Network Virtualization - Benefits and Challenges

Before getting into any nitty-gritty of network virtualization, let’s get to understanding what is network virtualization. So, network virtualization is simply the process of shifting the network functions to software. It involves transforming network functions into software and disconnecting it from hardware. It helps in having a more centralised network control and greater visibility. It combines the physical networks into one software-based virtual network. 

Benefits of having a virtual network 

Virtual is the new normal and every sector is shifting towards virtualization. So let’s dive right in to what is making everyone trust virtualization. 

Reduces cost

When you shift to a virtual environment, one physical server transforms into a virtual machine that can work on many things at once. This is not possible for a non-virtualized environment because when you are not using the app on the server, the computer is basically idle. 

A virtual machine on the other hand can have a different OS and can run different apps while being hosted on a single physical server. This is a more cost-effective solution because this reduces the need of having multiple physical servers. 

Enhances resilience during downtime and reduces downtime  

When something happens to the physical server, someone has to fix it. This can take hours, and days depending on the issue. This becomes easy with a virtual environment as you can easily clone the virtual machine and deploy the solution. This takes minutes as opposed to hours in a physical environment. 

Centralised control

The virtual environment allows segmentation into multiple virtual machines. This allows the developers quickly resolve issues without hampering the work and production. This is an ideal situation for testing as the developer can create a clone quickly and run tests. 

This is very useful in case of releasing a new software patch in the system as the developers can clone the system, apply the software update, test and then release it in the main application. This increases the speed and eases the implementation of new software. 

Increases productivity and efficiency 

This brings to the next benefit of network virtualization– increased productivity and efficiency. When you have few physical servers to maintain, IT teams spend less time on hardware and infrastructure maintenance. With a virtual network installing, uploading, updating and maintaining all the virtual machine’s environments becomes easy. This saves them from the laborious tasks of manually maintaining everything which increases efficiency and hence productivity. 

Network visibility 

Having a centralised network gives complete visibility into the entire network and infrastructure. The administrators can manage the network traffic, examine abnormalities and produce reports on traffic behaviour.  

Eco-friendly 

Cutting down on physical components reduces your power consumption. This is a more eco-friendly option as it reduces costs and your data centre’s carbon footprint. 

Challenges of network virtualization 

While there are great benefits that come with network virtualization there can be tough challenges on your way to the implementation of network virtualization. Let’s look at them:

New skills for IT staff

This is one of the major challenges faced during network virtualization. The staff needs to be trained and experienced in handling the shift to the virtual machine. Since the system is no more their traditional standard system, it needs to be operated, maintained and designed differently which needs a different set of skills altogether. 

Lower performance 

The shift from physical hardware to virtual systems often causes performance issues. Virtual system saturation causes performance depletion initially if not implemented with proper planning and with the right resources. 

Changing standards

Standards play an important role in running a system smoothly. The administrator must stay abreast with the latest standards better than when they were working on the hardware system. Another challenge that comes across is that the idea of a virtual network is considered a no hardware solution and is considered to be a costless affair. 

A virtual network is cost-efficient in the long run but it does require an initial investment both in terms of time and money. The hardware in the virtual network needs to be more robust than the hardware used in the traditional old setup which again is costly. 

Difficult management

When everything is shifted to a virtual network locating data becomes difficult because both virtual machines and containers can be transferred between servers. Since there are several virtual machines and containers, there are several endpoints under the administrator’s purview. 

Another issue here is the bandwidth and latency problems that crop up if the infrastructure is not established considering the changes in the requirements. 

Finding the right vendor

Integrating software from different vendors creates complexity and also finding the right vendor for your installing a virtual network is crucial because of the complexity it comes with. 

The challenges that come along with virtualization are often easily resolvable when you have the right partner with you. Konverge Technologies is one such company which provides you with exactly what you need. Our virtualization process includes an in-depth study, analysis and assessment of your IT environment, designing a detailed plan, developing a strategy for adopting virtualization and deploying the new infrastructure through a team of experts. We also support you throughout the process and at every level. 

Here are a few takeaways for network virtualization that we think will help you 

• Network virtualization brings a lot of benefits but it is wise to go with a trusted and well-established vendor for your virtualization process. 
• Network virtualization demands qualified employees to manage the virtual environment, manage the data, etc. Thus, having a good support system during the transition is very crucial.
• Network virtualization brings enhanced network visibility and large data transfers which require robust network management software and a well trained and qualified staff who can manage the virtual network. 

In Conclusion, Virtualization in networking has played a significant role in the evolution of networking technologies. It allows businesses to virtualize their networking resources, including routers, switches, and firewalls, and more easily and efficiently manage their networks. This has resulted in increased flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, virtualization in networking has enabled the creation of new services and applications that were previously unimaginable. As the demand for virtualization in networking continues to grow, it will likely remain a central technology in the industry for years. In conclusion, virtualization in networking has profoundly impacted the field and will continue to shape the future of networking technologies.