Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic University

Province of Laguna
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally
Accredited
Course Title ITST 303 Enterprise and Specialized Network Management (Net 303)

Sem/AY 2nd Semester 2023-2024

Lesson Title Module 2: Advanced Network Technologies

Chapter 7: Cloud-Based Network Management

Date April 24, 2024

Description of The lesson focuses on cloud-based network management, exploring how network devices
the Lesson and management software can be controlled from a cloud-based platform instead of on-
premises hardware. It delves into the advantages, features, and technologies underpinning
cloud-managed networking, covering topics such as scalability, automation, AI
optimization, and cost-efficiency.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Students should be able to meet the following intended learning outcomes:

Learning 1. Understand the concept of cloud-based network management and its significance in
Outcomes modern IT infrastructure.

2. Identify the key features and advantages of cloud-managed networking over traditional
on-premises solutions.

3. Recognize the technologies driving cloud-based network management, including SDN,

AI, and automation.

4. Evaluate the different types of cloud networking (public, private, hybrid, and multi-
cloud) and their respective characteristics.

5. Analyze real-world use cases and examples to comprehend the practical applications of
cloud-based network management.

Targets/ At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

Objectives
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally
Accredited
1. Define cloud-based network management and explain its key components.

2. Describe the benefits of cloud-managed networking in terms of scalability, efficiency,

security, and innovation.

3. Identify the role of SDN technology in enabling cloud-based network management.

4. Discuss the advantages and challenges associated with public, private, hybrid, and
multi-cloud networking.

5. Examine case studies to illustrate the implementation and impact of cloud-based

network management in diverse organizational settings.

Student Learning Strategies

Offline Activities Lecture Guide

Cloud-Based Network Management

Cloud-based network management, also called cloud-managed networking, is an

approach to managing computer networks where the network devices and
management software are controlled from a cloud-based platform instead of on-
premises hardware.
Cloud-based network management tools are software applications that run on a cloud
platform and provide network administration via a web browser or mobile app. They
let you access, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot your network devices and services
from a remote location without the need for any software or hardware installation.
Cloud-based network management solutions include Cisco Meraki, SolarWinds
Network Performance Monitor, and Zabbix, among others. Every sysadmin requires a
trustworthy network monitoring tool. A network monitoring program is often
deployed on an in-house server that monitors all aspects of local and remote networks,
including bandwidth, hardware, and virtual machine CPU utilization. A cloud-based
network monitoring tool, on the other hand, operates within the cloud. As a result, it
does not require hosting on a dedicated in-house server.
Cloud-based network management solutions have various advantages over traditional
network management tools, including scalability, flexibility, cost-efficiency, security,
and innovation. You can effortlessly add or remove network devices and services using
cloud-based tools, without worrying about your network management server's
capacity or performance. You may also access your network administration dashboard
from anywhere, at any time, using any device with an internet connection. You will also
save money on hardware, software, maintenance, and upgrades because the cloud
provider will handle these tasks for you. You can also safeguard your network data and
configuration using the cloud provider's security methods such as encryption, backup,
and disaster recovery. Finally, you may take advantage of the cloud provider's latest
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally
Accredited
features and upgrades without needing to install

A standard product enables network management, visibility, and control from a

central location. This could include managing distributed wireless access routers or
branch-office equipment through cloud-based centralization. The purpose is to
construct and operate secure private networks employing WAN connections and a
centralized administration function that can be hosted in a cloud service provider's
data center. Connectivity, security, management, and control are moved to the cloud
and provided as a service.

A cloud-based network management solution moves network control to the cloud

while network infrastructure remains in-house. This form of network management
provides a multitude of advantages to businesses, including:

· Improved scalability: The cloud eliminates traditional scaling barriers, such

as controller pairs that must be replicated for resiliency.

· More efficient location and status services: Most organizations still struggle
to provide up-to-date information on the location and state of their equipment.
Cloud network management can readily meet these requirements.

· Automatic updates: The networking manufacturer is constantly updating

cloud-based management platforms, so there is no need to wait for downloads
or upgrade on-premises systems.

· AI-powered optimization: In a cloud-based system, AI and machine learning

are used to discover problems, correct them, optimize them, and automate the
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally
Accredited
network management process.

