What is cloud networking ​and what are the benefits?

Introduction

Cloud networking is the process of using cloud-based resources to manage and deliver network services, allowing organisations to scale, secure, and manage their networks more efficiently. Instead of relying solely on traditional hardware, the advantages of cloud networking are that it offers virtualised resources to provide more flexibility, cost savings, and enhanced connectivity.

In this article, we discuss cloud networking's benefits, how it works, and more in-depth. Read along!

What is cloud networking?

Cloud networking refers to managing and accessing network resources through cloud-based platforms instead of traditional physical hardware. In this setup, key network components like routers, firewalls, and bandwidth are hosted in the cloud, either on a private cloud (exclusive to your organisation) or a public cloud (managed by a third-party provider).

With cloud networking, you can control and monitor your network remotely, making it easier to manage without the need for on-site infrastructure. This approach shifts many of the traditional tasks of network administration, like configuration and security, to the cloud, streamlining network operations.

How cloud networking works?

Cloud networking allows you to manage and configure network resources entirely in the cloud. Instead of relying on physical servers, everything is handled through virtualisation. Here’s how it works:

Virtualisation and resource sharing

The key technology behind cloud networking is virtualisation. Through software, you can create multiple virtual network links, each with its own capacity, on a single physical network cable. This enables cloud providers to offer flexible networking options that can be scaled according to your needs. For example, you can allocate more bandwidth during peak usage and reduce it when demand is lower, optimising costs.

Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)

A Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) allows you to create a private network within a public cloud provider, like Amazon Web Services (AWS). This means you can run cloud network resources (such as virtual servers) in a network that is isolated from the rest of the public cloud. You can manage this VPC as if it were your own private data centre but with the added benefits of scalability and flexibility.

Hybrid cloud networking

Cloud networking also supports hybrid setups, where part of your network remains on-site while the rest is managed in the cloud. This approach gives you the flexibility to keep certain resources locally (such as sensitive data) while taking advantage of cloud-based scalability for other operations. For hybrid cloud networking, you can connect your on-premise data centre to the cloud using traditional networking infrastructure and the public Internet.

Benefits of cloud networking

Cloud networking offers significant advantages for businesses by making network management easier, more secure, and more scalable. Here are the advantages of cloud networking stand out:

Efficient network management

Cloud networking simplifies how you manage your network. Traditionally, working with third-party providers for custom networking solutions required investing in expensive equipment and relying on external parties for updates and changes.

With cloud networking, everything is managed through software. You can easily configure your network, make updates, and adapt to new needs without needing physical infrastructure. This makes network management both cost-effective and less time-consuming.

Increased scalability

Scaling your network to meet business needs becomes much faster and easier with cloud networking. In the past, expanding your network required purchasing new hardware and setting up physical connections, which took time and money.

With a cloud network, you can deploy new sites, resources, and connections in hours rather than weeks. You can also reduce network capacity just as easily when it's no longer needed. This scalability allows you to grow or shrink your network on demand without the hassle of managing physical infrastructure.

Enhanced security

Cloud providers offer Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) options, enabling you to create your own secure network in the cloud. These providers use the latest security technologies and physical infrastructure to protect your data.

Additionally, you can implement further security measures using cloud-native tools, such as encryption (converting data into code to prevent unauthorised access) and firewalls (systems that block unauthorised access to your network). You also have full control over your network’s security settings, allowing you to customise your protection as needed.

Simplified monitoring and maintenance

Monitoring and maintaining a physical network can be complex and costly, often requiring on-site staff or third-party services. Cloud networking removes this burden by offering remote access to monitoring tools and maintenance software.

You can view network traffic, monitor performance, and manage network health in real time from anywhere. This visibility gives you better control over your network and helps you quickly identify and address any potential issues.

Reduced costs

Cloud networking can significantly reduce your total cost of ownership (the total expenses of owning and operating a system). You no longer need to invest in expensive hardware or maintain extra resources for peak usage. Instead, you pay for what you use, and you can adjust resources based on demand.

This on-demand provisioning not only reduces upfront costs but also allows for better financial planning, as you can scale up or down according to your business needs.

Key components of cloud networking

Cloud networking consists of several essential components that enable businesses to manage, store, and access data over the Internet. Let's explore the key components that makeup cloud networking.

Front-end interface

The front-end interface is the part of cloud networking that users interact with directly. This includes:

• User Interface (UI): The platform or software where you manage and interact with cloud services, such as Google Drive or Outlook.
• Client devices: The devices you use, such as laptops, desktops, or smartphones, to access the cloud network.
• Software: The applications, like web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari), that facilitate the interaction between you and the cloud.

Hardware

The hardware forms the foundation of any cloud network, even though most of the operations are virtual. This includes physical servers, routers, switches, and storage devices managed by cloud providers. These pieces of hardware are located in data centres, where they work together to handle network traffic, data storage, and processing. While you don't interact with these devices directly, their role is crucial in ensuring your cloud services are reliable and accessible.

