In computing, network virtualization is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization.
Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to the software containers on a single system. Whether virtualization is internal or external depends on the implementation provided by vendors that support the technology.
In software testing, network virtualization is a pre-production process for recreating network conditions from the production environment within the test environment. A component of application performance engineering, network virtualization enables connections between applications, services, dependencies and end users to be accurately emulated in the test environment.
Read more about Network Virtualization: Components of A Virtual Network, External Network Virtualization, Internal Network Virtualization, Combined Internal and External Network Virtualization, Network Virtualization For Developers and QA Testers, Network Virtualization Initiatives, See Also, Further Reading, References
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