- Network infrastructure is the set of systems that enables communication between compute and storage, applications and users, typically including hardware and software components.
- Network infrastructure enables communication and data exchange between devices within a network, as well as connections to external networks such as the internet. It is also common to share files over the network, and microservices applications depend on internal networks to transmit data between microservices.
- Managing network infrastructure requires a comprehensive consideration of security, performance, configuration, documentation, communications and supply chains.
Network infrastructure refers to the hardware and software components that are necessary for the operation, management, and connectivity of computer networks. It forms the backbone of modern communication systems, supporting various services like internet access, email, file sharing, and cloud computing. Therefore, managing network infrastructure plays a crucial part in network security.
The network infrastructure
Network infrastructure is the set of systems that enables the communication between compute and storage, applications and users, typically including hardware, such as physical network switches and routers that control traffic as it moves into and out of a data centre, as well as network software resources, such as virtualised switches, routers, firewalls and load balancers that manage traffic flowing to and from applications or servers.
The software components provide application-focused, cloud-based network functionality, such as distributed networking, security, and load balancing. Meanwhile, hardware components typically provide the network underlay functionality necessary for connecting to physical infrastructure.
Network infrastructure enables communication and data exchange between devices within a network, as well as connections to external networks such as the internet. It is also common to share files over the network, and microservices applications depend on internal networks to transmit data between microservices.
In the broadest sense, network infrastructure extends as well to the tools that IT and networking engineers use to monitor and manage network availability and performance. This includes devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, servers, cables, and wireless access points, as well as the software and protocols used to manage and secure these devices and the data they transmit.
Also read: What is computer network infrastructure?
A network infrastructure stack consists of OSI Layer 2 to Layer 7 networking, security, and load-balancing services for the application workloads. Network components typically include switching, routing, load balancers, network firewalls, IDS/IPS and advanced threat prevention, and networking and security operations services.
Managing network infrastructure
Managing network infrastructure requires a comprehensive consideration of security, performance, configuration, documentation, and communications.
Also read: How to design a secure network infrastructure?
Establish an organisational leadership system and network security responsibility system to ensure the security of critical information infrastructure, which includes identifying and identifying critical information infrastructure, dynamically monitoring its basic situation and security protection status, and establishing a management system for personnel in core positions.
In addition, it is also necessary to establish a protection system, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, data encryption and other security technologies, regular security vulnerability scanning and assessment, the establishment of monitoring and early warning systems, and emergency response mechanisms.
By monitoring and analysing network performance, you can discover network bottlenecks in time, optimise network configuration, and improve network performance. Ensure smooth network communication transmission, master the configuration and change of backbone equipment, equip backup devices for backbone equipment of key business networks, manage network wiring and distribution frame, master the access of client devices to the network, and take technical measures to manage changes in user requirements.
Ensure that network devices are correctly configured to avoid network faults caused by incorrect configurations. Ensure that all network management activities and changes are well documented and documented.
There is also a need to secure the supply chain and procure secure and trusted network products and services. Through these measures, the network infrastructure can be effectively managed to ensure its safe and efficient operation.