· Cost savings: Cloud-based network management allows your team to focus on

more important projects while enhancing efficiency and freeing up time,
money, and resources from your IT department, resulting in lower operational
expenses.

· More simplified updates: When an IT manager has to push an update to the

network, a cloud-based solution allows the manager to do so all at once rather
than going device-by-device like a legacy system.

This technology is powered by SDN technology, which allows groups of networking

switches and access devices to be virtualized and converted from private hardware to
software operating on a white box. The switches and access devices can then be
distributed across a large region as shared, virtualized resources in an SD-WAN or
cloud WAN.

The basic concept of having fewer management devices installed in branch offices or
client premises and pushing more routing and management functions to the cloud is
now being pursued, resulting in a broader range of networking products such as
branch office routers, WAN optimization software, and firewalls.

This type of networking, which manages and deploys network functions across the
WAN, is similar to SD-WAN. The tendency is expanding as a greater range of functions
may be deployed via the cloud. The primary purpose is to remove services from being
connected to specific hardware, allowing services to be deployed more quickly via
software over a network connection.

Why Cloud Network Management?

Another example of the Software as a Service (Saas) paradigm, which offers various
business operations including email, sales and people management, messaging, and
conferencing, is the capability to administer your network from the cloud.

Things considered, this implies that virtual, internet-based software controllers take
the role of the hardware network management controllers that are located on your
local area network. Doing away with the requirement to install controllers at every
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally
Accredited
location, lowers network complexity and initial costs.

5 Great Reasons to Manage Your Network in the Cloud

 Better and easier patching routines

One important way the cloud improves network management is by making

software upgrades and patching easier. It is your responsibility to ensure that
critical fixes are applied on schedule and on a regular basis if your
management solution is on-premises. Your network may become susceptible if
you overlook one.

On the other hand, updates happen automatically via the cloud. Furthermore, it
just makes your life easier to receive automated releases for cloud-based
platforms. You always have access to the most recent code, and you may
quickly acquire new features without exerting any effort. Updating your
management software allows you to cross off another task from your list of
things to complete.

 Anywhere access

The ability to access data, apps, and services from any location with an Internet
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally
Accredited
connection is another reason to adore the cloud. Because of this, we now
consider it normal that we can access files, read emails, and even set up our
home thermostats from any location. You're losing out if you can't get to your
network administration panel with the same simplicity.

With cloud-based management, you can monitor and manage devices from any
location on your network, regardless of your physical location. Of course, you
could be able to improvise the same kind of capability with an on-premises
monitoring solution by configuring your remote desktop software and VPN, for
instance, to allow you to access your management panel from off-site.

 Easier to use

Network management becomes much easier with web-based management

consoles. Configuring and managing devices with many on-premises solutions
—the Cisco ASA-series firewalls being one prominent example—requires you
to become proficient in laborious CLI commands. Others call for programming
knowledge and the download of software. Cloud-based software reduces
administration responsibilities to a simple series of clicks and points.

Additionally, rich visualizations such as network topology are represented by

Web-based interfaces, which saves you time and effort when interpreting
network data instead of having to trawl through tables of IP addresses and
devices.

 Security

Unnecessary in terms of security. After all, transferring your management tools

to the cloud entails relying on a third party to maintain the console's security
and giving up physical control over the hardware that houses them. These are
not insignificant worries.

However, keep in mind that the major cloud businesses are able to invest
millions in security measures, ranging from sophisticated protection
techniques from some of the industry's top security experts to maintaining
their physical servers under 24-hour armed guard lockdown.

It is challenging to achieve the increased level of agility that modern cloud

 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally
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infrastructure offers with a conventional on-premises strategy. Redirecting IT
resources to more mission-critical tasks while taking advantage of a streamlined
architecture and smaller physical footprint is an attractive benefit for many
enterprises.

The following benefits of cloud-based managed networking:

 A decrease in the number of onsite network management devices, as well as a

quicker acceptance and implementation of new features and software.

 Network management lifecycles have been simplified, resulting in more

effective deployment, provisioning, monitoring, reporting, and
troubleshooting.

 Greater adaptability to grow the network and provide redundancy,

replacement, and failover services.

 The majority of cloud-based network management solutions make use of cloud

hosting infrastructure from AWS, Azure, and other top providers that adhere to
industry standards.

