What Is Cloud Computing?
The cloud is not one thing, but rather a term that describes a computing model consisting of many parts. Find out more about what cloud computing really means.
While it often goes unnoticed by the average user, networks are implemented to isolate data from the outside world. Organizations rely on networking to connect their devices and integrate their systems across geographical barriers, while ensuring safe passage for information.
This quick-start guide walks you through the basics of setting up your cloud network. If you’re an IT pro with your sights set on designing and implementing a cloud network, join us on this brief tour.
The cloud is not one thing, but rather a term that describes a computing model consisting of many parts. Find out more about what cloud computing really means.
Wondering which types of cloud services make sense for your organization? This article explains cloud types, cloud solutions and the basics you need to know.
Cloud computing and computer networking go hand in hand. Brush up on computer networking with tutorials and explanations of computer networking terms.
Virtual networks can be thought of as separate networks within a larger network. Administrators can create a separate network segment consisting of a range of subnets (or a single subnet) and control traffic that flows through the cloud network. Depending on your business needs, you can implement your network using cloud technology from a cloud service provider (CSP).
The key difference for cloud administrators and architects when it comes to designing cloud networking solutions is the amount of control needed to have over the hardware. When you implement cloud networking with a CSP, you have little control over — and likely little knowledge about — the design of the CSP’s network. Because of this limitation, virtual networks are often the go-to choice when you want to provide secure network isolation.
With a cloud solution, these virtual networks are known as VNets or Virtual Private Clouds (VPC). These act as a representation of a network in the cloud, giving you a cloud network.
Virtual networks provide the following benefits:
As a cloud administrator or cloud computing engineer, your ability to create a virtual network will typically be reliant on virtual machine software or a cloud network provided by a CSP. Virtual machine software allows cloud administrators to designate and configure virtual network parameters associated with a host’s physical Network Interface Card (NIC). When you configure multiple hosts to operate using the same parameters, you are adding those hosts to the virtual network. Virtual networks must have the following components:
Many CSPs provide cloud services that make it easier to configure virtual networks and cloud networks. With cloud networks, you configure your virtual network and add your resources to them, rather than configuring them at the virtual machine level. Cloud networks also typically offer capabilities to simplify monitoring, management, connections and security.
If you want to make use of a virtual network, you must also configure the following components:
When designing cloud networks, consider the following:
One of the key steps you need to take to secure your cloud network is drilling down into the nitty gritty to uncover what people, services and technologies need access to the network. Ports are an essential part of your cloud network. The port is the endpoint of your connection.
Users connect to the cloud network through a designation port. All ports are assigned a number ranging from 0 to 65,535. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) separates port numbers into three ports, based on their numbers. TCP and UDP ports are assigned based on these ranges. Hackers commonly go after well-known ports but have been known to target open registered or dynamic ports, as well.
The three ports are:
So, what are these ports used for? Here is a list of some of the most common default network ports used in the tech world:
Read more about ports and network protocols
Services and apps that float among the cloud are similar in many ways to the services and apps that remain grounded in your on-premises infrastructure. Take cloud-based web apps and directory services, for example. Many will use the same ports and protocols that are used by their on-premise counterparts. Management tools, whether CSP-based, third-party or those built by your IT team, will also utilize port and protocol requirements.
If you decide to make the jump from the ground to the cloud, you will need to review your ports to determine what needs to be based in the cloud and what needs to remain housed on your own infrastructure. Take a close look at what needs internet access, in order to communicate with outside services or apps, and what type of access is required from inside the cloud.
Once you narrow it down, you can configure firewalls and set the necessary filters to ensure your cloud network will remain secure. As you work to deploy your cloud network, make sure you consult the following resources:
Before launching any cloud network, take a fine-tooth comb through all your apps and services to ensure all ports and protocols are toeing the line.
Before you go giving those magic entry passes away and granting access to your cloud network, consider these guidelines in addition to the information already provided:
Cloud networks are still an emerging technology, showing lots of possibility for the future of IT.
If you see yourself moving into a cloud job like cloud specialist, cloud computing engineer or even data center manager, check out CompTIA Cloud+ to make sure you have the skills employers are looking for. CompTIA Cloud+ validates the skills and abilities needed to implement and manage a successful cloud solution.
CompTIA Cloud+ is the only vendor-neutral, performance-based IT certification that views cloud computing as it relates to the broader ecosystem of IT operations.
This IT certification covers topics such as configuring and deploying cloud solutions and maintaining, managing and troubleshooting a secure cloud computing environment. The Official CompTIA Cloud+ Study Guide, and classes offered by CompTIA training partners, can help you get the knowledge you need for a successful career in cloud computing. Download the CompTIA Cloud+ exam objectives to see what’s on the exam, and purchase the study guide to begin your training.