What is cloud networking?

Cloud networking refers to hosting or using some or all network resources and services — virtual routers, bandwidth, virtual firewalls, or network management software — from the cloud, whether public, private, or hybrid.

How does cloud networking work?

With cloud networking, the network can be either cloud-enabled or entirely cloud-based.

In cloud-enabled networking, the network is on premises, but some or all resources used to manage it are in the cloud. Core network infrastructure—packet forwarding, routing, and data—remains in-house, but things like network management, monitoring, maintenance, and security services are done through the cloud. One example is using a SaaS-based firewall to protect an on-premises network.

In cloud-based networking, the entire network is in the cloud. This includes network management resources and physical hardware. Cloud-based networking is used to provide connectivity between applications and resources deployed in the cloud.

How the cloud is changing traditional networking?

Users around the globe need reliable, secure access to the data and applications they use every day. But the distribution of apps and services across clouds and datacenters is creating new challenges for IT. Traditional application delivery controllers (ADCs) and load balancing are no longer sufficient for delivering apps in a hybrid and multi-cloud world. 

In addition, with apps moving to the cloud, organizations are also more vulnerable to internet-based attacks. To address this issue, businesses are moving away from the model of “connect first and then authenticate” users. Instead, a secure digital perimeter—one that encompasses ADCs, web application firewalls, and secure web gateway components—is used to authenticate the user before granting access based on who the user is, where they’re located, and even what device they’re on.

Finally, deploying separate solutions to address each application across a hybrid or multi-cloud environment can be difficult to secure and manage. It’s critical to gain end-to-end visibility and analysis of applications, users, and devices across the network.

NetScaler solutions for cloud networking

NetScaler solutions provide the advanced application delivery controller functionality businesses need to ensure applications perform well and remain secure. Together, these solutions provide holistic visibility so you can maintain a consistent security posture in a hybrid and multi-cloud world.

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