From the course: Cloud Computing: Understanding Networking

Understanding virtual networks and their purpose

From the course: Cloud Computing: Understanding Networking

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Understanding virtual networks and their purpose

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- [Instructor] Virtual networks in the context of cloud computing and computing networking refers to the network infrastructure that exists entirely within a virtual realm. These networks are created, managed, and customized using software and cloud-based tools. This provides connectivity and facilitates communication between various components in a cloud environment and on premises. Virtual networks as related to cloud computing allow for the extension of on-premise networks into the cloud. This enables the integration of on-premise and cloud resources, such as your private cloud talking to your public cloud provider, or any other on-premises systems. Virtual networks also provide the foundation for deploying and running cloud-based applications and complete systems. What is essential to understand here is that this allows cloud architects and network architects to design networks that only exist in software or are software defined. This provides the flexibility to create change and remove virtual networks to meet the needs of the business, typically without having to touch networking hardware. This makes this kind of networking a game changer, indirectly removing the dependence on managing hardware. Critical aspects of virtual networks in cloud computing and cloud computing network include subnets, or the ability to subdivide networks into subnets, to segment and organize resources. This allows for the network to be better managed and secure. Virtual private clouds, or VPCs, allows users to create isolated networks within the public cloud that enable better control and security over the cloud environment. Security and access control means that virtual networks enable implementation of security measures. This includes network security groups, access control lists, and firewalls. Scalability means that virtual networks in cloud computing are designed to be scalable. This allows for the speedy allocation of network resources based on application demand and changing business needs. It's helpful to become familiar with virtual networks in the context of cloud computing, considering that the concept is used for many cloud networking services. So we'll return to this concept several times during this course.

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