3 OCI Networking Explained

Key Concepts

• Virtual Cloud Networks (VCNs)
• Subnets
• Route Tables

Virtual Cloud Networks (VCNs)

A Virtual Cloud Network (VCN) in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is a software-defined network that you can create to securely connect your cloud resources. A VCN is similar to a traditional data center network, but it is fully managed by OCI and can span multiple regions.

Example: Think of a VCN as a virtual office building where you can place different departments (subnets) and control the flow of traffic between them. Each VCN has its own IP address range, similar to how each building has its own address.

Subnets

Subnets are subdivisions of a VCN that allow you to segment your network into smaller, more manageable pieces. Each subnet has its own IP address range and can be associated with different security lists and route tables. Subnets can be public (accessible from the internet) or private (restricted access).

Example: Consider a subnet as a department within the virtual office building (VCN). Each department has its own set of employees (resources) and access rules. For instance, the HR department might be a private subnet, while the marketing department could be a public subnet.

Route Tables

Route tables define the paths that network traffic takes within a VCN. Each route table contains a set of rules (routes) that determine where traffic should be directed based on its destination IP address. Route tables are associated with subnets to control the flow of traffic.

Example: Imagine a route table as a set of directions that guide traffic within the virtual office building. If someone from the HR department (private subnet) needs to send a document to the marketing department (public subnet), the route table provides the necessary path for this communication.

By understanding these key concepts, you can effectively design and manage your OCI networking infrastructure, ensuring secure and efficient communication between your cloud resources.