Virtualisation

Virtualisation is the technology that allows multiple virtual servers and networks to run on a single physical machine. By abstracting the physical hardware, virtualisation ensures that cloud resources are efficiently used, enabling multiple users to access the network at the same time.

With virtualisation, you can dynamically allocate resources like processing power and storage based on your current needs. This flexibility makes cloud networks highly scalable.

Cloud storage

Cloud storage is where all your data is kept in the cloud. It’s not just about saving files; the storage system in the cloud can manage large datasets and different file types in three major ways:

• Block storage: Divides data into blocks for static data.
• File storage: Organises data like traditional file systems.
• Object storage: Handles unstructured data that frequently changes.

Network infrastructure

The network infrastructure is what connects different parts of the cloud environment, allowing data to flow smoothly. It includes physical components like routers, load balancers, and switches that handle data traffic. The infrastructure also ensures remote users can connect to the cloud securely.

Cloud networking relies on both internal (within the cloud) and external networks (internet) to ensure you can access the services remotely and that data transfer happens efficiently.

Security

Security in cloud networking is essential to protect your data and infrastructure. Built-in security features, such as encryption (converting data into a secure format) and firewalls (blocking unauthorised access), keep your information safe from breaches.

Cloud providers typically offer multiple layers of security, but you also have control over how your data is encrypted, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and protecting sensitive information.

Cloud networking vs. traditional networking

As businesses continue to move their operations online, understanding the difference between cloud networking and traditional networking becomes essential. While both are used to manage and transfer data, their structures, operations, and efficiencies vary greatly.

Hardware vs. software

Traditional networking depends heavily on physical hardware to operate. You need on-premises equipment like switches (devices that connect different network segments) and routers (devices that direct data traffic between networks). This setup requires regular maintenance and upgrades to keep the network running efficiently.

In contrast, cloud networking uses virtualisation (running multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine). The control of the network is done via software known as the control plane (the part of the network that manages how data flows). Since the hardware is hosted remotely by a cloud provider, you have fewer physical devices to manage, reducing the need for regular hardware updates.

Cost and scalability

Cloud networking operates on a pay-as-you-go model, meaning you only pay for the resources you use. This makes it highly scalable. You can easily increase or decrease your network capacity based on your current needs without investing in additional hardware. This flexibility is especially useful if your business experiences fluctuating demands.

In traditional networking, scaling up your operations requires buying and installing more hardware. This not only adds to your costs but also increases the time needed to expand your network. Maintaining the equipment adds to the long-term expenses.

Maintenance and management

With traditional networking, your in-house IT team is responsible for maintaining the network, troubleshooting issues, and upgrading hardware. This can be time-consuming and costly, more so if problems occur outside of working hours.

Cloud networking, on the other hand, shifts the responsibility of managing the physical hardware to the cloud provider. They handle updates, security, and maintenance, freeing up your IT team to focus on other tasks. Additionally, managing your network in the cloud offers real-time updates and insights into network performance.

Security

Security is a critical aspect of both networking types. In traditional networking, security is often managed through firewalls (tools that block unauthorised access) and on-site security measures. You have direct control over the security of your data but are responsible for ensuring everything is up-to-date and secure.

In cloud networking, security measures like encryption (scrambling data to make it unreadable to unauthorised users) and firewalls are also in place. However, cloud providers typically have stronger and more advanced security protocols due to their larger scale and resources. This can provide better protection against cyber threats, although you still need to ensure that you’re following security best practices on your end.

Flexibility and remote access

Cloud networking is designed for remote access. Since everything is managed through the Internet, your team can access data and applications from anywhere, provided there’s an Internet connection. This makes cloud networks ideal for businesses with remote or distributed teams.

Traditional networking is more limited in this regard. While it’s possible to set up remote access, it requires additional hardware and software configurations, which may not offer the same level of flexibility as cloud networking.

Application delivery

In traditional networking, application delivery often relies on Application Delivery Controllers (ADCs), which help balance traffic between servers to ensure smooth operation. However, with cloud networks, tools like SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Network) allow businesses to merge multiple networks and ensure consistent performance across different locations and devices.

Use cases for cloud networking

Here are five key use cases where multi-cloud networking solutions can add significant value to your business:

Extend on-premises networks

One of the most common uses of cloud networking is extending your existing on-premises network through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This creates a secure, encrypted connection between your local network and the cloud, allowing your team to access resources remotely while maintaining security. With cloud networking, you can consolidate access to resources across multiple locations and ensure a seamless communication experience, regardless of where your employees are.

Automate network security

Cloud networking companies allow you to automate key aspects of your network security. This can include everything from automatic patch deployment to enforcing security policies across your network. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), you can even anticipate potential security threats and resolve issues before they escalate. Automated security reduces manual intervention, improves response times, and ensures that your system is always up to date with the latest security measures.

