How to Set Up a Cloud Infrastructure

Cloud computing has become the de facto standard for businesses of all sizes, offering scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. However, there are so many different cloud providers and services available. It can be daunting to know where to start when setting up a cloud infrastructure.

This concise initiation manual will guide you through the fundamental steps for configuring your cloud network. Are you an IT professional aiming to design and deploy a cloud network? Come along with us on this short journey!

1. Understanding Virtual Networks

You can envision a virtual network as an autonomous network segment that operates within a broader network infrastructure. Network administrators can create a discrete network environment, composed of a range of subnets or even a single subnet. They can exert precise control over the data traffic coursing through the cloud network. Depending on the specific requirements of your business, you can deploy your network infrastructure. You can do this by using cloud technology provided by a Cloud Service Provider (CSP).

The fundamental distinction that cloud administrators and architects encounter when crafting cloud-based networking solutions lies in the level of control they can exert over the underlying hardware. When you set up cloud networking using a Cloud Service Provider (CSP), you typically have limited influence and knowledge regarding the CSP’s network design. Due to this constraint, virtual networks often become the preferred option when seeking to establish secure network isolation.

Within a cloud context, these virtual networks are commonly referred to as VNets or Virtual Private Clouds (VPC). These serve as a digital representation of a network within the cloud, granting you access to a cloud-based network ecosystem.

Virtual networks offer a range of advantages:

  • Isolation: You can maintain strict segregation between networks to ensure security. This segregation also facilitates activities such as development, quality assurance, and the deployment of cloud networks.
  • Internet Connectivity: You can configure each virtual network to either permit or block internet access. It can also impose limitations on specific internet destinations. This configuration depends on your requirements.
  • Integration with Other Cloud Services: Virtual networks often require connections to CSP services. This enables the network to leverage services provided by the CSP. Providers typically offer options to configure routing tables, domain name resolution, firewalls, and other related components. These options help manage the connections to your virtual networks.
  • Interconnection of Virtual Networks: You can establish connections between different virtual networks as needed. You can maintain control over these connections.
  • Connection to On-Premises Infrastructure: One of the strengths of a virtual network is its capacity to control connections. You can link your virtual network to on-premises systems.
  • Traffic Filtering: Most secure connections involve some form of filtering. This filtering is typically based on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and specific protocols. This empowers cloud computing engineers to exercise increased control over network communications.
Read More: Most Promising Cloud Service Providers In 2024

2. Examining the Foundation of Your Cloud Network

If you work as a cloud administrator or a cloud computing engineer, your ability to establish a virtual network generally relies on either virtual machine software or a cloud network provided by a Cloud Service Provider (CSP). Virtual machine software empowers cloud administrators. They can define and set up virtual network parameters associated with a host’s physical Network Interface Card (NIC). When you configure multiple hosts to operate with the same parameters, you’re adding these hosts to the virtual network.

Virtual networks typically consist of the following key components:

  • Virtual Switch: Virtual switches grant you the capability to create network segments and interconnect various components. You can link one or more virtual machines to a virtual switch.
  • Virtual Bridge: This component enables the connection of virtual machines to the Local Area Network (LAN) used by the host computer. The virtual bridge acts as the intermediary. It links the network adapter on the virtual machine to the physical NIC on the host computer. You can configure multiple virtual bridges to connect to various physical NICs.
  • Virtual Host Adapter: The adapter facilitates communication between your virtual machines and the host. Virtual host adapters are commonly used in host-only and Network Address Translation (NAT) setups. However, they can’t establish connections to external networks without a proxy server.
  • NAT Service: NAT services permit multiple devices within your cloud network to access the internet.
  • DHCP Server: The DHCP server assigns IP addresses to both virtual machines and hosts. This is particularly relevant in host-only and NAT configurations.
  • Ethernet Adapter: This refers to the physical network adapter installed on hosts that connect to the network.

