Network devices have to be configured and managed. We configure devices, create and update documentation, and monitor the network to ensure everything stays up and running. We also have to take care of capacity planning, security management, troubleshooting, and more.
Networks have changed. First, we might only have had a main site with all of our servers, some branch offices, and perhaps some remote users who connected to our main site through a VPN. Nowadays, users are everywhere, and besides on-premises servers, we also use cloud resources. The number of devices has increased as well because of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Traditionally, we used the CLI for configuration and used SNMP, Syslog, and Netflow to monitor our networks using on-premises hardware and software. We manage everything ourselves.
This way of management works and still does, but it has some possible issues and limitations. Provisioning new network devices such as routers and switches can be slow. You might need skilled IT staff on-site for configuration.
Throughout the years, we’ve seen a shift towards network automation and the usage of cloud computing instead of on-premises solutions. We’ve also seen a shift more towards controller-based solutions such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), where we use controllers to manage the network.
Nowadays, we can also use a hosted cloud platform for network management. A cloud-managed network means we use the cloud instead of on-premises network management hardware, software and network controllers. Typically, you get a subscription to the vendor’s cloud management software, which you’ll use to manage your entire network.
In this lesson, we’ll look at some of the advantages and disadvantages and I’ll give you an overview of different vendor products.
Advantages
Cloud-managed networks have quite some advantages over traditional network management. Let’s take a look.
Accessibility
Cloud-managed networks are accessible. You can often access cloud management software from multiple devices, including laptops, tablets, or smartphones. You can work from any place and any device. You can troubleshoot remotely without having to be on-site. Most dashboards are user-friendly, where you can see the entire network, network health, security issues, traffic patterns, etc., in one overview.
Scalability
You can scale up or down based on network requirements. This applies to the number of network devices you manage and to cloud resources. These will scale as well based on the demands such as bandwidth, processing power, or memory. You don’t have to buy additional hardware to handle the increased load.
Cost
There are two advantages when it comes to cost. First, you don’t have to make any investments to buy hardware for an on-premises solution. The initial cost is low. There is no on-premises maintenance, which reduces staff costs. Also, most cloud management software has predictable pricing models.
Security
Most security-related tasks, including threat detection, intrusion detection, compliance, policies, and more, are automated. Many cloud tools also automatically push out security updates to network devices, so you don’t have to do this yourself. You’ll have end-to-end encryption between the cloud management software and your network devices. There are usually multiple ways to secure access to the cloud management software, including 2FA, RBAC, etc.
Flexibility
Most cloud solutions work with subscriptions, and you can pay on demand. You can pay for the services your company requires, and that’s it. When you don’t need them, you can disable them. Do you have a new location or a temporary project? This is usually no problem. You pay for what you use and only for when you need it. This often also applies to specific features. When needed, you can pay for extra features such as advanced analytics, AI, ML, etc.
Cloud-based management software also often easily integrates with third-party applications with APIs.
Zero-touch provisioning
Many cloud tools are designed with built-in zero-touch provisioning. This drastically reduces the time to deploy and configure new devices. Automation also reduces human errors. Devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, APs, VoIP phones, etc. can be automatically configured. It’s basically plug-and-play. You take the device out of the box, connect it, and the device downloads the configuration from the cloud solution.
Reliability
Cloud infrastructure offers redundancy, and it’s done for you. Cloud providers have completely redundant infrastructure and comprehensive disaster recovery protocols to ensure their networks stay up and running and prevent data loss. Achieving the same redundancy for on-premises solutions is difficult without major investments.
Analytics
You have your entire network infrastructure under one roof, and all network telemetry is in one place, which is useful for analytics. Many cloud management tools also offer proactive network management, which identifies (and sometimes resolves) issues before they impact users.
Advanced analytics that uses AI and ML require a lot of computer and storage resources, which can be difficult to achieve on-premises. However, this is no problem with cloud infrastructure.
Backups
Backups are taken care of for you. Backups are usually scheduled automatically at regular intervals with multiple retention options. Restoring backups is also usually easy and something you can do from a dashboard.
Compliance
Compliance is taken care of for you. Many cloud providers often conduct regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance with current and new regulations.