Traffic inspection and cloud resource management

Cloud networking platforms provide more efficient management of network traffic, especially when you use a hub-and-spoke topology (a model where a central hub controls the spokes). This allows for better traffic monitoring and resource allocation. For instance, you can isolate specific customers or user groups for compliance purposes, ensuring that resources are used efficiently while maintaining control over network traffic.

Disaster recovery and business continuity

Cloud networking is invaluable for disaster recovery. You can create a replica of your on-premises systems in the cloud and regularly replicate data. In case of a disaster, like a system failure or cyberattack, your cloud-based replica allows you to quickly restore operations. This approach is cost-effective compared to traditional disaster recovery methods, as you only pay for the cloud resources you use. Disaster recovery as a service ensures your business stays resilient even during major disruptions.

Software testing and development

Cloud networking makes software development and testing faster and more efficient. Instead of depending on physical hardware and servers, you can set up Development, Testing, and Production Environments in the cloud. These environments can scale up or down based on your needs, allowing you to adapt quickly to changing resource requirements. This flexibility shortens your software development lifecycle, helping you get products to market faster.

Security in cloud networking

Cloud security networks focus on protecting cloud-based networks from unauthorised access, misuse, and data exposure. It involves using technology, policies, and controls to secure your network as workloads move beyond traditional on-premises perimeters.

The network perimeter dissolves when operating in the cloud, whether fully or in a hybrid model, making it harder to rely on traditional defences like firewalls. Cloud network security addresses these challenges by embedding security monitoring, threat prevention, and network controls into the cloud.

Challenges and considerations

As businesses continue to adopt cloud networking platforms, they face several challenges, such as:

Security issues

Security remains one of the biggest concerns in cloud networking. Since your data is stored and processed remotely, controlling and monitoring access is harder. Common security risks include:

• Compromised credentials: Weak passwords or exposed credentials can give attackers access to your network.
• Human error: Mistakes, such as misconfigurations, can open doors for security breaches.
• API (Application Programming Interface) vulnerabilities: Attackers can exploit poorly secured APIs to access sensitive data.

Cost management

While cloud networking often offers cost advantages, managing expenses can be tricky. The pay-as-you-go model may lead to unexpected charges if usage isn’t monitored closely. Businesses often struggle to predict costs accurately, especially when scaling their cloud operations.

Compliance

When you store and manage data in the cloud, you need to comply with regulations relevant to your industry. For instance, healthcare organisations in the U.S. must comply with HIPAA, while financial services may need to follow PCI DSS.

Lack of expertise

Managing cloud networking platfroms requires specific skills and expertise. Many businesses, small  and medium-sized ones, need help finding qualified professionals to manage cloud infrastructure. This lack of knowledge can further lead to inefficient management or security issues.

Network dependence

Cloud networking heavily depends on your internet connection. If your network experiences downtime or slow bandwidth, it can disrupt your operations. This can pose a significant risk for businesses that require real-time data processing.

Future trends in cloud networking

The future of multi cloud networking is evolving rapidly, driven by innovations that will shape the way businesses operate. Some trends that are expected to dominate this industry are:

Serverless computing

It allows you to focus on developing applications without worrying about managing servers. The cloud provider handles server management, including scaling and maintenance. This means you can reduce costs and accelerate development timelines, making it easier to bring your products to market.

Edge computing

It brings data processing closer to the devices generating it, such as smartphones and IoT devices (Internet of Things, which refers to interconnected devices like smart sensors). Instead of sending all data to a central server, edge computing allows for quicker processing and real-time insights. This reduces bandwidth usage and enhances the performance of applications, making it essential for industries that need fast decision-making, like manufacturing and healthcare.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning integration

Cloud providers are increasingly investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to improve their services. AI and ML offer advanced functionalities like automated data analysis and real-time decision-making. However, with these capabilities come security concerns, which cloud providers must address through stronger security measures and adherence to evolving regulations.

Containerisation and microservices

Containerisation packages an application and its dependencies into a container (a self-sufficient unit that ensures the application runs the same, no matter the environment). This reduces compatibility issues and enhances the performance of cloud applications. Microservices take this further by breaking down applications into smaller, independent services, making it easier to scale, update, or fix one part without affecting the whole system. This architecture boosts flexibility and reliability, helping organisations respond faster to changes in the market.

Enhanced cloud security network

As cloud networking platforms become more central to business operations, cloud security networks emerge as a top priority. With the rise of AI and IoT, new vulnerabilities will emerge. Cloud providers and organisations will need to invest in advanced security solutions to protect against data breaches, cyberattacks, and compliance risks. Expect tighter regulations and standards aimed at ensuring data protection and privacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adopting multi-cloud networking marks a significant advancement in modern network management, offering unmatched efficiency and flexibility. By leveraging the advantages of cloud networking, businesses can overcome the constraints of traditional networking, simplify operations, and maximise resource use.

This shift improves performance and enables organisations to adapt quickly to evolving demands and innovations. Additionally, hybrid cloud networking perfectly balances private and public cloud environments, ensuring scalability and security, guaranteeing they remain competitive in the ever-changing digital landscape.

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