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Network Planning Best Practices

⏱️ Estimated reading time: 5–7 minutes

Effective network planning is essential when deploying and managing infrastructure on platforms like Cloud4India Cloud Portal A well-structured network strategy ensures performance, scalability, security, and long-term maintainability.

1. Understand Network Models in Cloud4India Cloud Portal​

Cloud4India Cloud Portal supports multiple network models. When planning your environment, consider the following:

  • Basic Networking: Flat, shared network—suitable for small or development environments.
  • Advanced Networking: Offers layered networking with public, guest, and isolated networks—ideal for production and multi-tenant setups.
  • Isolated vs Shared Networks: Use isolated networks for tenant-level separation and shared networks for common services or DMZs.

2. Choose the Right Network Offering​

Design and configure network offerings based on workload needs:

  • Define if source NAT, static NAT, load balancing, or VPN is required.
  • Match offerings to project types—e.g., isolated network offering with firewall rules for private applications, shared public IP for public-facing apps.
  • Keep naming conventions clear for ease of selection in Cloud4India Cloud Portal.

3. Use Projects to Isolate Tenants or Teams​

In Cloud4India Cloud Portal, Projects are essential for segmenting:

  • Resources (instances, networks, IPs)
  • Billing and usage
  • User permissions and access control

Each project should have its own isolated networks and public IP pools where applicable.

4. Plan for Scalability with VPCs​

Use VPCs (Virtual Private Clouds) for scalable, isolated networking:

  • Enable multi-tier application architecture (Web, App, DB) with tiered subnets.
  • Apply ACLs between tiers to control traffic (e.g., only allow DB traffic from App subnet).
  • Use custom CIDRs to avoid conflicts when connecting to on-prem or third-party networks.

5. Leverage L2 Networks for Specialized Use Cases​

L2 (Layer 2) networks allow you to:

  • Extend VLANs from on-prem environments
  • Use your own DHCP, firewall, or routing appliances

Only use L2 where Layer 3 routing by Cloud4India Cloud Portal is not desirable.

6. Assign and Secure Public IPs Wisely​

  • Assign Public IPs only where absolutely needed (e.g., frontend apps, SSH bastions).
  • Use firewall rules in Cloud4India Cloud Portal to restrict access by IP and port.
  • Consider static NAT for predictable access.

7. Define Firewall and ACL Standards​

Implement a consistent security model:

  • Define default firewall rules (deny-all or allow essential ports only).
  • Use Network ACLs within VPCs for tiered traffic control.
  • Document port requirements for each type of workload.

8. Monitor Network Usage and Logs​

  • Use Cloud4India Cloud Portal’s built-in network usage graphs for traffic monitoring.
  • Enable logging of firewall and NAT actions where applicable for auditing and troubleshooting.

9. Consider High Availability (HA) in Network Design​

  • Use redundant virtual routers where HA is supported.
  • Distribute workloads across multiple zones and subnets.
  • Avoid single points of failure (e.g., don't route all traffic through a single VM).

10. Document Your Network Layout​

Maintain updated documentation for:

  • IP ranges and CIDRs
  • VLAN and subnet mappings
  • Network offerings and their purposes
  • ACLs and firewall policies

Well-documented networks reduce downtime and simplify onboarding and support.

Need help mapping this to your specific setup?

Reach out to your platform administrator or contact support for tailored assistance.