Network virtualization is simply the combination of the software, hardware, and functionality of the network into a single virtual network giving the developer to test software that is still under development or under simulation.
They are two types of network virtualization;
Internal Virtualization
This is whereby software containers are used to replicate a single network functionality
External virtualization
This usually is to increase network efficiency. It is the combination of numerous area network into a single virtual network
The same basic idea is followed by cloud computing only that the resources used to create the network are cloud-based. Some of the advantages of network virtualization include;
Quick application delivery
Automation of network configuration through virtualization reduces the application development turnaround time, which could have taken weeks when done manually to a few minutes. This is very important in any company as it fastens the rolling out of new products or updates.
It cuts the cost of purchase
Through virtualization of the network, the cost of purchase and maintenance of hardware can be reduced to a great extent. This will reduce the overprovision made by various organizations to keep up with the increasing demand. It also increased the productivity of your IT team as through increased network speed and increased network visibility.
Reduces operation cost
Going virtual reduces the operation cost through reduced energy consumption by the servers. This is because one host server computer consumes about ten percent of energy often severs operating on separate hardware. It also helps in maintaining an optimum number of employees in an organization.
Secure network
It allows for control of the network traffic in a physical network of an organization. This prevents attackers as many organizations are prone to hackers since they do not have any other security control, and once their security perimeters are breached, they have no defense. Network virtual is also useful as it allows for segmentation whereby only authorized personnel are allowed to access certain data at a specified time. This is the zero-trust model.
Reliable
Hardware can be a good backup but not as secure as virtualization of the network since more often than not are prone to the outage. Virtualization software can get rid of such disruption and increase the recovery time of the lost data. Unlike the hardware network, it skips the time-consuming steps such as firewall update and change of IP address.
Many organizations have challenges in maximizing their employee productivity and profit. Network virtualization might just be the solution.
