What are the most advanced techniques for virtualizing network infrastructure?

1 Software-Defined Networking

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a technique that separates the control plane from the data plane in network devices, and centralizes the network intelligence and management in a software controller. This allows for dynamic and programmable network configuration, automation, and optimization, without relying on the hardware capabilities or vendor-specific protocols of each device. SDN can enable network virtualization by creating virtual networks that can be customized, isolated, and integrated according to the needs of different applications and users. SDN can also improve network security, by applying consistent policies and rules across the virtual networks, and detecting and responding to threats faster.

2 Network Function Virtualization

Network function virtualization (NFV) is a technique that decouples the network functions, such as routing, firewalling, load balancing, and encryption, from the dedicated hardware appliances, and runs them as software applications on virtual machines or containers. This allows for more flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in deploying and managing network services, as well as reducing capital and operational expenses. NFV can enable network virtualization by creating virtual network functions (VNFs) that can be chained, orchestrated, and automated to provide customized and on-demand network services for different virtual networks. NFV can also improve network performance, by reducing latency, congestion, and bottlenecks.

3 Network Slicing

Network slicing is a technique that creates multiple logical and independent networks on top of a shared physical infrastructure, each with its own resources, policies, and service level agreements. This allows for tailoring the network characteristics and capabilities to the specific requirements and demands of different applications and users, especially in the context of 5G and beyond. Network slicing can enable network virtualization by creating virtual networks that can support diverse and dynamic use cases, such as enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communication, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication. Network slicing can also improve network security, by isolating the network traffic and data of each slice, and applying different encryption and authentication mechanisms.

4 Multi-Cloud Networking

Multi-cloud networking is a technique that connects and integrates multiple cloud platforms, such as public, private, and hybrid clouds, to provide a unified and seamless network environment for applications and users. This allows for leveraging the best features and services of each cloud provider, as well as increasing availability, reliability, and resilience. Multi-cloud networking can enable network virtualization by creating virtual networks that can span across different cloud domains and regions, and provide consistent connectivity, visibility, and control. Multi-cloud networking can also improve network performance, by optimizing the network paths, bandwidth, and latency between the cloud platforms.

5 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are techniques that use data, algorithms, and computing power to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision making. These techniques can be applied to network virtualization to enhance the network intelligence, automation, and optimization, as well as to address the network complexity, compatibility, and management challenges. AI and ML can enable network virtualization by creating virtual networks that can adapt, self-organize, and self-heal, based on the network conditions, user behavior, and application requirements. AI and ML can also improve network security, by detecting and preventing anomalies, attacks, and vulnerabilities, and providing recommendations and insights.

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?