Cloud-based networking, or cloud networking, is a technology that centralizes networking resources in the cloud. This may refer to either a public cloud or a private cloud. Cloud-based networking is a form of cloud networking that entirely exists and operates within a cloud environment. The infrastructure, resources, cloud network management, and other network administrative and operational processes are performed within the cloud.
Cloud networking offers connectivity to and between applications and workloads across clouds, cloud services, on-premises data centers, and edge networks. It’s vital to the performance, security, and efficient management of hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments.
In this article, we will review some of the advantages and disadvantages of cloud-based networking for enterprises.
Advantages of Cloud-based Networking
- Simplification for lifecycle management: Cloud-based networking simplifies the deployment, configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of network resources and services. It eliminates the need for physical hardware installation, manual updates, and complex troubleshooting. It also enables the automation and orchestration of network tasks and workflows.
- User-experience assurance: Cloud-based networking provides consistent and reliable access to applications and data across different locations and devices. It optimizes network performance by leveraging technologies such as software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) and secure access service edge (SASE) to route traffic intelligently and securely.
- Reduced time to market for service rollout: Cloud-based networking enables faster and easier provisioning of network resources and services on demand. It reduces the dependency on IT staff and vendors, and allows for rapid scaling up or down as needed. It also supports innovation and experimentation by allowing network teams to test new features and functionalities in the cloud².
- Lower operational costs: Cloud-based networking reduces the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) associated with traditional networking. It eliminates the need for purchasing, maintaining, and upgrading physical hardware and software licenses. It also leverages the economies of scale and pay-as-you-go models offered by cloud providers to lower the cost of network resources and services.
- Reduced risk for applications and data: Cloud-based networking enhances the security and compliance of applications and data across multiple networks. It leverages the built-in security features and best practices of cloud providers, such as encryption, firewalls, identity and access management (IAM), etc. It also enables centralized visibility and control over network traffic and activity, as well as faster detection and response to threats.
Disadvantages of Cloud-based Networking
- Dependency on cloud providers: Cloud-based networking relies on the availability, reliability, and performance of cloud providers. Any downtime or disruption in the cloud services can affect the network functionality and user experience. Moreover, cloud providers may have different service level agreements (SLAs), pricing models, technical support, etc., which can pose challenges for network management and integration.
- Lack of customization: Cloud-based networking may not offer the same level of flexibility and customization as traditional networking. Some network features or functions may not be available or compatible with the cloud environment. Moreover, some cloud providers may impose limitations or restrictions on the network configuration or customization options.
- Security and privacy concerns: Cloud-based networking involves transferring sensitive data and applications to a third-party cloud provider. This can raise security and privacy concerns for some enterprises, especially those in highly regulated industries. Enterprises need to ensure that their cloud providers comply with the relevant laws and regulations, as well as their own security policies and standards.
- The complexity of multi-cloud networking: Cloud-based networking can become more complex when enterprises use multiple clouds from multiple cloud service providers (CSPs). This can create challenges for network interoperability, compatibility, consistency, governance, visibility, etc. Enterprises need to adopt a common strategy across multi-cloud networking to ensure seamless connectivity, security, and management.
Conclusion
Cloud-based networking is a technology that centralizes networking resources in the cloud. It offers many benefits for enterprises, such as simplification, user-experience assurance, reduced time to market, lower costs, and reduced risk. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as dependency on cloud providers, lack of customization, security and privacy concerns, and complexity of multi-cloud networking.
Enterprises should weigh the pros and cons of cloud-based networking before adopting it for their business needs. They should also consider their current network infrastructure, requirements, budget, etc., as well as the features and capabilities of different cloud providers.
Cloud-based networking is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a technology that requires careful planning, implementation, monitoring, and optimization to achieve the desired outcomes.
