In this blog post, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of Virtual Cloud Networks (VCNs) in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Our journey will encompass a detailed overview of VCNs, emphasizing their key features and associated benefits, with a specific focus on the role of subnets. Additionally, we will provide insights into the step-by-step processes involved in creating VCNs, both manually and through the user-friendly VCN Wizard.
To learn more about the Networking components in Oracle Cloud (OCI) check here
What is VCN?
Virtual Cloud Network, or VCN for short, is a key component that enables you to set up and maintain your private network within the Oracle Cloud. Similar to how a typical network operates in an on-premises data center, virtual content networks (VCNs) offer separation, segmentation, and management over your cloud resources. You can think of it as your network inside the larger OCI environment. Consider it as a customized, secured area of the cloud where you may allocate resources and manage the network infrastructure.
It Includes:-
- Customizable Isolated Network – You have complete control over the IP address ranges, subnets, route tables, and security lists within your VCN. This allows you to tailor the network to your specific needs and security requirements.
- Private and Secure- Your VCN is separate from other VCNs in OCI, ensuring that your resources are only accessible to authorized users and applications. This enhances security and prevents unauthorized access or data breaches.
- Scalable and Flexible- You can easily add or remove resources to your VCN as your needs grow or change. Additionally, you can connect multiple VCNs together using peering or transit gateways to create hybrid or multi-cloud deployments.
Steps to create VCN in OCI
Prerequisites- You should have an active Oracle account.
- Log in to your Oracle Cloud Console.
- Open the navigation Under Networking and click Virtual Cloud Networks.
- Click Create VCN Note: Ensure that the compartment (or the compartment designated for you) is selected on the left.
- On Create Virtual Cloud Network, Enter the following:
-
- Name: Enter name for VCN. (Ex. “PoC_VCN”)
- Create in Compartment: This field defaults to your current compartment.
- CIDR Block: 0.0.0/16
- Click on Create Virtual Cloud Network (VNC)
5. Your Virtual Cloud Network, which was created will display like below.
The above method was creating a VCN manually, We can choose another method to create a VCN which is VCN Wizard.
How VCN Wizard is different from manual VCN Creation?
- Simple and quick: Ideal for beginners or anyone needing a basic VCN with internet access quickly.
- Guided setup: The step-by-step process simplifies creation and avoids configuration errors.
- Pre-defined options: Utilizes pre-configured security lists and other settings for efficient setup.
- Less technical knowledge required: Minimal understanding of VCN components needed.
How to create VCN through VCN Wizard?
- Open the navigation Under Networking and click Virtual Cloud Networks.
- Choose the compartment and Click on Start VCN Wizard
- To make it easier to set up a virtual cloud network (VCN) and connect to it we use VCN wizardThis VCN Wizard does:
- Creates a VCN.
- Creates an internet gateway, NAT gateway, and service gateway for the VCN.
- Creates a regional public subnet with routing to the internet gateway. Instances in a public subnet may optionally have public IP addresses.
- Creates a regional private subnet with routing to the NAT gateway and service gateway (and therefore the Oracle Services Network). Instances in a private subnet cannot have public IP addresses.
- Sets up basic security list rules for the two subnets, including SSH access.
Note: There Two Way to create VCN. By using VCN Wizard we create VCN with all the resources by default created like Internet Gateway, Service Gateway, Subnet etc. The second method is create VCN without any type of recources in this we have to create all the resources manually. In this section we are creating VCN by using VCN Wizard.
- Select VCN with Internet Connectivity option and Click Strart VCN Wizard
- In Configuration
-
- VCN Name: Enter name for VCN. (Ex. “PoC_VCN”)
- Compartment: Select PoCCompartnment
- VCN CIDR Block: Enter 0.0.0/17
- Public Subnet CIDR Block: Enter 0.0.0/24
- Private Subnet CIDR Block: Enter 0.1.0/24
- Click Next
6. Review and Create
-
- Click on Create
- Creating Window looks like this-
Who should use VCN Wizard?
- New users to OCI who are unfamiliar with VCN configuration.
- Users who need a basic VCN setup with internet connectivity for quick deployments.
- Developers or users who want to focus on application development instead of VCN configuration details.
Subnets in OCI
Subnets are essential components of Virtual Cloud Networks (VCNs) in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). They act as logical subdivisions within your VCN, creating smaller, more organized segments for your deployed resources. Imagine them as neighborhoods within your larger VCN city, each with its own set of residents (resources) and traffic rules (security regulations).
There are two types of Subnets, Private and Public
Subnets can be designated as either public or private. Public subnets typically have a route to the Internet, allowing instances within the subnet to communicate with the Internet directly or through a NAT gateway. Private subnets, on the other hand, do not have a direct route to the internet and are often used for backend services.
Key benefits of Subnets
- Increased security: Subnets hold Isolating resources that minimize attack surfaces and prevent unauthorized access from other VCN areas.
- Simplified network management: We can manage security and routing rules by subnet, streamlining network configurations and maintenance.
- Improved resource organization: Grouping resources logically based on their function or department enhances organization and clarity.
- Efficient network utilization: Subnets allow for focused infrastructure scaling and resource placement, optimizing network resources.
Conclusion
- Choose VCN Wizard: If you need a basic VCN with internet access quickly and easily, especially as a beginner, the wizard is ideal.
- Choose Manual VCN Creation: If you require advanced customization, specific network configurations, or full control over settings, manual creation is better suited.
However, it’s important to note that the VCN Wizard primarily caters to basic VCN setups. For more complex or advanced configurations, using the manual VCN creation option offers greater flexibility and control.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a VCN in OCI?
A VCN, or Virtual Cloud Network, is a customizable and private network in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, providing isolation and control over cloud resources.
2. Why is VCN important?
VCNs enable users to define their network topology, control IP addressing, and connect to on-premises data centers, forming the foundation for deploying and managing resources in OCI.
3. How does Internet Gateway relate to VCN?
An Internet Gateway allows resources within a VCN to connect to the internet and vice versa.
4. What is the purpose of DHCP Options in a VCN?
DHCP Options configure dynamic host settings for instances within a VCN.
5. What is the function of Dynamic Routing Gateway (DRG) in VCNs?
DRG enables communication between a VCN and on-premises networks, forming a secure and private connection.
Related/Further Readings
- Download the Step-By-Step Activity Guide to Register for an Oracle Cloud Trial Account.
- Networking in Cloud: Who Should Learn & Why
- Virtual Networking Quickstart
- Oracle Cloud: Create VCN, Subnet, Firewall (Security List), IGW, DRG: Step By Step
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john says
After click “Start Workflow” button I never get my next screen for configuration. I am with new applied tenancy “JDE9243” located region South Korea Central (Seoul)