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What is cloud networking?

By Alexander S. Gillis

Cloud networking is a type of IT infrastructure in which the cloud hosts some or all of an organization's networking resources. Any type of cloud -- public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud or multi-cloud -- can host network resources.

Cloud networking focuses on a cloud customer's or service provider's ability to design, configure and manage the underlying network in a cloud service. This enables a shift in network management, control and data connectivity from an organization's premises to cloud infrastructure.

Hosting networking resources in the cloud means businesses can create complex networks using only an internet connection. Those resources or services include the following:

• Network management software.
• Connectivity.
• Virtual routers.
• Firewalls.
• Load balancers.
• Bandwidth.
• Content delivery networks.
• Virtual private networks.
• Domain name system.

Cloud providers offer a broad range of network security options. Besides firewalls, other options include distributed denial-of-service protection services and artificial intelligence-driven network monitoring tools for threat detection.

Types of cloud networking

Though many types of cloud services are available, the following three are some of the most popular in cloud networking:

1. Cloud-enabled networking is a method where network architecture is on the customer's premises, but some or the rest of network management resources are in the cloud. For example, core network infrastructure, such as packet forwarding and routing, stays on-premises. Meanwhile, services such as network management, monitoring and security services maintenance are in the cloud.
2. Cloud-based networking is a method that uses cloud-based services and infrastructure to manage, control and secure network traffic. This process enables connectivity between the resources and applications deployed in the cloud and on-premises.
3. Cloud-native networking is a method where software services that run in the cloud replace traditional networking hardware. Cloud-native systems are designed to operate entirely in the cloud and use microservices architecture. These microservices coordinate to perform various network functions, eliminating the need for physical networking appliances.

How does cloud networking work?

In general, cloud networking architectures should provide centralized management, control and visibility. Created in cloud-based services, cloud networks are set up differently depending on the type of cloud service hosting it. For example, architects have more flexibility with a private cloud's overall design. This is because the cloud provider fully manages the underlying hardware and software the cloud is built on.

For public clouds, customers only control and manage networking in infrastructure as a service (IaaS) deployments. Customers have no control over network functions with software as a service (SaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS). Like private cloud, service providers fully manage network functions. If organizations need to configure aspects of their network in a public cloud, IaaS is the best option.

An organization might instead opt to operate in a hybrid cloud architecture. That means some applications, data and services remain on-premises, while others move to an IaaS provider. The ideal scenario for this method is to mimic an organization's network IP space, policies and procedures already established in their own data centers.

Some businesses might go a step further by using a multi-cloud architecture. Multi-cloud is far more complex than other options. In this method, organizations use multiple cloud providers. Symmetry among clouds is key in this method, from both an operational and cloud management perspective. Organizations moving toward multi-cloud must be able to manage routing, access lists, load balancing and other network functions, no matter which cloud they're in. Multi-cloud management tools must be purpose-built to create a software overlay between private and public clouds. This masks any underlying differences in configuration management.

Benefits and challenges of cloud networking

The benefits of cloud networking include the following:

• Lower cost. This costs less compared to organizations buying their own network equipment and software. Cloud networking is also based on pay-per-use models.
• Productivity. IT staff don't have to worry about pushing hardware, software, configurations and maintenance upgrades to the cloud networking service. This should free an organization's IT staff to work on other network priorities.
• Reliability. Load balancing helps minimize downtime and reduces the need for downtime for updates. Cloud services also normally promote high availability.
• Fast deployments. Users can access new applications without spending time installing and configuring networking tools.
• Scalability. Providers can add more of an organization's data, as opposed to adding more on-premises infrastructure.
• Flexibility. Customers can choose from public, private or hybrid cloud deployment.
• Security. Providers have many security options, such as firewalls, encryption, authentication and malware protection.

Cloud networking is not free from challenges, however. Challenges can include the following:

• Vendor lock-in. Being locked into one cloud provider can prevent needed movements or pivots among different cloud services. Mitigate this by using a multi-cloud method. However, this is more difficult to accomplish.
• Connectivity and uptime. Though cloud providers tend to promote highly accessible services, if something goes wrong, it is out of the customer's control.
• Security. Security is a concern with any tool, and organizations should ensure vendors offer an acceptable amount of network security services.

Cloud networking vs. cloud computing

Cloud networking and cloud computing are two similar concepts that can be easily confused. Cloud computing is a general term that involves delivering hosted services over the internet. Hosting takes place in a cloud service provider's data centers rather than in traditional in-house or colocated data centers. These services are divided into three categories:

1. IaaS.
2. PaaS.
3. SaaS.

Cloud networking is more specific than cloud computing. It focuses on hosting an organization's networking resources in the cloud.

Cloud networking and cloud computing have a natural overlap. Cloud computing environments can embed some functions contained in legacy data center network appliances, such as with load balancers. Cloud computing environments can also deliver these functions as a SaaS-style cloud service, such as secure web gateways or firewalls.

History of cloud networking

The history of cloud networking closely follows the history of cloud computing. Over time, corporate data center resources evolved and moved from on-premises mainframes to the cloud. Added benefits of hosting data centers in the cloud include the following:

• Security.
• Uptime.
• Scalability.
• The freedom of not having to worry about on-premises deployments.

Because of these benefits, more organizations began moving to the cloud. For example, the cloud can now host software-defined networks. With this movement, the option of hosting only networking systems in the cloud arose.

Vendors such as IBM and Juniper offer software to help build nimble network infrastructures. Juniper Contrail Enterprise Multicloud, for example, delivers software-defined networking cloud options, as well as cloud service automation.

Editor's note: This definition was updated to reflect industry changes and improve the reader experience.