Virtual network

A virtual network is a computer network that consists, at least in part, of virtual network links. A virtual network link is a link that does not consist of a physical (wired or wireless) connection between two computing devices but is implemented using methods of network virtualization.

The two most common forms of network virtualization are protocol-based virtual networks (such as VLANs, VPNs, and VPLSs) and virtual networks that are based on virtual devices (such as the networks connecting virtual machines inside a hypervisor). In practice, both forms can be used in conjunction.

Virtual LANs (VLANs) are logical local area networks (LANs) based on physical LANs. A VLAN can be created by partitioning a physical LAN into multiple logical LANs using a VLAN ID. Alternatively, several physical LANs can function as a single logical LAN. The partitioned network can be on a single router, or multiple VLANs can be on multiple routers just as multiple physical LANs would be. A VLAN can be on a VPN.

A virtual private network (VPN) consists of multiple remote end-points (typically routers, VPN gateways of software clients) joined by some sort of tunnel over another network, usually a third party network. Two such end points constitute a 'Point to Point Virtual Private Network' (or a PTP VPN). Connecting more than two end points by putting in place a mesh of tunnels creates a 'Multipoint VPN'.

A VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) is a specific type of Multipoint VPN. VPLS are divided into Transparent LAN Services (TLS) and Ethernet Virtual Connection Services. A TLS sends what it receives, so it provides geographic separation, but not VLAN subnetting. An EVCS adds a VLAN ID, so it provides geographic separation and VLAN subnetting.

A common example of a virtual network that is based on virtual devices is the network inside a hypervisor where traffic between virtual servers are routed using virtual switches (vSwitches) along with virtual routers and virtual firewalls for network segmentation and data isolation. Such networks can use non-virtual protocols such as Ethernet as well as virtualization protocols such as the VLAN protocol IEEE 802.1Q.

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