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Network Virtualization

Network virtualization transforms hardware-based networks into software-defined networks (SDN), enabling the creation of multiple virtual networks (VNs) on a single physical infrastructure. It utilizes components like hypervisors and controller software to enhance network management and security while providing benefits such as improved speed and disaster recovery. However, it also presents challenges, including the need for new skills and potential resource management issues.

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2 views

Network Virtualization

Network virtualization transforms hardware-based networks into software-defined networks (SDN), enabling the creation of multiple virtual networks (VNs) on a single physical infrastructure. It utilizes components like hypervisors and controller software to enhance network management and security while providing benefits such as improved speed and disaster recovery. However, it also presents challenges, including the need for new skills and potential resource management issues.

Uploaded by

024CSE DHARSHINI.A
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Network Virtualization

Network virtualization transforms a hardware-based network into a


software-based network, known as Software Defined Networking
(SDN). The underlying physical hardware remains, but network
virtualization allows you to use software to build or layer virtual
networks (VNs) on top of that physical network. This enables
administrators to do two critical things:

● Combine separate physical hardware networks into one


software-based virtual network
● Run several separate VNs on top of a physical network
How Does Network Virtualization Work?

Network virtualization separates the services a physical network


provides from the hardware. It allows administrators to allocate
those services virtually to create a new network or several networks.
Administrators accomplish this by using a network hypervisor that
allows the creation of an abstract layer to host different virtual
networks. Network virtualization enables the delivery of services
using software. VNs, while sharing the hypervisor’s platform, are
independent of each other with their own security protocols.

Components

The components of network virtualization are:

1. Hypervisor: Serves as a platform for the VNs.


2. Controller software: Allows the automation or configuration
and management of network infrastructure, thus avoiding
manually designing devices and services
3. Host protocols: Used on Internet Protocol (IP) to provide a
secure method for a host to connect to other networks
4. Virtual routing and switching: Virtual routing allows the
existence of many virtual routers within one router, while
virtual switching enables virtual machines (VMs) to
communicate with one another
5. Management tools: This software connects VMs and physical
hardware in network virtualization, thus cutting back on the
administration of resources, allowing for more efficient data
analysis and helping to shrink operations

Types of Network Virtualization


There are three types of network virtualization:

Network virtualization in data centers

Data centers have long used virtual networking with VLANs and
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Businesses wanted to find ways to
improve security and streamline control. SDN was one answer. It
allowed for more centralized control and has evolved to include
infrastructure code, a method of using software and automation to
design and manage resources instead of doing them manually. It’s
also been a champion of zero-trust security, which tightly controls
access to resources and communication between VMs.

Network virtualization in the WAN

SDN allows wide area networks (WANs) to adopt virtualization. This


allows for more appropriate bandwidth use for enterprise
applications and business needs. Zero trust and Software Defined
Parameters (SDP) are also now an essential part of network
visualization in WANs.
Network virtualization in the LAN

VLANs are commonly used to build isolated VNs and to better control
network traffic. SD-LAN software has adopted zero trust for more
comprehensive security as the internet encounters increased
security threats.

Why is Network Virtualization Important?

Network virtualization allows enterprises to better scale their


networks and improve security and disaster recovery. As a result,
enterprises can deliver applications and services faster and more
efficiently, have more secure networks and recover from disasters
faster.

It also enables administrators to locate problems quickly and


allocate bandwidth resources appropriately.

Benefits and Challenges

Network virtualization offers both benefits and challenges:

Benefits

1. Significant improvements in speed, agility and security by using


automation to simplify processes
2. Better management of security
3. Faster delivery of applications to clients and customers
4. Faster and more efficient disaster recovery
5. Ability to configure a VN faster
6. Saves money on hardware
Challenges

1. IT departments need new skills and teams need to collaborate


more often
2. When you move from a physical network to a virtual one, you
need to calculate how this will affect resources, such as
storage, as well as security considerations
3. Adding too many layers to your network virtualization, thus
impeding the ability for monitoring tools to see different layers
4. As you add AI and automation strategies, you need to make
sure they work together seamlessly

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