Cloud-based network function chaining vs traditional network function chaining
As businesses continue to move their operations to the cloud, network function chaining has become an essential part of cloud infrastructure. The primary purpose of network function chaining is to optimize traffic flow by directing traffic through specific network functions for specific purposes. This way, incoming and outgoing data are filtered, enhanced or even blocked based on specific requirements.
In this post, we'll explore and compare the benefits and drawbacks of two types of network function chaining: cloud-based network function chaining and traditional network function chaining.
Traditional Network Function Chaining
Traditional network function chaining involves using physical hardware devices to direct network traffic. Network administrators configure these devices to redirect traffic to specific network functions, such as firewalls or intrusion detection systems. Once the network functions have completed their specific task, the data flows to the next device for further processing.
In traditional network function chaining, data flows through proprietary hardware devices, making scaling challenging and time-consuming. Maintaining and upgrading these hardware devices can be costly and challenging, and they often require IT experts’ assistance to handle.
Cloud-Based Network Function Chaining
Cloud-based network function chaining involves using virtualized network functions that can be easily scaled and managed in the cloud. With cloud-based network function chaining, network administrators don't need to maintain and upgrade costly hardware. Instead, they can deploy and manage virtual network functions in the cloud, using a web-based interface.
Cloud-based network function chains can be scaled quickly, and administrators can allocate resources for specific network functions as required. It is also easier to deploy, configure, and manage network functions with cloud-based network function chaining.
Cloud-Based vs Traditional Network Function Chaining – Which One Is Better?
Both approaches have their advantages, but cloud-based network function chaining has many benefits over traditional network function chaining.
One of the primary advantages of cloud-based network function chaining is scalability. Virtual network functions can be easily scaled up or down as required. However, traditional hardware devices are often limited by their physical constraints, so scaling requires investing in more hardware devices.
Cloud-based network function chaining also allows for centralization and ease of deployment. With cloud-based network function chaining, administrators can deploy and manage virtual network functions in the cloud, using a web-based interface. This way, network administrators can make modifications quickly and efficiently, without the hassle of hardware deployment.
It should be noted, however, that cloud-based network function chaining comes with potential drawbacks, such as data privacy and security concerns. When deploying virtual network functions in the cloud, organizations need to ensure cloud computing security measures are in place to protect sensitive data and keep it secure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, network function chaining is a critical part of modern network infrastructure, and cloud-based network function chaining offers the scalability and ease-of-use advantages that traditional hardware-based network function chaining doesn't provide. However, organizations need to ensure data security is a priority when choosing cloud-based network function chaining.
If you're looking to implement network function chaining in your organization, consider the requirements and compare the benefits of each approach to determine which is best suited for your needs.