Network Virtualization Platforms: Benefits & Best Practices
Network virtualization decouples network functions, services, and workflows from the underlying hardware infrastructure and delivers them as software. In the same way that server virtualization makes data centers more scalable and cost-effective, network virtualization helps companies streamline network deployment and management while reducing hardware expenses.
This guide describes several types of network virtualization platforms before discussing the benefits of virtualization and the best practices for improving efficiency, scalability, and ROI.
What do network virtualization platforms do?
There are three forms of network virtualization that are achieved with different types of platforms. These include:
| Type of Virtualization | Description | Examples of Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Local Area Networking (VLAN) | Creates an abstraction layer over physical local networking infrastructure so the company can segment the network into multiple virtual networks without installing additional hardware. |
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager |
| Software-Defined Networking (SDN) | Decouples network routing and control functions from the actual data packets so that IT teams can deploy and orchestrate workflows across multiple devices and VLANs from one centralized platform. |
Meraki Juniper |
| Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) | Separates network functions like routing, switching, and load balancing from the underlying hardware so teams can deploy them as virtual machines (VMs) and use fewer physical devices. |
Red Hat OpenStack VMware vCloud NFV |
While network virtualization is primarily concerned with software, it still requires a physical network infrastructure to serve as the foundation for the abstraction layer (just like server virtualization still requires hardware in the data center or cloud to run hypervisor software). Additionally, the virtualization software itself needs storage or compute resources to run, either on a server/hypervisor or built-in to a networking device like a router or switch. Sometimes, this hardware is also referred to as a network virtualization platform.
The benefits of network virtualization
Virtualizing network services and workflows with VLANs, SDN, and NFVs can help companies:
- Improve operational efficiency with automation. Network virtualization enables the use of scripts, playbooks, and software to automate workflows and configurations. Network automation boosts productivity so teams can get more work done with fewer resources.
- Accelerate network deployments and scaling. Legacy deployments involve configuring and installing dedicated boxes for each function. Virtualized network functions and configurations can be deployed in minutes and infinitely copied to get new sites up and running in a fraction of the time.
- Reduce network infrastructure costs. Decoupling network functions, services, and workflows from the underlying hardware means you can run multiple functions from once device, saving money and space.
- Strengthen network security. Virtualization makes it easier to micro-segment the network and implement precise, targeted Zero-Trust security controls to protect sensitive and valuable assets.
Network virtualization platform best practices
Following these best practices when selecting and implementing network virtualization platforms can help companies achieve the benefits described above while reducing hassle.
Vendor neutrality
Ensuring that the virtualization software works with the underlying hardware is critical. The struggle is that many organizations use devices from multiple vendors, which makes interoperability a challenge. Rather than using different virtualization platforms for each vendor, or replacing perfectly good devices with ones that are all from the same vendor, it’s much easier and more cost-effective to use virtualization software that interoperates with any networking hardware. This type of software is called ‘vendor neutral.’
To improve efficiency even more, companies can use vendor-neutral networking hardware to host their virtualization software. Doing so eliminates the need for a dedicated server, allowing SDN software and virtualized network functions (VNFs) to run directly from a serial console or router that’s already in use. This significantly consolidates deployments, which saves money and reduces the amount of space needed This can be a lifesaver in branch offices, retail stores, manufacturing sites, and other locations with limited space.
Virtualizing the WAN
We’ve mostly discussed virtualization in a local networking context, but it can also be extended to the WAN (wide area network). For example, SD-WAN (software-defined wide area networking) streamlines and automates the management of WAN infrastructure and workflows. WAN gateway routing functions can also be virtualized as VNFs that are deployed and controlled independently of the physical WAN gateway, significantly accelerating new branch launches.
Unifying network orchestration
The best way to maximize network management efficiency is to consolidate the orchestration of all virtualization with a single, vendor-neutral platform. For example, the Nodegrid solution from ZPE Systems uses vendor-neutral hardware and software to give networking teams a single platform to host, deploy, monitor, and control all virtualized workflows and devices. Nodegrid streamlines network virtualization with:
- An open, x86-64bit Linux-based architecture that can run other vendors’ software, VNFs, and even Docker containers to eliminate the need for dedicated virtualization appliances.
- Multi-functional hardware devices that combine gateway routing, switching, out-of-band serial console management, and more to further consolidate network deployments.
- Vendor-neutral orchestration software, available in on-premises or cloud form, that provides unified control over both physical and virtual infrastructure across all deployment sites for a convenient management experience.
Want to see vendor-neutral network orchestration in action?
Nodegrid unifies network virtualization platforms and workflows to boost productivity while reducing infrastructure costs. Schedule a free demo to experience the benefits of vendor-neutral network orchestration firsthand.