 For improved analysis, telemetry from every network infrastructure under

administration can be fed into a single data lake.

 Services powered by AI and machine learning can spot unusual trends to help
with troubleshooting.

 AI site comparisons can help businesses optimize their networks for increased
performance.

 Sharing information about new IoT devices is easier, which improves network
security.

Types of Cloud Networking

Public Cloud Networking

Public cloud networking represents a paradigm shift in how organizations approach

network infrastructure, democratizing access to advanced computing resources. It is a
type of cloud networking where networking resources such as servers, storage, and
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
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ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally
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services are owned and operated by third-party providers and delivered to users over
the internet. This model is characterized by its open architecture, making it accessible
to any user with internet access.

Characteristics of Public Cloud Networking:

1. Shared Resources: Public clouds operate on a multi-tenant model, where

resources are shared among several users. This sharing of resources, while
efficient, means that users do not have physical control over the infrastructure.

2. Scalability: One of the hallmark features of public cloud networking is its

scalability. Users can easily scale their resources up or down based on their
needs.

3. Maintenance and Management: The cloud service provider is responsible for

all maintenance, updates, and management of the infrastructure.

4. Pay-As-You-Go Pricing: Users typically pay for only what they use, making it a
cost-effective solution for many businesses.

Key Service Providers:

 Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS provides a wide range of international

cloud-based services and solutions, such as networking, analytics, storage,
computation, and databases.

 Microsoft Azure: Azure offers a variety of cloud services, such as AI, IoT, and
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
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hybrid cloud networking solutions.

 Google Cloud Platform (GCP): GCP focuses on high-end computing services

such as analytics, machine learning, and big data.

Examples & Use Cases:

 Web-Based Apps: Public cloud networking is used by businesses to host

and maintain web-based applications.

 Storage and Backup: Companies use cloud storage to store and retrieve
data.

 Big Data Analytics: Managing and analyzing huge data sets is best done on
public clouds.

Advantages:

 Cost-Effectiveness: Since public cloud networking doesn't require hardware

purchases, it's an affordable option for a lot of companies.

 Scalability and Flexibility: Businesses can modify resources based on

demand to the unmatchable scalability and flexibility provided by public
clouds.

 Ease of Use and Management: By handling upgrades and maintenance,

providers relieve users of the burden of managing their IT.

Challenges:

 Security Issues: In public cloud systems, shared resources may give rise to
security issues. Despite the fact that providers use strong security measures,
there is always a chance because the environment is shared.

 Less Customization: Compared to private or hybrid clouds, public cloud

networking allows less customization due to its standardized structure.

Future Trends and Developments:

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Laguna State Polytechnic University
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ISO 9001:2015 Certified
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 Advanced Security Solutions: Public cloud providers are probably going to
deliver more sophisticated and integrated security solutions as security
becomes a bigger priority.

 Integration of AI and Machine Learning: In order to improve analytics and

service management, public cloud services are progressively integrating AI and
machine learning capabilities.

 Sustainability Focus: Cloud service providers are allocating resources to

enhance the environmental sustainability of their offerings.

 Integration of Edge Computing: Public cloud providers will probably include

more edge services into their offerings as edge computing expands. This will
lower latency and boost performance for specific applications.

Networking in public clouds is changing as new technologies and shifting business

requirements are taken into account. Its ability to offer solutions that are scalable,
flexible, and economical makes it an essential part of the contemporary digital
environment.

Private Cloud Networking

Private cloud networking is a model of cloud computing where the cloud

infrastructure is exclusively dedicated to a single organization. Unlike public clouds,
which serve multiple clients, a private cloud is built for a specific client, offering a
higher level of control and privacy.

Definition and Characteristics:

 Exclusivity: Only one organization uses the private network that houses the
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally
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infrastructure and services.

 Customization: Private clouds can be extensively modified to satisfy certain

corporate requirements.

 Control and Security: Companies now have more authority over the
information and assets they use, which is essential for adhering to regulations.

 On-Premises or Hosted: A private cloud may be hosted by a third-party

provider or on-premises.

Differences from Public Cloud Networking:

 Resource Allocation: Unlike the shared model of public clouds, private clouds
are reserved for one organization, eliminating the ‘noisy neighbor’ issue.

 Security and Compliance: Private clouds offer enhanced security measures

and are better suited for organizations with stringent data security and
compliance requirements.

