Cloud networking: Beyond the horizon of traditional connectivity

Introduction to cloud networking

The market size of cloud networking was $235.5 billion in 2019 but is expected to reach $731.08 billion by 2030, growing at 13.6% CAGR. This is being spurred by the growing use of cloud solutions and the requirements for increased capacity, security, and performance of IT environments. Cloud-based networking is the future of digital infrastructure. It is currently gaining significance for organisations globally. 

These cloud-based advancements provide better ways of transmitting, storing, and securing information. They do not require many physical structures to be put in place, which makes them cost-effective and time-saving.

In this blog, we will understand the basic characteristics of Cloud Networking and its role in the further evolution of digital networks. It will explain its importance and how it is changing the way companies interact with each other worldwide.

As technology evolves, new trends in cloud networking are changing how we connect. 

The evolution beyond traditional connectivity

Users need consistent and secure access to the data every day. However, as services extend across clouds and data centres, traditional methods do not suffice efficiently. In a hybrid multi-cloud environment, traditional ADCs and load balancing cannot meet the task. 

Software Defined-Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) can integrate different networks, providing a seamless user experience, whether at a branch, home office or across various networks.

Moving software to the cloud is also a drawback because it makes it vulnerable to internet-based attacks. To avoid this, companies began to abandon the” connect first, then authenticate” approach in favour of a secure digital perimeter. 

Advancements in network technology have led to the emergence of a new approach to building secure web applications that utilise ADCs, WAFs, and SWGs. It identifies the user, location, and device before admitting them to the application.

Understanding the shift to cloud-centric networking

The transition in this decade to cloud-centric networking is a revolution in networks for all sorts of businesses. The traditional networks are not able to keep pace with the world’s accelerating digitalisation. Through cloud networking, the organisation can achieve flexibility, adaptability, and even improved cloud network security features.

Cloud networks are being implemented in businesses to better manage digital resources. They provide the advantage of swiftly changing strategies to fit the current market and reduce costs related to traditional network infrastructure. 

As Gartner emphasises, "In 2025, 80% of traditional data centres will have been closed".

Cloud-centric networking supports hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It assists companies in managing both the public and private cloud hassle-free. This integration is well needed, as evidenced by the growing adoption of cloud solutions by many companies.

Key components of cloud networking

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an important component of cloud networking. It separates network control from physical infrastructure. SDN centralises network management, making it more flexible and scalable.

SDN enables automated network provisioning and management, reducing operational complexity and costs. According to research, "SDN can reduce network provisioning time by up to 82%."

SDN improves network performance by dynamically adjusting to traffic loads. It also enhances cloud network security by allowing for more precise control over network resources.

Advantages of cloud networking

There are several advantages of cloud networking.

• Minimum downtime: The cloud provider handles all upgrades to cloud resources, thus minimising the operational concerns encountered by the network team. Downtime, if any, is usually announced in advance.
• Cost savings: Cloud networking helps cut capital costs associated with procuring and maintaining costly servers and hardware. 
• Scalability: IT teams identify the company's needs and scale up the IT department where necessary. In the cloud, this process is seamless, unlike traditional networks, where it often causes disruptions.
• Productivity: Since the service provider handles maintenance, updating, and testing, the IT-related staff can address the other IT needs.
• Resilience and elasticity: Cloud networks are designed for uptime and constant performance. They are reliable.

Automation and orchestration in cloud networking

Automation and orchestration are critical to efficient cloud networking. Automation uses software to perform tasks without human intervention, while orchestration coordinates these automated tasks. Together, they streamline network operations and reduce errors. Automated processes by Tata Communication handle routine tasks like provisioning, configuration, and scaling, freeing up IT staff for more strategic activities.

According to Gartner, "by 2023, over 50% of enterprises will use industry cloud platforms tools to manage network operations". This trend highlights the growing importance of automation and orchestration in cloud networking.

Performance optimisation in cloud networking

Optimising cloud network performance involves several strategies:

• Monitoring and analytics: Continuous supervision detects disruptions, lack of improvements, or suboptimal results indicating potential traffic performance issues. The insights enable the network to work at an optimum level by providing a detailed look at how the network performs.
• Load balancing: Proper network traffic distribution allows the controllers to load balance the traffic across all servers and eliminate congestion on a specific server. Thus, the servers' performance is optimal.
• Caching: Data is often requested to be stored in locations closer to users. This helps to cut the extra time needed to access the data.
• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): CDNs distribute content to users worldwide so that they don’t have to wait long to access it.
• Network Function Virtualisation (NFV): NFV eliminates dependency on hardware by distributing the network functions and thereby enhances resource utilisation.

Tata Communications' IZO™ Multi Cloud Connect doesn't just connect you to the cloud; it optimises your entire cloud networking experience. Their solution incorporates advanced performance optimisation strategies, including real-time monitoring and analytics to detect and resolve issues promptly.

Conclusion

Internet cloud computing is revolutionising how organisations structure their networks, allowing them to host systems in the cloud. This approach offers flexibility and scalability, making it an ideal choice for companies of all sizes. Cloud networking empowers you to reduce costs, boost efficiency, and stay agile in a rapidly changing market.

Tata Communications' IZO™ Multi Cloud Connect takes these benefits to the next level. This solution goes beyond traditional connectivity, offering you seamless, secure access to multiple cloud providers. With IZO™ Multi Cloud Connect, you can optimise your cloud network performance through advanced monitoring, load balancing, and caching techniques. Schedule a free demo now!