Planning and deploying virtual networks

Before we start designing and building networks in Azure, let’s define what a virtual network actually is. When working with physical infrastructure (for example, on-premises), most of the elements of the system infrastructure are physically available and installed in a data center. Networks of such systems consist of multiple switches, routers, and firewalls that need to be managed by administrators and IT engineers locally.

In a cloud environment, you don’t have access to physical infrastructure. Instead, you’re given access to a virtualized environment where you can decide which service you’d like to deploy. The physical networks are still there – the only difference is that it’s not your responsibility to administer them.

This is why we’re going to talk about virtual networks instead – an abstract software layer over physical components that emulates capabilities of existing hardware...