What is cloud networking? Types, benefits, and solutions

What is cloud networking?

Organizations often integrate cloud networking with other cloud services to improve IT operations, deploy applications, and strengthen network infrastructure through better management and security tools.

How does cloud networking work?

Cloud service providers that offer cloud networking services set up and create a cloud network for their clients. Cloud networking can replicate and virtualize many components of a standard company’s IT infrastructure, such as routing, firewalls, and load balancers. However, it does not replace all IT infrastructure — components like user devices, edge computing nodes, and physical connectivity (e.g., last-mile internet) remain outside the cloud.

These network services are all made available through the cloud provider, which facilitates traffic management within the cloud infrastructure. Network resources are typically allocated on demand, allowing greater flexibility than traditional non-cloud models.

Cloud networking uses virtualization to create every component the network needs to function, which is traditionally fulfilled by hardware. It employs virtual private clouds (VPCs) to help organizations better control and oversee these newly created networks.

Cloud networking types

The three specific types of cloud networking that organizations can use are:

Cloud networking

Cloud networking refers to the use of virtualized networking technologies within a single cloud environment to centralize management, improve scalability, and adjust network configurations as needed. It facilitates seamless connectivity among cloud-based services like infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).

Multi-cloud networking

Multi-cloud networking is similar to cloud networking but focuses more on connecting and managing data and network resources across multiple cloud platforms. It also introduces more automation to network processes, especially for multi-cloud storage and secure access service edge (SASE) architecture.

Hybrid cloud networking

Hybrid cloud networking refers to the connectivity between two particular clouds, merging public cloud, private cloud, and on-premises infrastructure. With hybrid cloud storage, enterprise resources are often stored using both on-site and cloud-based storage. Public and private cloud environments must interact to optimize resources and transfer data more efficiently.

What are the benefits of cloud networking?

The main advantage of cloud networking for organizations is a stronger IT infrastructure. Using cloud networking allows your IT operations and services to adapt to the shifting demands and strain placed on your IT infrastructure.

Here are the other benefits of adopting a cloud networking approach:

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  Data security. A virtual private cloud is closed to the public and has cloud security protocols. However, to ensure sensitive data stays private and secure, additional measures such as encryption, identity and access management, and compliance monitoring are essential.
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  Cost efficiency. Cloud networking architecture removes the need to purchase physical hardware like servers or data centers using virtual routers and other virtualization techniques.
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  Simple network management. Cloud platforms and service providers simplify the management of network resources, but organizations remain responsible for configuring and maintaining their specific cloud environments as part of a shared responsibility model. This allows companies to focus on priorities beyond IT management.
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  Scalability. A cloud environment can be expanded to meet sudden demand (or shrunk to save costs) without significant changes to the underlying infrastructure.
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  Managed operations. In most cases, cloud providers manage the day-to-day operations of your virtual private network, including routine maintenance and updates.

What are the disadvantages of cloud networking?

While adopting a cloud network has plenty of benefits for any company, it’s essential to consider the implications of having your IT infrastructure handled by a cloud provider.

Key considerations when using cloud-based networking include:

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  Provider reliability. Failing to find a reputable cloud networking provider can compromise your entire IT infrastructure, especially if their systems can’t meet your IT demands.
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  Security risks. Private cloud networks, in particular, are an ideal target of cybercriminals, which requires the cloud provider to always be one step ahead in security measures.
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  Network traffic. Latency issues or the speed of transferring large quantities of data from on-site storage to a cloud network are common challenges that can hinder cloud networking’s ability to meet real-time data demands.
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  Differences between providers. Companies using multiple cloud servers for cloud networking or multiple providers may find that the network topology isn’t always reliable, making centralized management difficult.
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  Reduced oversight. The management of cloud networking environments largely resides with the cloud provider, so companies are dependent on them for ongoing uptime and performance monitoring.

What are the available cloud networking solutions?

Cloud networking can provide various solutions tailored to specific needs. Some of these solutions include:

Cloud-based firewalls

Cloud-based firewalls are a direct upgrade to on-site firewalls because they cost less while allowing for scalability and more centralized management. Cloud networks are equipped with cloud-based firewalls for added security, especially for a private cloud computing environment.

Software-defined networking

Software-defined networking uses software to manage a network, allowing administrators to have centralized management and control via cloud networking. This approach removes the need to configure every device that connects to the network via hardware.

VPN for secure remote access

A virtual private network (VPN) changes your IP address and virtual location when you go online. By using a VPN, you can safely browse and connect to a cloud network without leaving your network traffic vulnerable to cybercriminals.

Software-defined perimeter

Unlike a VPN, a software-defined perimeter allows connections based on network layers rather than IP addresses. It’s an additional layer of security that shields your entire cloud network from outsiders, better protecting critical resources and data.

Intrusion detection system

Cloud networks can also deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify weak points in the network’s security. By examining network traffic against a known database of attacks or the network’s “normal state,” IDS can help alert administrators when a vulnerability is found.

Use cases of cloud networking solutions

Cloud networking solutions can be used for various purposes, from expanding your IT capabilities to improving data security. When integrated with cloud computing, cloud networking can drive significant IT improvements for organizations. Any type of cloud networking solution can bolster the strength and efficiency of a company’s overall IT infrastructure.

Cloud networking solutions are responsive to IT demands — even when accounting for the data transfer process or the isolated network environments used for development. Without the need for an underlying physical infrastructure and direct oversight, the use cases for cloud networks are potentially endless and will only expand as the technologies behind them improve.

What’s the difference between cloud networking and cloud computing?

Cloud computing and cloud networking are related terms, but they adopt distinct approaches to providing cloud services to an organization. The best way to differentiate these concepts is by their primary purpose: Cloud networking primarily focuses on connectivity and infrastructure, while cloud computing refers to delivering services and resources.

The differences between cloud networking and cloud computing are as follows: