What are the most advanced network virtualization techniques for cloud integration?

1 Software-defined networking

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a network virtualization technique that separates the control plane from the data plane, meaning that the network configuration and policies are managed by a centralized software controller, while the network devices and traffic are handled by the underlying hardware. This allows for more dynamic and programmable network behavior, as well as easier integration and orchestration of cloud services. SDN can also improve network performance, security, and reliability by enabling faster routing, load balancing, encryption, and fault tolerance.

2 Network function virtualization

Network function virtualization (NFV) is a network virtualization technique that replaces traditional hardware-based network functions, such as firewalls, routers, load balancers, and VPNs, with software-based applications that run on virtual machines or containers. This reduces the need for specialized and expensive network equipment, as well as the complexity and overhead of managing them. NFV can also enhance network functionality, scalability, and agility by enabling on-demand provisioning, automation, and customization of network services. NFV can also facilitate cloud integration by enabling interoperability and compatibility among different cloud platforms and providers.

3 Network slicing

Network slicing is a network virtualization technique that creates multiple logical and independent networks on top of a shared physical network infrastructure, each with its own characteristics, requirements, and policies. This allows for more efficient and flexible allocation of network resources, as well as better isolation and security of network traffic. Network slicing can also support cloud integration by enabling different cloud applications and services to have their own dedicated and optimized network slices, such as low-latency slices for real-time applications, high-bandwidth slices for data-intensive applications, and high-reliability slices for critical applications.

4 Network overlay

Network overlay is a network virtualization technique that creates a virtual network layer on top of an existing network layer, using encapsulation and tunneling protocols, such as VXLAN, GRE, or MPLS. This allows for more seamless and transparent integration of heterogeneous network environments, such as public and private clouds, as well as different network domains and protocols. Network overlay can also improve network scalability, mobility, and security by enabling dynamic and distributed network configuration, migration, and encryption.

5 Network service mesh

Network service mesh (NSM) is a network virtualization technique that extends the concept of service mesh, which is a framework for managing microservices communication, to the network layer. NSM enables network services, such as routing, security, monitoring, and load balancing, to be delivered as software-defined and modular components that can be deployed and connected across different network domains and platforms, such as cloud, edge, and IoT. NSM can also enable more granular and intelligent network control, visibility, and resilience by leveraging policies, metadata, and feedback loops.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?