Network Virtualization: Benefits & Practices

Network virtualization functions on the basis of the hardware, which is divided into several virtual networks. Such an approach helps to manage and control all the processes as software entities.

In the article, we will dive deeper into the explanation of network virtualization, its major advantages, and some other fundamental aspects that you should know about.

Understanding How Network Virtualization Operates

Network virtualization is necessary for the creation of separate, secure, and isolated virtual networks that function on the same physical hardware. That means each virtualized network can function independently for the requirements of the specific project.

With the usage of only one hardware, it is possible to create lots of separate environments for every network. Because there is no need to have lots of hardware, it is possible to significantly minimize the spending and manage all the processes more easily.

For instance, if you want to launch an application with different databases and services, you can use a virtual network for your project. With such an approach, you can be sure of the security, prioritized traffic, and optimized routing. The whole management process will be way easier, and it will be controlled through the software.

That means it is possible to use available hardware more efficiently. With network virtualization, it is possible to get the needed level of flexibility, isolation, and performance optimization.

An Overview of Network Functions Virtualization (NFV)

Network functions virtualization, or NFV, is necessary for running the routers, firewalls, and load balancers as software. With the usage of such an approach, it is possible to achieve a higher level of flexibility, and it is way cheaper.

There is no longer a necessity to order expensive hardware for every project or function; now you can deploy virtual machines on a standard server. This directly impacts the price and makes the scaling process way easier.

For instance, you own a business with various branch offices. Usually, the process functions in such a way that a firewall and a physical router are needed for every location. With the usage of NFV, it is possible to deploy firewalls and virtual routers in the central data center.

Role of Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Software-Defined Networking, or SDN, is needed for the division of the control plane from the data plane, which means it becomes possible to manage network behavior via the software. Such a level of flexibility is extremely important in the quickly changing tech landscape.

With SDN, you get an entire control over all the network traffic and have more agility in network management. That means if you want to launch a new app, it is possible to easily reconfigure everything via the software commands rather than dealing with everything manually on the hardware.

Moreover, SDN can help to define certain security policies centrally, and it is also possible to quickly isolate and neutralize a threat in case of some risks.

Let’s take, for instance, lots of data centers that can optimize the flow of data and ensure proper resource utilization with SDN. This is extremely important for businesses that deal with gaming or financial services.

Functionality of Virtual Switches

When talking about the traditional network, real switches connect devices. In the virtual approach, everything is done in the same way, but via the software. Virtual switches are inseparable parts in the process of network virtualization. Through them, various VMs on the same host can interact. Moreover, these VMs can connect to other hosts and networks.

With virtualization, it is possible to create several virtual switches on one host. With such an approach, you can create different isolated environments that function on the same hardware. The major benefit of the virtual switches is in such advanced features as port mirroring, VLAN tagging, and traffic shaping.

Moreover, virtual switches come with tools that show some insights into traffic patterns and that significantly simplify the identification of the bottlenecks.

Use of Virtual Routers

To minimize spending, many companies prefer the use of Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products that can be used by any company. This is a great option not only in price relations, but also because it delivers standard network functions.

A virtual router can be deployed either as a VM or a bare metal image (BMI) that is installed on COTS. The virtual routers function similarly to the standard routers. The most standard use case relates to VPNs, edge networking, and cloud connectivity.

The virtual routers can be installed almost anywhere on busy/lightly loaded network traffic points, in or even between the clouds. Also, these routers can be easily moved between various hardware.

Importance of Network Controllers

Network controllers can be compared to the brains that help to manage the data flow in the virtual network. When there are a couple of VMs and they should interact with one another, a network controller is necessary for the management of lots of processes.

To create effective and smooth data flow, the controller functions based on the centralized approach. For instance, in an SDN environment, the controller defines how data will be forwarded through the network.

With the usage of the right controller, you are not only improving some management processes, but also impacting the security level. It is possible to implement additional security policies at the controller level, and there is no necessity to configure every device manually.

The implementation of the network controller may sound challenging at first, but in the long run, it offers a range of benefits, including minimized operational spending, enhanced control, and the ability to quickly respond to changing needs.  

Key Advantages of Network Virtualization

Decreased Hardware Investment

Network virtualization can significantly decrease hardware investment. You no longer need to order lots of physical devices, just create an isolated VM on one hardware. This initially minimizes the spending, and also there will be less energy spending and maintenance payments. If you have 7 various networks on a single physical machine, you are surely saving a lot.

Moreover, with virtualization, there is no need to invest in separate routers and switches for various departments. Also, resource allocation becomes easier, and it is possible to adjust the resources based on the current needs of the project.

Lower Operational and Maintenance Costs

Because a virtual network is software-based, all the changes can be made from the central console. That directly minimizes maintenance spending.

Also, with the usage of virtualization, it is possible to extend the life of the used hardware. There won’t be a need to replace the devices as frequently as with the standard approach. Troubleshooting is way easier, because the inspection usually starts from the software rather than checking physical devices.

With virtual networks, there are plenty of automated processes, specifically ones that relate to security updates. This not only creates a secure environment but also minimizes lots of physical labor.

Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability

When running a business that is rapidly growing, there is always a necessity to add more resources and expand. With the usage of the traditional approach, the logistics of this process can be extremely hard. However, network virtualization offers access to quicker processes of management and configuration.

The scaling of the resources becomes almost seamless and way simpler when compared with the traditional method.

In addition to this, network virtualization gives a good level of isolation, so it is possible to have development and testing environments with the necessary level of isolation. This helps to make development and troubleshooting easier.

Accelerated Network Service Provisioning

Planning, cabling, and setting up a new server may take a couple of days, if not a week. However, with network virtualization, it can take way less time, sometimes even a couple of minutes. When a department requires a server for launching a new campaign, the ordering of a real server is way more expensive when compared to the usage of a VM.

With a virtual server, the process is quick, simple, and way cheaper. This is a crucial factor when you have a tight deadline and every minute is important. With network virtualization, it is possible to achieve the needed agility, scalability, and location expansion in a more efficient way.

Efficient Network Traffic Segmentation

The usage of network virtualization is also helpful for the creation of software-defined resources. With such an approach, you can improve the security level.

If you need a remote environment for your team, you can also use a virtualized network. With such an approach, it is possible to permit access via special security controls. That’s why a remote team member can connect whenever it is necessary without compromising the security level.

Admins utilize VLANs to improve the general characteristics of the performance. But the use of Virtual Local Area Networks doesn’t guarantee the needed security level. To deal with this issue, it is possible to add firewalls.  

Strengthened Threat Detection and Mitigation

With a virtualized environment, it is possible to detect every suspicious activity and immediately react to some risky situations. It is possible to create detailed network maps and deal with real-time monitoring of the traffic activity.

Also, it is possible to set alerts for any specific risky situations so you can proactively solve some troubles before they can even lead to serious circumstances. Moreover, there is a possibility to deploy security measures dynamically. Without leading to downtime, you can use detection systems, update firewalls, and install any other security protocols.

Unified, Centralized Network Management

With network virtualization, it is possible to manage the whole environment with only one point of control. The monitoring, configuration, and overseeing can be done way quicker and easier from a single interface.

The troubleshooting can be done way faster and smoothly. That means that every part of the network has the same performance and security standards. The implementation of the security protocol can be done globally, which saves so much time and effort.

Quicker Recovery from Network Disruptions

In case of some actual failures, there is access to the robust solution. There is a possibility of a backup network creation. Quicker recovery from the outages can directly impact the clients’ satisfaction and general level of income.