19 березня 2024 р.
A Virtual Cloud Network (VCN) represents a programmable network within cloud infrastructure, facilitating interactions among various resources and services such as virtual machines, data storage, and other components of the cloud environment.
VCN is closely associated with a specific cloud provider and enables users to not only create but also effectively manage various network elements, such as subnets, IP address ranges, security lists, and routing tables. It is important to note that it also includes features for ensuring network isolation and security, guaranteeing safe interaction of resources within the VCN and preventing unauthorized access.
Additionally, a VCN can be integrated with local networks or other VCNs in different regions, opening up opportunities for creating hybrid cloud or multicloud architectures. This provides users with greater control and flexibility in managing network infrastructure, allowing for precise definition and management of network requirements in the cloud environment.
How VCN works
A virtual network is a way of connecting computers or devices in a virtual environment, such as through the internet, without using physical cables. This allows devices to interact with each other as if they are part of a single local network, even if they are physically located in different places.
Key elements of a virtual network include:
1. Hypervisor: this is a software layer, known as the hypervisor, that enables the operation of the virtual network. It creates and manages virtual machines, allowing them to run various operating systems on a single physical server.
2. Virtual switches: virtual switches are created within the hypervisor to link virtual machines. They are similar to physical switches in traditional networks, directing network traffic between virtual machines or between virtual machines and the physical network.
3. Virtual network adapters: each virtual machine has its own virtual network adapter (vNIC) that connects to the virtual switch. They provide connections to logical network segments without using hardware equipment.
4. Network protocols: virtual networks are based on various protocols, such as IP (Internet Protocol), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network), and others. These protocols facilitate communication between cloud servers and the physical network.
5. Virtual routers and Firewalls: in more complex networks, virtual routers and firewalls are used to manage traffic and provide additional protection. They offer a higher level of control and security in the virtual environment.
Advantages of using VCN
Virtual Cloud Networks (VCN) offer several advantages:
- Scalability: VCNs enable easy scaling of network resources in line with business needs. This allows for quick adjustments of network bandwidth without significant changes in infrastructure;
- Cost-efficiency: payment is only for the resources used, allowing for more effective cost control;
- Security: within a VCN, traffic can be encrypted and routed through firewalls. Additionally, network isolation is possible for extra protection;
- Reliability: VCNs ensure a high level of availability and reliability. They use redundant structures and data replication to minimize system downtime risks;
- Flexibility: VCNs provide significant flexibility in network design and topology. Users have full control over the configuration, allowing for the creation of tailored architectural solutions to meet specific requirements;
- Integration with other cloud services: VCNs easily integrate with other cloud services and resources, such as virtual machines, data storage, and databases.
Stages of VCN deployment
Let's consider instructions for a user planning to deploy a Virtual Private Network (VCN) on a cloud platform:
Step 1. Login and access to console:
- Log into your account on onecloud.com and locate the section responsible for creating virtual networks or VCN.
Step 2. Creating VCN:
- Define the primary parameters: name the VCN, select the deployment region, and determine the IP address range for the network;
- Create subnets: divide your network into subnets, considering the need to place resources in different availability zones.
Step 3. Security setup:
- Creating security lists: set up rules for inbound and outbound traffic to ensure network security;
- Setting up network security groups: apply these rules to various resources in the network.
Firewall (FWaaS): providing a firewall as a service allows users to configure security rules for their VCN, manage traffic, and protect the network from unauthorized access.
Step 4. Routing and access management:
- Setting up route tables: define routes for subnets and routers for data exchange between them;
- Setting access levels: establish VPN or private connections for remote access and configure access levels to resources.
Step 5. Monitoring and management:
- Setting up monitoring tools: use available tools to monitor network operation, performance, and resource availability.
- Optimization and analysis: regularly analyze resource usage and optimize the VCN configuration for enhanced performance.
Step 6. Integration with other systems:
- Using APIs: integrate VCN with other services and systems using provided APIs or tools.
This instruction takes into account the basic steps and recommendations for creating and managing VCN on a cloud platform, however, the specific steps may vary depending on the provided platform.
VCN solutions as exemplified by OneCloudPlanet
- Cloud platform. This is a managed public cloud based on the infrastructure of OneCloudPlanet. Users have access to cloud servers under a pay-as-you-go model, meaning they only pay for the resources they consume.
Previously, we discussed the basics of the OpenStack architecture and the main components of this technology that assist OneCloudPlanet in providing uninterrupted deployment of your infrastructure as a service (IaaS) in the cloud.
- Virtual Private Cloud (VPC): the private cloud serves as the primary tool for creating VCN on the platform. Users can utilize VPC to define a virtual network, set up subnets, routing, and manage network resources. Unlike the public cloud, a private cloud is created for the specific tasks of a particular company.
In addition to the ability to create a private cloud through VPC, OneCloudPlanet offers a convenient solution — basic administration. This includes taking care of backups, setting up monitoring systems, software installation, and continuous monitoring of your services, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of your infrastructure.
Hence
VCNs represent an efficient and flexible mechanism that provides connectivity between various cloud resources in a software-defined environment. This network infrastructure incorporates a high degree of automation and control, allowing users to precisely adjust their network settings in accordance with their business's unique requirements.
From scalability and flexibility to security level and integration with other cloud services, VCNs offer a comprehensive toolkit for effectively managing the cloud environment. Scalability allows for the adaptation of network resources to changing needs, while cost-efficiency ensures optimal resource utilization in terms of expenses. Thanks to secure encryption and isolation mechanisms, users can be confident in the reliability of their data and network interactions.
Thus, virtual cloud networks not only reflect contemporary trends in cloud computing but also act as a key element in the successful management of cloud infrastructure, supporting the seamless and high-performance operation of various services and applications.