Network virtualization guide —
Network virtualization guide
Network virtualization is a technology that allows network administrators to create multiple virtual networks that share the same physical infrastructure. It's a way to abstract and partition the network resources, achieving better utilization of hardware and facilitating the deployment of new services and applications.
In this guide, we'll explore the fundamentals of network virtualization and give you practical advice on how to implement it in your organization.
What is network virtualization?
Network virtualization is the creation of virtual networks that run on top of shared physical infrastructure. It uses software to abstract the underlying hardware, creating logical entities that behave like independent networks. Each virtual network can have its own policies, security, and services, even though they share the same physical resources.
The most common way to implement network virtualization is through the use of overlays. The virtual network is overlaid on top of the physical network, using protocols like VXLAN, GRE, or Geneve to encapsulate the traffic and transport it across the underlying fabric.
Why use network virtualization?
Network virtualization provides several benefits, including:
- Better utilization of physical resources: by dividing the physical network into virtual segments, it's possible to use the available bandwidth and compute power more efficiently.
- Increased flexibility: with virtual networks, it's easier to deploy and manage new services and applications, as they can be isolated from the rest of the network.
- Improved security: virtual networks can have their own security policies, making it easier to segment traffic and apply access controls.
How to implement network virtualization?
Implementing network virtualization requires a combination of hardware, software, and operational changes. Some of the key steps include:
- Choosing the right overlay technology: there are several protocols to choose from, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
- Configuring the virtual networks: you'll need to define the virtual network topologies, assign IP addresses, and configure security policies.
- Managing the virtual network: you'll need to monitor the traffic, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that the virtual networks don't interfere with each other or with the underlying physical network.
In conclusion, network virtualization is a powerful technology that can help organizations achieve better utilization of their network resources, improve their flexibility and security, and enable the deployment of new services and applications. By following the best practices and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can implement network virtualization in your organization and reap its benefits.