TLDR;
This video explains how to virtualize network infrastructure in cloud computing, focusing on network function virtualization (NFV) and the use of virtual private clouds (VPCs). It covers key components like transit gateways, VPN connections, internet gateways, and NAT gateways for managing communication between VPCs and the internet. Additionally, it discusses security measures such as security groups and network security groups to control traffic and enhance security at both the network and individual interface levels.
- Virtualize network infrastructure in cloud computing
- Key components like transit gateways, VPN connections, internet gateways, and NAT gateways
- Security measures such as security groups and network security groups
Virtualizing Network Infrastructure [0:56]
The video addresses the virtualization of network infrastructure in cloud computing, referred to as Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Instead of physical routers, switches, and firewalls, virtual versions are used within the virtualized environment. These virtual appliances retain the same functionality as their physical counterparts, allowing for the deployment of new firewalls, switches, or router configurations with ease. This virtualization provides flexibility in deploying applications, designing network connectivity, and connecting different cloud infrastructures globally.
Components of a Cloud Infrastructure [2:48]
A typical cloud application instance includes web servers, database servers, load balancers, virtual switches, routers, and firewalls, all running within a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). Larger environments often use separate VPCs for different application instances or company divisions to maintain system separation while allowing centralized management. To enable communication between devices in separate VPCs, a Transit Gateway acts as a cloud router, connecting all VPCs. For external connectivity, a VPN connection can be established for secure access to VPCs, while a VPC Internet Gateway allows public access to applications. A VPC NAT Gateway facilitates outbound communication from VPCs to the internet, using Network Address Translation (NAT) to translate private IP addresses to public ones, enabling secure outbound connections without allowing inbound access.
Connectivity Between Cloud Providers [5:11]
Many organizations use multiple cloud providers and require connectivity between them. This can be achieved through a VPC endpoint, which creates a direct connection from a VPC in one cloud provider to a VPC in another. For example, a public subnet with public applications can connect to cloud storage via the internet using a VPC internet gateway, while a private subnet can connect to the same cloud storage using a VPC endpoint, ensuring secure communication.
Security Groups and Lists [6:13]
Cloud providers offer additional security layers for VPCs, such as security groups and lists, which function as firewalls for cloud-based services. These tools control inbound and outbound traffic using port numbers, protocols (TCP/UDP), and Layer 3 addresses (IP addresses, CIDR blocks, IPv4/IPv6 ranges). Security groups are configured with inbound and outbound rules, customizable to specific application needs. Once defined, a network security list is applied to all VPCs, assigning the specified rules to each virtual cloud network.
Network Security Groups [7:58]
Network security lists lack granularity, as they apply to all virtual cloud networks, even if the rules are unnecessary for some. To address this, network security groups allow assigning rules to individual virtual network interface cards (vNICs). This provides more granular control, enabling different rules for different interfaces within the same VPC subnet. While this approach increases administrative overhead, it offers enhanced security. For even greater security, a virtual firewall or other virtualized platform can be implemented to add additional security to application instances.
