storage and virtual machines. 

2) High scalability: It enables the allocation of resources on a large scale without human intervention from service providers. 

3) Agility: Cloud Computing efficiently shares resources among users and operates swiftly. 

4) Multi-sharing: Through distributed computing, users from multiple locations can share the same resources via a central infrastructure. 

5) Low cost: It is highly cost-effective, and charges are based on actual usage. 

6) Services in a pay-per-use model: Clients are provided with an Application Programming Interface (API) to access resources and services, paying only for what they use. 

7)  High availability and reliability: Servers are consistently accessible without delays or disruptions. 

8) Maintenance: Cloud Computing is user-friendly, accessible from any location, and doesn't require installation or setup. 

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Drawbacks of Cloud Networking 

The following are the drawbacks of Cloud Networking: 

1) Reliance on internet connectivity: Cloud Networking hinges on a robust and dependable Internet connection. Slow or unreliable connections can lead to performance issues and disrupt network access. 

2) Security concerns: Cloud Networks are vulnerable to cyber threats, potentially jeopardising sensitive data stored in the cloud. While proper security measures can mitigate this risk, some level of vulnerability always exists. 

3) Limited control: With Cloud Networking, reliance on the cloud provider for network infrastructure management can restrict your control over network operations and maintenance. 

4) Cost: Cloud Networking can be costly, especially for large-scale enterprise networks. Expenses can accumulate rapidly, including ongoing maintenance and support costs. 

5) Lack of customisation: Cloud Networking solutions are often pre-configured and may not offer the level of customisation needed by certain organisations, limiting the ability to tailor the network to specific requirements.
 

Conclusion 

Cloud Networking establishes connectivity among applications and workloads spanning various cloud platforms, cloud services, and on-premises data centres. The significance of Cloud Networking is becoming increasingly evident, serving as a component in ensuring the success of their digital operations. We hope this blog has aided in improving your understanding of What is Cloud Networking, its use cases, and best practices. 

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