Disadvantages
Cloud-managed networks have many advantages, but they are not all sunshine and rainbows. There are some disadvantages that you need to be aware of.
Network Connectivity Requirements
Since your management is in the cloud, your connection to the cloud management software is very important. You’ll need high-bandwidth, low-latency connections to interact with the dashboard and transfer (firmware) updates, configuration files, device telemetry, etc.
When you lose Internet connectivity, you’ll risk downtime, so you’ll need redundant Internet connections.
Remote locations might have poor Internet connections, so managing them can be challenging.
Dependency
There are some dependency issues. When there are issues with the cloud provider or cloud management software, you lose the ability to manage your network.
Depending on the cloud management software, you rely on their update schedule and feature rollouts. When they go out of business, you might get locked out.
Security
The cloud provider takes care of security, but there can be privacy-related issues. You are not their only customer; cloud providers offer multi-tenancy on shared infrastructure. There are risks related to data breaches which affect your data.
Limited Control
As with any managed service, you do not control the infrastructure or software as you do with on-premises solutions, making customization difficult or impossible.
Hardware choices limit you. Not all hardware you might be interested in can be managed by cloud management software.
You also have to rely on vendors for new features and bug fixes. You can’t write some code and implement something yourself.
Compliance
There are challenges in meeting industry-specific compliances or regulatory requirements.
For example, a company in one country might not be allowed to transfer and store data to servers in another country.
Vendor Lock-in
You are 100% dependent on the vendor’s solution. Their management software and how they interact with network devices might be proprietary. Migrating your data away to another system might be difficult or impossible. Once you use their ecosystem, it’s difficult to switch.
You might run into issues when you want to run a multi-vendor environment.
Cost
Costs are predictable, and subscription-based solutions can lead to lower initial costs but higher operational costs in the long run compared to on-premises solutions.
Also, some costs might be unexpected because you require features you didn’t think of before or because of scaling.
There can be hidden costs related to data transfers and API calls.
Integration
Cloud management software usually works great with new network products, but integration with legacy network devices might be difficult.
Integration challenges can arise with custom or third-party applications and protocols.
Products
What are some of the vendor products out there? Let’s look at some.
Cisco Meraki
Cisco Meraki offers a cloud management platform for wireless, switching, security, and video surveillance. Known for its user-friendly interface, Meraki provides visibility and control over network environments, scalability, and security features.
Aruba Central (HPE Aruba)
Aruba Central offers a cloud-managed networking solution that supports wireless, wired, and SD-WAN infrastructure. It provides analytics, AI-powered insights, and zero-touch provisioning.
Aruba Central manages Wi-Fi, wired, and SD-WAN infrastructures. It offers network health monitoring, AI-powered optimization, and policy-based access control. The platform provides user and device visibility across the network.
Ubiquiti UniFi
Ubiquiti’s UniFi platform offers cloud-based management for wireless and wired networks. This is more of a SOHO than an enterprise solution.
Mist Systems (Juniper Networks)
Mist Systems was acquired by Juniper in 2019 and delivers an AI-driven, cloud-managed platform that includes proactive insights, machine learning, and automation. It performs automated troubleshooting, provides location-based services, and offers predictive recommendations for network optimization. The platform includes a natural language interface for IT operations.
Ruckus Cloud
Ruckus Cloud by CommScope provides an intuitive cloud-managed network experience for Wi-Fi, switching, and structured cabling. It offers advanced Wi-Fi performance, scalability, and simplified network management. Ruckus Cloud manages Wi-Fi and switches. It includes tools for network planning and deployment, multi-site management, and guest access control. The platform offers customizable dashboards and reporting.
ExtremeCloud IQ (Extreme Networks)
ExtremeCloud IQ is a cloud-driven network management platform that leverages machine learning and AI for enhanced operational efficiency. It covers wired, wireless, and SD-WAN environments and focuses on delivering automation and insights. The platform also includes compliance reporting and auditing capabilities.
Conclusion
You have now learned what cloud-managed networks are:
- We can configure, manage, and monitor our networks using cloud-managed software.
- The advantages and disadvantages of cloud-managed software.
- An overview of different popular products.
I hope you enjoyed this lesson. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!
