What is a virtual network?

A virtual network is defined as a software representation of a physical network that facilitates communication among virtual machines. In virtualization environments, virtual networks enable multiple virtual machines running on a host server to communicate with one another and with external networks, while maintaining isolation and enabling various configurations. This allows for flexibility in resource allocation and network management, as virtual networks can be easily created, modified, or deleted without physical rewiring.

The essence of a virtual network lies in its ability to simulate traditional networking concepts such as switches, routers, and firewalls, but in a virtualized form, which simplifies network management and enhances scalability. By utilizing virtual networking, organizations can deploy complex networking setups with less hardware dependency, optimizing costs and increasing operational efficiency. This is crucial in environments where virtual machines are deployed in bulk for applications such as cloud computing and development testing.