Hardware-centric networks running from physical systems can atrophy otherwise modern organizations looking to implement virtualization and/or Cloud solutions. This is why a software-first approach via a Virtual Cloud Network (VCN) has become table stakes for organizations looking to move at speed.
Advancing Your Organization with a Virtual Cloud Network
In the realm of modern networking, traditional hardware-centric approaches are facing big changes. The advent of virtualization and cloud solutions has propelled a significant shift in network architecture.
Historically, networking relied heavily on hardware-centric architectures, where the network’s infrastructure was mainly built on physical systems and appliances. However, this conventional model has limitations, particularly when you consider the dynamic requirements of modern organizations. Hardware-centric networks, while robust, can become rigid and complex, hindering agility and scalability. These limitations can stifle innovation and impede an organization’s ability to swiftly adapt to changing business needs.
Virtual Cloud Networks
Enter the Virtual Cloud Network (VCN)—a micro segmentation networking paradigm that embodies a software-first approach to networking. A VCN leverages software-defined networking (SDN) principles to build an agile, secure, and scalable infrastructure.
A Virtual Cloud Network is a fundamental component of cloud infrastructure that provides a logically isolated and customizable network environment within a cloud service provider’s infrastructure.
VCNs are established at the infrastructure level, allowing users to define their network topology, including subnets, route tables, and security lists. VCNs enable the organization of resources within a cloud environment and facilitate the flow of traffic.
VCN transforms networking into a software-defined ecosystem, where network configuration and management are no longer bound by physical hardware constraints. This paradigm shift empowers organizations to create, manage, and scale their networks dynamically, catering to evolving business requirements without the limitations of rigid hardware dependencies.
VCNs and the Digital Transformation Journey
The agility offered by a VCN is particularly advantageous for organizations navigating the complexities of a digital transformation journey. Whether implementing virtualization technologies, embracing cloud solutions, or fostering a hybrid infrastructure, VCNs provide the architectural flexibility needed to adapt and innovate swiftly.
As organizations increasingly transition towards virtualization and cloud solutions, the shortcomings of hardware-centric networks have become glaring. These legacy infrastructures lack the agility and flexibility required in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Implementing virtualization or migrating to the cloud on hardware-dependent networks can impede the very benefits these technologies promise —scalability, mobility, and rapid deployment of resources.
Microsegmentation’s Important role in Virtual Cloud Networks
At the forefront of this transformation is microsegmentation. VCN has paved the way for microsegmentation, which facilitates granular control and security while embracing the fluidity of modern business environments.
Microsegmentation has emerged as a game-changer. It involves dividing the network into smaller, manageable segments, each with its security policies and controls. Unlike the traditional perimeter-based security model, where a breach in the outer layer could compromise the entire network, microsegmentation offers granular control over network traffic. This approach limits lateral movement within the network, minimizing the impact of potential breaches and containing security incidents.
Microsegmentation as a Security Practice
Microsegmentation can be implemented within a Virtual Cloud Network. In other words, microsegmentation is a security practice that can be applied as part of the overall network design and security strategy within a Virtual Cloud Network.
VCN provides the foundational network structure, and microsegmentation strategies are applied within this structure to enhance security by creating isolated segments, each with its own security policies.
Microsegmentation and Virtual Cloud Network (VCN) are related concepts within the realm of cloud networking, but they serve different purposes and operate at different layers. Beyond agility, security is another cornerstone of the VCN. With microsegmentation deeply integrated into its fabric, a VCN ensures that security policies are enforced at a granular level, regardless of the network’s scale or complexity. This robust security posture minimizes the attack surface, fortifying defenses against evolving cyber threats.
The necessity of a Virtual Cloud Network (VCN) in today’s digital era cannot be overstated. As hardware-centric networks risk atrophy in the face of modernization, a software-first approach via a VCN has become a prerequisite for organizations seeking to thrive in an era of rapid technological evolution. Embracing microsegmentation within a VCN architecture empowers organizations to navigate digital transformations with agility, resilience, and security—a recipe for success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