 Customization and Control: Greater customization and control in a private

cloud allow organizations to tailor their environment to fit specific needs.

Examples & Use Cases:

 Healthcare Industry: To comply with health privacy regulations like HIPAA,

hospitals store patient data on private clouds.

 Financial Services: Private clouds are used by banks and other financial
organizations to store sensitive financial data and conduct safe transactions.

 Governmental Agencies: To improve security and control while managing

sensitive data, government organizations frequently turn to private clouds.

Advantages:

 Enhanced Security: Handling sensitive data in a private cloud is suitable

 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
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ISO 9001:2015 Certified
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because of its exclusive nature, which creates a more secure environment.

 Greater Control: Data, hardware, and software all fall under the complete
control of organizations when it comes to their infrastructure.

 Customization: Private clouds can be tailored to fulfill certain commercial and

operational needs.

Challenges:

 Higher Costs: Because private clouds require specialized resources, they

might be more expensive to set up and operate than public clouds.

 Complexity of Management: It takes a great deal of technical know-how and

resources to manage a private cloud.

 Limited Scalability: Scaling resources in a private cloud can be less dynamic

and more difficult than in public clouds.

Emerging Technologies in Private Cloud Networking Technologies:

 Hybrid Cloud Integration: To combine the advantages of both public and

private clouds, many businesses are integrating them to create hybrid
environments.

 Software-Defined Networking (SDN): For improved network efficiency and

management, SDN is growing in popularity in private clouds.

 Microservices and containerization: two technologies that are being used in

private cloud settings to improve the scalability and deployment of
applications.

 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Combining the two to enhance

data management and perform predictive analytics in private cloud
infrastructures.

 Automation and Orchestration Tools: becoming essential for efficiently

managing intricate private cloud setups.

For businesses that value security, control, and flexibility, private cloud networking is
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
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still a vital option. For certain industries where data security and compliance are non-
negotiable, its advantages are crucial, despite the difficulties it poses in terms of cost
and administration complexity.

Hybrid Cloud Networking

Hybrid cloud networking is a sophisticated approach that blends the strengths of both
public and private cloud infrastructures. By combining these two models,
organizations can enjoy the scalability and cost-efficiency of public clouds alongside
the control and security of private clouds.

Definition and Characteristics:

 Integration of Public and Private Clouds: Hybrid clouds combine the

networks, administration, and orchestration technologies of public and private
cloud environments to form a single, automated, and efficiently managed
computing environment.

 Scalability and Flexibility: They provide the capacity to run programs in the
most suitable environment, be it public for less critical workloads or private for
sensitive, important workloads.

 Dynamic Workload Management: As computing demands and expenses vary,

workloads can be transferred between private and public clouds.
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
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Connecting Public and Private Clouds: By enabling data and apps to work together
across borders (public and private clouds), hybrid cloud networking strikes a balance.
When it comes to organizations seeking security and flexibility, interoperability is
essential.

Use Cases and Examples:

 Seasonal Traffic Fluctuations: Retail companies can use public clouds to

handle increased website traffic during holidays, while keeping sensitive data
on a private cloud.

 DevOps Environments: Companies use hybrid clouds to develop and test

applications in a cost-effective public cloud and then deploy them in a secure,
private cloud environment.

 Data Processing and Analytics: Organizations can store sensitive data in a

private cloud, but leverage the computational power of public clouds for data
processing and analytics.

Advantages:

 Balance of Control and Scalability: Hybrid clouds offer a balanced approach,

with sensitive tasks handled in the private cloud and scalable, less critical tasks
in the public cloud.

 Flexibility and Cost-Efficiency: This model allows businesses to choose the

most cost-effective cloud environment for each task.

 Improved Risk Management: By diversifying cloud environments, hybrid

clouds can reduce the risk of data loss and downtime.

Challenges:

 Complexity in Integration: Integrating and managing two different

 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
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ISO 9001:2015 Certified
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environments can be complex, requiring sophisticated tools and expertise.

 Managing Multiple Platforms: With different platforms to manage in a hybrid

environment, there’s an increased need for skilled personnel and effective
management strategies.

 Data Security and Compliance: Ensuring security and compliance across

diverse environments is challenging.

Recent Advancements and Future Outlook:

 Enhanced Orchestration Tools: New tools and platforms are making it easier
to manage hybrid environments, automating many complex tasks.

