What is Network Infrastructure?
Network infrastructure is the hardware and software that enables a computer network’s operation and management. The infrastructure provides a foundation that allows users and network devices to connect with each other, communicate, and share data.
In everyday speech, the term network infrastructure may also be used to describe a network’s setup and design. When discussing network infrastructure in a technical context, however, using the terms network scope, topology, connection type, and architecture can help ensure that discussion participants have a shared understanding of the network’s purpose, physical and logical layout, use of cabling, and communication structure.
Key Takeaways
- A network’s infrastructure provides the foundation that enables connectivity, communication, and data exchange between devices and users.
- Network infrastructures consist of hardware and software components.
- Network components are supported by protocols and services that enable communication locally or with external networks, including the Internet.
- Network infrastructures can be built with physical or virtual components or a combination of both.
- Network infrastructure components can be deployed and managed on-premises or purchased as a cloud service.
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Network Infrastructure Components
Network infrastructures can be built with physical or virtual components. Communication and network protocols and services enable infrastructure connectivity, communication, and functionality.
Today, many organizations use a hybrid approach to take advantage of physical, virtual, and software-defined infrastructure components. For example, a small to midsize business (SMB) might use physical infrastructure for core network components and virtual or software-defined infrastructure components to provide scalability and centralized management.
Network Infrastructure: Hardware and Software Components
Hardware and software components work together to enable connectivity, communication, and resource sharing.
Hardware components
Physical devices that form the backbone of network infrastructure.
Software components
Virtual or software-defined components that support network functions and management.
Hardware components
Routers, switches, firewalls, cables.
Software components
Virtual routers, firewall software, and SDN controllers.
Hardware components
Limited by physical constraints; scaling requires new hardware.
Software components
Highly scalable; virtual and software-defined components can be deployed or decommissioned on demand.
Hardware components
Requires manual, on-site maintenance and potential replacement over time.
Software components
Maintenance can be conducted remotely, and replacements can be made automatically.
Hardware components
High upfront cost for purchase and installation.
Software components
Lower initial cost; can be purchased through a subscription or pay-per-use business model.
Hardware components
Managed on-site; may require manual configuration.
Software components
Managed remotely; infrastructure configurations can be adjusted automatically with software.
Types of Network Infrastructure
Network infrastructures can be categorized by their scope, connection type, topology, architecture, or delivery model. Hybrid network infrastructures typically combine on-premises with cloud-based components or integrate different connection types (like wired, wireless, and cellular) to support diverse applications and user requirements.
Category | Description | Examples |
---|---|---|
Physical infrastructure | The tangible hardware components that make up network infrastructure. | Routers, switches, appliances, cables |
Virtual infrastructure | Software-based network components that can be run locally or in cloud environments. | Virtual routers, virtual firewalls, virtual LANs (VLANs), software-defined networking (SDN) components |
Scope | The geographical range or size of the network. | LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network) |
Connection type | How devices are connected within the network (wired or wireless). | Wired (Ethernet, Fiber Optic) and Wireless (Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite) |
Topology | The layout or arrangement of devices and connections within the network. | Star, Mesh |
Architecture | The functional design or relationship of devices within the network. | Client-server, peer-to-peer, hybrid |
Delivery model | How the network infrastructure is acquired and managed. | On-premises, colocation, managed service, cloud service |
Network Infrastructure Importance
When a network’s infrastructure is robust and well-maintained, it allows users to communicate and access resources locally and across external networks, including the Internet.
For example, voice over IP (VoIP) relies on network infrastructure to support clear, uninterrupted conversations. The quality of network infrastructure components can impact people’s ability to use virtual phone numbers and take advantage of voice over IP (VoIP) unlimited calling and international calling features. Outdated or poorly maintained network infrastructure can result in latency, jitter, and packet loss.
Network Infrastructure Management
Network infrastructure management ensures infrastructure components, and the protocols and services that support them, work together efficiently.
It’s worth noting that in 2024, Cisco updated the CCNA exam to address how network infrastructure components have evolved over the years. For example, the section on network infrastructure management now considers automation, software-defined networking (SDN), and Infrastructure as Code (IaaC) to be integral components of network infrastructure management.
Essentially, IaaC can be used to define and manage network infrastructure, SDN can be used to centralize network management, and automation can initiate and complete infrastructure management tasks with minimal human assistance.
How to Document Network Infrastructure
To understand a network’s infrastructure, it can be helpful to document the network’s physical and logical components.
The documentation can help network administrators, network architects, and wireless network engineers scale a network’s infrastructure and troubleshoot connection and quality of service (QoS) issues.
Document physical components
Make a list of all physical infrastructure components and organize the inventory in a spreadsheet or database for easy access and reference.
If you are managing a network for business, consider creating a visual network diagram that documents the physical layout of all network devices and their connections. Tools like Microsoft Visio and SolarWinds can be used to create diagrams that show where devices are located and how they are physically connected.
Document logical components
List the IP address ranges and subnets, as well as the network protocols and network infrastructure services that support network connections and communication. Be sure to include virtual local area network (VLAN) configurations if the network is segmented for security or organizational purposes and include details about policies that guide traffic between network segments.
Document security configurations
Document user access control policies as well as authentication protocols and settings for multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Consider listing firewall rules, including allowed and blocked traffic by network port or IP range, and include details about virtual private network (VPN) settings, encryption standards, and network security protocols if applicable.
Set up procedures and policies for infrastructure maintenance and updates
Establish a change management process to track and approve any modifications to the network infrastructure and create a maintenance log to record updates, software patches, and any changes made to hardware configurations. Consider implementing software-defined networking to automate infrastructure maintenance tasks with scripts and/or application programming interfaces (APIs).
Network Infrastructure vs. IT Infrastructure
Information technology (IT) infrastructure is a broad term that encompasses all the digital resources that support business operations. In contrast, network infrastructure is the aspect of IT infrastructure that enables device connectivity and communication.
Network Infrastructure Benefits and Challenges
Overall, the benefits of a well-designed and managed network infrastructure outweigh the challenges for most organizations. Strategically evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of on-premises versus cloud-based infrastructure, however, allows organizations to align their network infrastructure with their specific business needs and growth trajectory.
Pros
- Can be deployed in-house or purchased as a cloud service
- Provides the foundation for network connectivity and communication
- Can boost productivity by providing access to shared resources and the Internet
- Can be scaled out horizontally with additional physical, virtual, or software-defined components
Сons
- Implementing and maintaining network infrastructure locally can be expensive and require dedicated resources
- Network infrastructures that are connected to the internet are vulnerable to cyberattacks
- Network infrastructure failures can negatively impact productivity and possibly result in lost revenue
Network Infrastructure Security
Over the years, the increasing number of network infrastructure components has expanded the network attack surface. Hybrid infrastructures have also made it difficult for administrators and engineers to gain complete visibility into network infrastructure, which in turn has made threat detection more challenging for network security teams
The Bottom Line
In the past, network infrastructure definitions often focused on routers, switches, and other physical hardware components. With the widespread use of virtualization and cloud computing, however, the meaning of network infrastructure has expanded to include virtual and software-defined components.
FAQs
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References
- What Are Network Services? – Cisco (Cisco)
- Core network components | Microsoft Learn (Learn.microsoft)
- CISCONET Training Solutions – CCST • CCNA • CCNP • IT/Networking (Cisconetsolutions)
- Network Diagram and Mapping Software | Microsoft Visio (Microsoft)
- Network Infrastructure Monitoring Tool | SolarWinds (Solarwinds)
- Ctr NSA Network Infrastructure Security Guide (Media.defense)