Azure Virtual Network

Question

In order for me to better understand and explain the virtual network, can we consider it's an abstraction of a cabinet holding switches , routers , firewalls and cabling into a resource named azure virtual network ? Is the azure VNet here an SDN technology?

Answer 1

Hi Ali El Husseiny,

Thanks for posting question in Microsoft Q&A,

Azure Virtual Network (VNet) is a core networking service in Azure that provides a logically isolated network environment for your resources. You can think of it as a virtual equivalent of an on-premises network, where components such as subnets, routing, firewalls, and connectivity rules are defined and managed.

An Azure Virtual Network acts as a foundational building block for your private network in Azure, allowing you to connect Azure resources securely. It provides logical isolation of your Azure resources, enabling them to communicate securely with each other, with on-premises networks, and with the internet.

Regarding whether Azure Vnet can be considered a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technology, the answer is yes! Azure Virtual Networks do utilize SDN principles. This means you can implement highly customizable configurations such as routing and security rules. Essentially, it abstracts the underlying physical network and allows for programmability and flexibility in managing network resources.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can think of when you consider an Azure Virtual Network:

• Logical Isolation: VNet provides a dedicated space within the Azure cloud for your resources.
• Network Security: You can implement network security groups to control inbound and outbound traffic.
• Integration with other services: VNets can be integrated with Azure services, allowing you private access and configuration options for enhanced security.
• Hybrid Connectivity: VNets can connect with on-premises environments using various methods like VPN or ExpressRoute.

I hope this gives you a solid foundation to explain Azure Virtual Networks! If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
Reference:

• Azure Virtual Networks Overview
• What is Azure Virtual Network?
• Virtual Network integration with Azure services

Please do not forget to "Accept the answer” and “up-vote” wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members.