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Virtualization has evolved so much, that currently, you can find everything in a virtual environment. Router virtualization and firewall virtualization are just two essential elements of modern networks. These technologies offer flexibility and scalability, and redefine network security and performance at a very appropriate price. Let’s explore together how these virtual tools can be useful for your organization.
What is virtualization?
You can read our previous article about virtualization, but in short, virtualization uses software to create a virtual machine from your hardware. You can use it for various purposes such as data virtualization, desktop virtualization, router virtualization, firewall virtualization, and more.
It is very handy, and many people would prefer to use virtualization or a combination of virtualization and real hardware devices for the best results.
You can use different virtual services at the same time. You can have both a virtual router and a virtual firewall. The limit is the hardware of your computer or network.
Router virtualization
Router virtualization is also known as a virtual router or a vRouter and it is a software that works on Layer 3 of the OSI Model like the hardware routers. Basically, router virtualization is software that works in a virtual environment, that functions the same way as a physical router, performing tasks such as packet forwarding, routing protocols, and network segmentation, but it does so using virtualized resources.
It is a server that does everything that a hardware router should be able to do. Instead of having a dedicated hardware device, you can create a virtual router using a virtualization platform like VMware or KVM, and you have all the flexibility these platforms offer. They provide easy management, scalability, and many routing functions, depending on the network’s demand.
There are also simpler Virtual routers that you probably use often, without even knowing. Do you remember the last time you shared your Wi-Fi connection from your smartphone with your computer through Wi-Fi tethering? Yes, that was a virtual router that used the existing hardware of your smartphone to get connected.
Benefits of router virtualization
Use cases of router virtualization
Firewall virtualization
A virtual firewall is software that is hosted on a virtual platform and provides similar functionality to the hardware firewall. It offers network traffic filters and monitors, and can work in two modes – a bridge mode, and a hypervisor. The first is very similar to the typical physical firewall wall which is located in a strategic position.
The hypervisor mode doesn’t perform like a physical one. It is inside the VM (virtual machine) and checks its activity. It is neither part of the VM, nor a proper part of the network so users have no access.
You can use firewall virtualization to protect virtual environments like cloud servers, data centers, and software-defined networks (SDNs).
Since it is a virtual firewall, it is a very flexible solution that provides easy scalability and it is often used when a traditional physical solution is impractical.
You can get all well-known features like packet filtering, instruction detection, and monitoring, but it is a software version.
Benefits of Firewall Virtualization
Firewall virtualization use cases
Comparison between router virtualization and firewall virtualization
People often don’t understand the difference between router and firewall, and to be frank, often the solutions offer both functionalities together. Here you can see a table of comparison between router virtualization and firewall virtualization so you can easily understand them.
Feature | Router Virtualization | Firewall Virtualization |
Primary Function | Directs network traffic, ensuring data packets reach their destination. | Protects networks from threats by filtering, and monitors traffic. |
Focus | Data forwarding, routing protocols, and network management. | Security, traffic filtering, threat prevention, and monitoring. |
Location in Network | Operates at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model. | Operates at Layer 3 and Layer 4 (Transport Layer), with advanced features at Layer 7 (Application Layer). |
Deployment | Deployed to manage traffic in virtualized or cloud environments. | Deployed to secure virtual machines, cloud services, and SDNs. |
Scalability | Scales network traffic handling capabilities. | Scales security functions according to workload demand. |
Use Case | Directing traffic within virtualized environments (e.g., SD-WAN, cloud networking). | Protecting network traffic and virtual environments from malicious attacks. |
Conclusion
Now you know what router virtualization and firewall virtualization are. They are two essential components of almost any modern network infrastructure. Thanks to virtualization, both of them can benefit from scalability, and flexibility and can offer cost-effective solutions. The virtual routers will provide the traffic, and the virtual firewall will filter this traffic to stop malicious attacks.
If you enjoyed this article, we invite you to check out our Neterra blog. It is full of exciting articles about technologies that can benefit your business. Check it out!
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