On-premises hardware and infrastructure used to be a given, but cloud networking has revolutionised the way businesses work. Cloud networking can refer to both the network infrastructure that supports cloud services and the way businesses use the cloud for their operations.
It offers a fully scalable way to store and secure data and allows users to access a variety of web-based applications. Even more importantly, employees can access systems regardless of where they are. All they need is a secure internet connection.
Businesses that network in the cloud can do more with less investment, and operational costs can be lower because you only pay for what your organisation uses. Adding to the cost advantages, you can easily increase the scale of your cloud activity and storage as needed. However, it’s important to carefully monitor usage over time; cloud networking isn’t always the most cost-effective option, especially if resources aren’t optimised or usage patterns shift. Without proper oversight, costs can quickly escalate beyond expectations.
Meanwhile, teams scattered across different locations have access to the same network, which allows them to collaborate, innovate, and share resources easily. It’s one of the most important advances in information technology, and cloud computing has, quite simply, become part of the way we work.
How Does Cloud Networking Work?
Although we talk about the “cloud,” data centres are the real places that make cloud networking work. A network of hosted servers allows users to transmit data online. Cloud applications are provided by hosts, and they are responsible for the computing power that brings it all together.
As businesses offering a service, they must carefully consider security, and it is up to them to make storage capacity and data available when it is needed. Unlike on-premises solutions, cloud computing spreads risk by distributing servers across several locations, and copies of data are kept in different places.
So, if a data centre were to burn down, for example, your data will not be lost. And, because all your resting data and data in transit is encrypted, it becomes far more difficult to misappropriate. This differs from the old-fashioned way of storing data on in-house servers, which are far more vulnerable to data loss.
Cloud Network Types
Public cloud networking is provided by third-party providers, including Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. These services offer the benefits of scalability, availability, and cost savings while allowing access to the latest cloud technologies and features. However, there are concerns about shared responsibility for security, and portability requires the implementation of standardisation techniques, APIs, or portability services.
Private cloud networking uses dedicated services and resources, which allows for full control over security, compliance, and performance. However, the disadvantages include the high costs of acquiring and maintaining such networks. Since customers can no longer rely on providers to manage and operate the cloud, they will need skilled personnel to do it for them.
Hybrid cloud networking offers a combination of public and private cloud networks and can move data between both at will. The combination allows for flexibility and efficiency but has its share of disadvantages. There are now several network architectures to manage, and interoperability between networks can present a challenge. In addition, the movement of data between platforms, as well as between platforms and users, makes security more difficult.
Multi-cloud networking allows users to build a network portfolio to benefit from the best features various providers can offer. They also have “redundancy,” extra capacity that allows them to achieve better resilience. Although this form of cloud networking allows people freedom of choice, integration of various services, management of network performance, and governance become more complex.
What IT Teams are Responsible for Cloud Networking?
Using cloud vendors does not absolve customers from all responsibility. Security tasks are shared between the provider and the user. Thus, responsibility is shared with the provider shouldering some responsibilities while the user organisation does its share.
The boundaries differ depending on the cloud service models you use, and it will be important to know which responsibilities your business must shoulder. In general, providers handle physical security, implement network controls and undertake infrastructure maintenance.
Their customers remain responsible for data protection through encryption, implementing operating system security patches, and ensuring that the custom applications they use are secured and properly configured.
What Makes a Successful Multi-Cloud Networking Strategy?
As we previously observed, multi-cloud solutions can be complex. However, automation helps eliminate issues that would otherwise make them impossible to monitor, control, and operate.
By definition, a multi-cloud solution means that various information and applications are in different places, yet they must all work together to be functional. This means that the management of connectivity must result in a coherent and workable model. Simplification of operations helps – the more complex the architecture, the more difficult it becomes to create a logical and stable network infrastructure.
The choice of platforms that work together effectively allows for efficient data and application management from a single point. The ultimate aim is a unified experience combined with a simplified operating model. The aims to strive toward when developing a multi-cloud networking strategy are, therefore, automation, simplicity, and unification.
Cloud Network Security
To maintain cloud network security effectively, implement best practices in the following areas:
- Use of identity and access management systems
- Limiting access to what is necessary for task performance
- Continuous monitoring of all systems for unusual activity and potential threats
- Network and asset segmentation limiting potential access to high-value targets
- Security awareness training for all personnel
- Implementation of zero trust networks
Cloud networks have been operating, albeit in more basic forms, since the 2000s, but initial adoption was slow, primarily because of security concerns. Since then, there have been significant improvements in the security of cloud-based networking and computing. Robust cloud network security, proper management, and secure configuration will be crucial.
Nowadays, the talk tends more toward how AI and automation in cloud networking can further enhance efficiency and security. Cloud-first networking is the future, and more innovations are sure to follow.
What Type of Cloud Networking Is Best For You? Get an Expert Perspective
Advantex empowers organisations by developing scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure that’s a perfect fit for their needs. We build relationships by offering 24-hour support and all the expertise our team has to offer.
With our network and infrastructure solutions, you can take advantage of all the benefits that cloud networking offers while leaving the important details in skilled hands. Book a consultation today.