Many CSPs offer cloud services that streamline the configuration of virtual networks and cloud networks. With cloud networks, you configure your virtual network and add your resources to it. This is in contrast to configuring them at the individual virtual machine level. Cloud networks also typically provide features that simplify monitoring, management, connections, and security.

3. Exploring Network Configuration Choices

When you’re considering the setup of a virtual network, there are several key elements you need to configure. These components are crucial for establishing a functional virtual network:

  • Subnets: Subnets are an essential component of any virtual network. They involve TCP/IP subnets, which define the address ranges used within the network. Typically, people use both public and private address ranges. In cases where self-assignment isn’t feasible, cloud service providers (CSPs) often handle address assignments. You can divide virtual networks into one or more subnets to facilitate efficient organization.
  • Routers or Routing Tables: To ensure proper packet routing, it’s necessary to configure routers or routing tables on virtual machines connected to the network. This enables the efficient flow of data within the network.
  • DNS: DNS server addresses must be specified for the virtual network. You can either assign these addresses yourself or rely on your CSP for this task.
  • CSP Region or Zones: You must explicitly define virtual networks operating within different CSP regions. This enables seamless connectivity between virtual networks located in various regions. Additionally, this configuration allows for isolation between regions, if required.
  • Traffic Filters: It’s essential to set up traffic filters according to your security protocols.
  • These filters ensure that your network only allows authorized traffic to pass through.
  • You can apply filters at the Network Interface Card (NIC) level within virtual machines, to specific subnets, or even to cloud services. When needed, network virtual appliances can assist in implementing these filters effectively.

4. Quick Tips for Cloud Network Design

When designing your cloud network, here are some key considerations:

  • Compare the virtual network services offered by different cloud providers before making a choice. Hosted cloud networks might be your best option for tailoring virtual networks to your specific needs. These cloud networks are often easier to set up and manage.
  • If traffic filtering is part of your plan (which it usually should be for most companies), incorporate testing of the filtering system during your deployment. This proactive approach will help prevent user complaints in the future caused by blocked traffic.
  • If you decide to partner with a Cloud Service Provider (CSP), collaborate with their personnel to configure your cloud network components. This includes routing tables, network virtual appliances, and subnets. This upfront cooperation can save you time and effort in the long run.

5. Take a Sneak Peek into Preparing Your Cloud Network’s Ports and Protocols

To enhance the security of your cloud network, it’s crucial to delve deeply into the details to determine which individuals, services, and technologies require access to the network. Among the essential components of your cloud network, ports play a pivotal role. They serve as the endpoints for your connections.

When users connect to your cloud network, they do so through specific ports. We assign each of these ports a numerical value ranging from 0 to 65,535. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) classifies port numbers into three distinct categories. These categories are used to designate Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports. While well-known ports are a common target for hackers, they have also been known to exploit open registered and dynamic ports.

These three port categories are as follows:

  • Well-Known Ports: These ports, numbered from 0 to 1,023, are preassigned to system processes by IANA. They are highly susceptible to attacks.
  • Registered Ports: Registered ports, ranging from 1,024 to 49,151, are available to user processes. They are listed by IANA. These ports tend to be more system-specific and are less frequently targeted by hackers. However, some hackers may scan for open ports within this range.
  • Dynamic or Private Ports: These ports, numbered from 49,152 to 65,535, are assigned by a client operating system as required. Dynamic ports live up to their name, constantly changing, which makes it challenging for hackers to directly target specific numbers. Nevertheless, hackers have been known to scan for open ports even within this category. While it may be possible to be less vigilant regarding dynamic or private ports, it’s still advisable to keep an eye on them to some extent.

But what purposes do these ports serve?

