Virtualization is the next era of computing which leverages computing resources and personnel and access to data services. A Virtual Network is an interconnected group of networks which appears as one network to the user protected by one firewall. Notable characteristics of this service are:
- Geographic independence – All of a faculty or department offices anywhere on campus are on one network behind one firewall.
- Improved network security architecture – A virtual firewall context can be used simplifying administration, maintenance, and security policies.
- Integration with other virtual services – A UBC IT virtual server can be positioned on the department network within the department security domain.
- Identity based wireless and VPN networking – Users can be connected and placed within the faculty or department security domain.
- Ability to multicast – Can be provisioned across all the campus networks.
Virtual network services are available to all departments and faculties at the UBC Vancouver, Okanagan, and Teaching Hospitals.
Information on virtual network servies at UBC is available in this Frebruary 2009 presentation (PDF).
In addition to virtual networks, virtual firewalls and virtual server services are available from UBC IT to provide a full complement of high availability resources at your disposal.
