Cloud networking is a kind of cloud resource usage for managing and controlling networks and services. With traditional networking, hardware such as routers, switches, and firewalls handled all functions, including traffic management and security. Cloud networking shifts all functions into the cloud, allowing an organization to employ virtual resources that are controlled by software.
The critical building blocks of cloud networking are:
– Virtual Private Network (VPN): a secure connection on a public internet to allow privacy and secure data.
– Software-Defined Networks (SDN): Networks that are managed by software instead of hardware, hence offering more flexibility and scalability.
– Network-as-a-Service: a subscription-based network service model provided to businesses where the networking function is hosted in the cloud, instead of investing in physical infrastructure.
– Cloud-based firewalls and security protocols: fortify cloud networks against emerging cyber threats.
Cloud networking has numerous organizations worldwide. Internet of Things (IoT), remote work platforms, and edge computing are just the frontiers of modern technology and services where cloud networking carries severe weight. It grants flexibility in scaling their networking needs as per demand instead of being stuck with the physical infrastructure limitations, thus leading to economically viable and flexible solutions.
The possibility offered by cloud networking
The change in networking allows for merits, especially in scalability, flexibility, and cost savings for organizations.
Growth in a typical networking setup might require difficult and often intense transactions on procurement for changes to the infrastructure. With cloud networking, these companies can easily scale their network capacity using an on-demand basis. Such agility is very much needed by organizations that face varying or seasonal peaks of traffic or demand.
According to a recent Gartner report, the proportion of enterprises adopting cloud-first networking strategies will rise to more than 85% by 2025, up from barely 30% in 2020, further stressing the need for organizations to keep robust flexibility in their networking infrastructure.
Another good reason for using cloud networking lies in the savings it provides.
Forrester’s 2023 survey established that a business moving to cloud networking solutions can manage to reduce total management costs on its network by at least 45%. This makes cloud networking very attractive for small and medium enterprises (SME), which might have otherwise lacked the resources to go for extensive physical infrastructure.
Security is a very pertinent concern in today’s digital world, particularly with cloud networking in its ability to improve protection from cyber threats. Considering the soaring incidences of cybercrime, cloud providers have heavily invested in strong security measures, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and advanced-grade firewalls.
Cloud networking is increasingly seen as an enabler for emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and edge computing. Such technologies need low-latency, high-bandwidth connections that can be dynamically scaled in response to real-time demand. Cloud networking’s capability of distributing network functions across geographies and resources is an assurance for the efficient and secure operation of these new technologies. A Cisco report predicts that there will be at least 75 billion connected IoT devices in the world by 2025.
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