 AI and ML Integration: The use of AI and ML in hybrid clouds is improving

operational efficiency and predictive analytics capabilities.

 Edge Computing: Hybrid cloud models are increasingly incorporating edge

computing, bringing data processing closer to where data is generated.

 Increased Focus on Security: With continuous improvements in security

practices and technology, hybrid clouds are becoming more secure and
resilient.

Multi-Cloud Networking

Multi-cloud networking is a strategic approach to cloud computing that involves using

cloud services from more than one cloud provider. This approach allows organizations
to optimize their cloud environments based on specific requirements, such as cost-
efficiency, performance, and geographic distribution.
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Laguna State Polytechnic University
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Definition and Characteristics:

 Diverse Cloud Providers: In multi-cloud networking, an organization uses

different cloud services from several providers, potentially including public,
private, and hybrid clouds.

 Optimization of Services: Organizations can select the best services from

each provider based on performance, features, and pricing.

 Redundancy and Resilience: By distributing resources across multiple

clouds, organizations can enhance resilience and reduce the risk of downtime.

Distinction from Hybrid Cloud Networking: While hybrid cloud involves a

combination of public and private clouds, multi-cloud networking typically refers to
the use of multiple public cloud services. Hybrid cloud focuses on the integration and
orchestration between these environments, whereas multi-cloud is more about
leveraging the best possible cloud services from different providers, regardless of
their integration.

Use Cases and Examples:

 Avoiding Vendor Lock-in: Businesses use multi-cloud strategies to avoid

becoming overly reliant on a single cloud provider, maintaining flexibility in
their operations.

 Geographic Reach: Companies operating in multiple regions may use different

cloud providers in different areas to optimize performance and comply with
local data regulations.

 Specialized Services: An organization might use one provider for their AI and
machine learning capabilities and another for better IoT services.
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Advantages:

 Flexibility: Organizations can choose from a wide range of services and

providers, selecting the best option for each specific need.

 Risk Mitigation: Using multiple clouds can reduce the risk of data loss and
downtime due to provider outages or other issues.

 Optimized Performance: Businesses can optimize the performance of their

applications by choosing cloud services that best meet their specific
requirements.

Challenges:

 Increased Complexity: Managing multiple cloud services from different

providers can significantly increase complexity.

 Robust Management Strategies Required: Efficiently running a multi-cloud

environment requires advanced management strategies and tools to handle the
diverse services and platforms.

 Security and Compliance Concerns: Ensuring consistent security and

compliance across different platforms can be challenging.

Trends and Future Predictions in Multi-Cloud Networking Strategies:

 Advanced Management Tools: The development of sophisticated cloud

management tools that facilitate easier oversight and orchestration across
multiple clouds.

 AI and Automation: Leveraging AI for automated decision-making in resource

allocation and optimization across different cloud environments.

 Enhanced Security Measures: Increased focus on unified security protocols

and standards to manage data protection across various clouds.

 Interoperability Focus: A growing emphasis on making different cloud

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services more interoperable and seamlessly integrated.

 Edge Computing Integration: Integrating multi-cloud strategies with edge

computing to bring data processing closer to data sources for enhanced
performance.

Multi-cloud networking is evolving as a cornerstone of modern IT strategy, offering

unmatched flexibility and optimization. As technologies and management tools
continue to advance, it is likely that multi-cloud environments will become more
streamlined, secure, and efficient, further empowering organizations in their digital
transformation journeys.

References:

 https://prosimo.io/what-are-the-four-types-of-cloud-networking/
#:~:text=There%20are%20four%20primary%20types,cost%2Deffective
%20and%20scalable%20solutions.

 https://www.arubanetworks.com/faq/what-is-cloud-managed-networking/
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally
Accredited
 https://www.sdxcentral.com/networking/sdn/definitions/enterprise-data-
center-networking/all-about-cloud-networking/

 https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/your-network-administration-needs-
upgrade-cqznc

 https://www.paessler.com/cloud-based-network-monitoring?gad_source=1

 https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/12/01/todays-
networks-need-the-flexibility-of-modern-cloud-management/?
sh=671e5c47585f

 https://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-features/is-cloud-
based-network-management-right-for-you/

 https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/blog/cloud-based-network-management/