Skip to content

​Virtualization technology has tremendously transformed the modern data centre. Applications and operating systems are installed into virtual machine images instead of physical machines, which in turn are executed by physical servers running a hypervisor. Virtualizing applications provide many benefits, including consolidation — running multiple applications on a single physical machine — and migration — transparently moving applications across physical machines for load balancing and fault tolerance purposes.

In the future, data centres would have much more complex networks. There would be thousands of microservices to monitor with each service running on a separate server/rack/data centre because of redundancy reason. In the worst case, the “application” would be running all over the world in several data centres. To add to this complexity, there are even more difficulties because the applications can jump dynamically through the data centres. As a result, classical tapping will not be possible anymore!

In such a network environment, if you use virtual TAPs on the hypervisors, then you would need a 3rd party software on each hypervisor which would result in performance degradation on the hypervisor. Additionally, the application can run on different hypervisors, so you need to have virtual TAPs for each hypervisor version. There are also security issues because the virtual TAP monitors the full switch and not only one specific microservice. Virtual tapping involves very high maintenance effort when the applications are breathing.

This is the classical approach with a lot of issues like:

  • ​Bandwidth
  • Dynamic Breathing
  • Cost
  • Complex Configuration

Research from Gartner titled ‘Building Data Center Networks in the Digital Business Era’ mentioned that when making investments in data centre networking solutions, organizations should determine if their vendors can provide a single pane of management that extends to both on-premises and public cloud workloads, including:

  • ​Network troubleshooting for workloads in multiple clouds
  • Reporting for workloads in multiple clouds
  • Creation of policy and configuration for workloads
  • Visibility for workloads in multiple clouds

​With better insight, you can set up a cloud environment that’s fully efficient and optimized for business requirements. The end goal of any data centre is to maintain excellent reliability, security and stability for users.

Thank you to Cubro for the article.

Related Posts

The Definitive Guide to Synchronized Clock Systems in 2025

The Definitive Guide to Synchronized Clock Systems in 2025

Accurate and synchronized timekeeping is more than just a convenience—it’s a critical component of operational efficiency, safety, and compliance. Whether…
TAPs Overview: The Start of Visibility - 2024

TAPs Overview: The Start of Visibility - 2024

The Evolution of Network Visibility: Why TAPs Are Key Network change is accelerating, driven by growing complexity, new regulations, cloud…
WiFi and LAN network testing with Candela Technologies

WiFi and LAN network testing with Candela Technologies

WiFi and LAN networks are the backbone of modern businesses, and testing them is essential to prevent outages, optimize performance,…
How to Upgrade an Old School Clock System Without Breaking the Bank

How to Upgrade an Old School Clock System Without Breaking the Bank

Upgrading your old clock system can seem like a costly endeavor—between equipment, installation, and potential downtime, the expenses can add…
Mastering Time Outdoors: Sapling & Bodet Clock Solutions

Mastering Time Outdoors: Sapling & Bodet Clock Solutions

Outdoor clocks are a fantastic way to enhance the exterior of any property, whether it’s a commercial building, a public…