Understanding Virtualized Network Infrastructure – A New Way of Thinking
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by: SukhdeepSingh
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Word Count: 438
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 Time: 11:31 AM
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There was once a time that a network consisted of hardware devices to push bits of data around a network. Now, however, virtualization means that network personnel have to think differently about how networks are set up. The pace of change never ceases in the technology world, and the ultimate goal of this new technology is to make networks better and more powerful. The key thing is making sure that those who administrate the network have a clear understanding of the direction virtualization will take them.
Instead of just hardware, “virtual” devices are now being peppered into modern networks. This includes virtual switches, bridges and Ethernet adapters. From a security standpoint, this is a great development because it allows for further network monitoring and control over these devices in terms of port destinations. Using software to control these devices allows for flexibility, yet control at the same time.
More often than not new development and test environments being set up are virtualized for ease of use and fast scaling. That’s because each environment is set up exactly the same way and can use a network’s performance resources as needed instead of having to worry as much about your configuration management.
One must keep in mind that virtualization is all about using software to better harness the resources that exist in hardware. Take storage for example. With virtualization, you don’t have to worry about file structures and physical locations. This way, managing space for users becomes much easier and way more flexible.
The limits of where you can take virtualization are up to you. The networking components of today can handle it and offer better performance and network management tools. From virtual devices, virtual machines and virtual LANs, more can now be done than ever before. Especially, if you are knowledgeable about what you’re trying to do. In this sense, you are spending less time worrying about network monitoring, and more utilizing the capabilities of your system already in place.
About the Author
Sukhdeep Singh
www.solarwinds.com
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