Here is a list of some of the most commonly used default network ports in the world of technology:

  • Port 21: FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
  • Port 22: SSH (Secure Shell)
  • Port 25: SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
  • Port 53: DNS (Domain Name System)
  • Port 80: HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
  • Port 110: POP3 (Post Office Protocol)
  • Port 139: NetBIOS Session Service
  • Port 143: IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
  • Port 443: HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
  • Port 3389: RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)

6. Exploring Cloud Network Servicing Strategies

When it comes to managing services and applications residing in the cloud, they share many similarities with their on-premises counterparts. Consider cloud-based web applications and directory services. Many of them utilize the same communication ports and protocols as their on-premises equivalents. Whether you’re using management tools provided by your cloud service provider (CSP), third-party solutions, or ones developed in-house by your IT team, they also rely on specific port and protocol requirements.

Suppose you’re contemplating the transition from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud. In that case, it’s essential to evaluate your network’s ports. Determine which elements should be migrated to the cloud and which should remain on your local infrastructure. Pay close attention to what components require internet access for external communication. Also, consider the type of access that is necessary from within the cloud.

Once you’ve identified the key elements, you can configure your firewalls and establish the necessary filters to maintain the security of your cloud network.

During the deployment of your cloud network, be sure to consult the following resources:

  • Application and service configuration guides to ascertain the required ports and protocols for each service.
  • You can consult CSP security and deployment guides or white papers to find the necessary ports and protocols for accessing cloud services. This includes websites, databases, directory services, and more.
  • Third-party deployment guides are relevant to the specific cloud network you are implementing.
  • Your documentation includes information about your firewall, routing, and other relevant details. It can be invaluable for understanding your port and protocol usage. Having this information is crucial for a successful cloud deployment.
  • In the rare event that you can’t uncover the ports and protocols used by a legacy application that you wish to migrate to the cloud, consider utilizing helpful tools like a port scanner or protocol analyzer. These tools can help unveil the hidden configurations of your predecessors.

Before launching any cloud network, meticulously review all your applications and cloud infrastructure services. Ensure that they are aligned with the required ports and protocols.

7. Deciding Who Receives Access to the Cloud Network

Before distributing those enchanted entry passes and authorizing entry into your cloud network, please take into account these additional guidelines:

  • Avoid presuming that you’re well-versed in all the ports associated with an application service. Making assumptions can lead to problems, so be cautious.
  • Exercise careful consideration when configuring inbound and outbound rules for network access. Pay particular attention to the direction of traffic flow.

Cloud networks continue to be an emerging technology, brimming with potential for the future of IT.

Conclusion

In the realm of modern IT, cloud networks are the backbone of connectivity and security. This guide has taken you through the essentials of setting up a robust cloud infrastructure. From understanding virtual networks to configuring ports and protocols, we’ve covered the key elements.

As you embark on your cloud networking journey, remember that this technology offers endless possibilities. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a secure, efficient, and future-ready cloud network. The world of IT is at your fingertips, and the potential is boundless.

The ever-evolving software industry is full of surprises. While you can delegate almost any service efficiently, finding qualified resources can be a challenge.

It’s a wise decision to entrust professionals with your tasks, allowing you to focus on your core concept. If you need assistance with setting up hardware and software components such as servers, storage, network, or virtualization software, we have a dedicated team of experts. We also have the necessary tools to get the job done for you.

HashStudioz is the best cloud infrastructure setup company. It benefits you from multiple layers of security covering physical data centers, infrastructure, and operations. Our team of cybersecurity experts actively monitors and safeguards your business assets and data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I determine which ports and protocols my cloud network requires?

To identify the necessary ports and protocols for your cloud network, consult application and service configuration guides, CSP documentation, third-party deployment guides, and your documentation. You may also use tools like port scanners or protocol analyzers if needed.

2. What should I consider when granting access to my cloud network?

When granting access, avoid assumptions about port knowledge. Carefully configure inbound and outbound rules, and ensure traffic flow direction is considered.

3. How can I ensure the security of my cloud network in the ever-evolving software industry?

To ensure security, collaborate with experts, monitor and safeguard your assets. Implement multiple layers of security, including physical data center security.

By Yatin Sapra

Yatin is a highly skilled digital transformation consultant and a passionate tech blogger. With a deep understanding of both the strategic and technical aspects of digital transformation, Yatin empowers businesses to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and drive meaningful change.