In today’s connected world, networking technology is the backbone of modern IT, enabling businesses to access their data and applications from anywhere. The cloud plays a central role in this flexibility, but setting up cloud networking isn’t always as simple as flipping a switch. With the right planning and best practices, however, you can ensure a smooth deployment and a network that meets your needs.
Key Takeaways:
In a cloud-based IT network infrastructure model, some or all of the necessary resources exist in the cloud and are available on demand. This software-defined networking enables users to quickly access network functionality through a simple application interface on a single centralized console, regardless of whether the resources are hosted in a public or private cloud.
Nutanix Flow Networking is an example of SDN in the cloud for organizations operating in the Nutanix environment. Flow exemplifies the value of software-defined networking as a solution that brings software lifecycle automation, enables self-service for DevOps, automates disaster recovery, and secures separate networks through multi-tenant segmentation.
Allied Market Research reports that the global multicloud networking market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2021, with a projected increase to $19.9 billion by 2031. This figure illustrates not only the growing predominance of multicloud as a preferred cloud ecosystem but also the need for businesses to fully understand the planning, deployment, and best practices necessary for successful cloud networking in order to compete on even terms in the IT industry.
The first step in planning an SDN strategy in the cloud is to decide whether to use on-premises hardware and resources to build a private cloud or to leverage third-party services in the public cloud. Alternatively, you can opt for a hybrid cloud approach that combines both and provides you with the flexibility of a public cloud while directing more sensitive network traffic to the more secure private cloud.
The basis of software-defined networking is the applications that communicate resource requests and other information regarding the network. Software-based controllers process that communication traffic and determine how to route the associated data packets. The actual networking devices receive directions from controllers and are responsible for handling the movement of data.
The enterprise itself is responsible for setting up and maintaining these applications, controllers, and networking devices in private or hybrid cloud situations. In public cloud deployments, the service provider bears that burden.
In-house cloud networking requires you to understand different SDN models and when to use them:
The planning stage of setting up networking in the cloud is a matter of choosing the right SDN model for a given situation or outsourcing the process to a service provider.
When deploying a planned cloud networking strategy, one additional consideration to make is the defining of network requirements. You can ensure a better user experience by outlining expected traffic patterns, security and compliance standards, and troubleshooting plans ahead of time. With these expected requirements in mind, you can get network deployment right the first time by moving forward at the correct scale.
Working with the right cloud provider and opting for the most suitable service model for your circumstances can simplify the decision-making process and deployment as a whole. For example, operating in the Nutanix environment means having access to models designed specifically for each level of cloud networking services:
You can collaborate with your service provider to meticulously design the architecture by deciding how to structure cloud resources. Virtual machines, containers, databases, load balancers, firewalls, VPNs, and security measures are all design elements to consider.
When the time comes for real-world deployment, you can avoid risks and the need for extensive troubleshooting by deploying incrementally and testing configurations at every step.
When using a cloud networking solution like Nutanix Flow Networking, the best practice to adhere to is utilizing all capabilities and benefits of the service to their fullest. Flow, for example, provides:
Maintaining and optimizing are other nigh-self-explanatory best practices, though they are often easier said than done. They entail monitoring and measuring your cloud network performance, availability, and security while proactively identifying any issues. The best cloud platforms make this simple by granting network-wide visibility through a single pane of glass.
Backup and disaster recovery plans are another essential component of a comprehensive cloud networking deployment. When working with a third-party network or infrastructure provider, be sure to leverage any disaster recovery-as-a-service options available to you.
As a final best practice consideration, remain aware that the cloud-native future is one that is constantly evolving and changing. Be open to adopting any new technologies as they arise, such as emerging AI tech like Nutanix GPT-in-a-Box that can help you meet security, privacy, and compliance requirements.
Building a network infrastructure that lives up to user expectations is a monumental task in an age of instant gratification, but it is absolutely attainable through proper planning and deployment practices. The right service provider can help you build software-defined networking in the cloud and seamlessly accommodate any on-premises networking components you might have as well.
Nutanix provides industry-leading services and products capable of supporting all workloads and use cases across public and private clouds, hypervisors, and containers. NCP products deliver the simplicity and agility of the public cloud alongside the performance, security, and control of the private cloud.
Cloud networking is ultimately about freedom. The best practice for planning and deploying software-defined networking in the cloud is to do so on a platform that guarantees freedom from vendor lock-in and enables access to network resources at any location, from any location.
Learn more about building a private cloud for your networking needs and how an efficient network can lead to beneficial DevOps.
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