What Is Networking Support for Cloud Computing? Signs Your Business Needs Help

A growing number of businesses are moving their operations to the cloud, but many still don’t have a clear view of what it’s really costing them.

According to CloudZero, more than 20% of companies admit they have little to no understanding of how cloud expenses break down across their systems.

That lack of visibility often points to deeper issues—like poorly managed networking support for cloud computing, weak connectivity, or gaps in how the cloud infrastructure is supported. 

This guide takes a close look at networking support for cloud computing—what it is, how it works, and why it’s essential to cloud performance, cost control, and day-to-day operations.

[.c-button-wrap][.c-button-main][.c-button-icon-content]Contact Us[.c-button-icon-content][.c-button-main][.c-button-wrap]

What is cloud networking?

Cloud networking refers to the use of cloud-based resources to manage and deliver network services such as routing, traffic control, firewalls, and security.

These services are hosted and maintained by a cloud service provider and made available to users through the internet. Instead of relying solely on on-premises hardware like routers and switches, organizations use cloud-based networking to create flexible, scalable networks that can reach global users and systems.

This model supports everything from cloud storage to computing power to entire cloud applications. It allows IT teams to manage complex environments that span multiple locations and platforms.

With networking support for cloud computing, businesses can easily configure a virtual private network, implement software-defined networking, and integrate third-party cloud services—all without investing heavily in physical networking equipment.

How does networking support for cloud computing work?

Network security in cloud computing plays a critical role in cloud architecture. Here’s how cloud networking works:

• Cloud provider infrastructure: Traffic flows through networks managed by a cloud provider, not your local office. These networks are optimized for performance, redundancy, and security.
  
• Software-defined controls: With network management software, admins can set rules, monitor traffic, and apply policies across systems hosted in the cloud environment.
  
• Elastic scalability: Businesses can add or remove computing resources on demand using platforms like Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud or Google Cloud.
  
• Secure routing: Features like VPN support, encryption, and firewalls support network security in cloud computing.
  
• Hybrid integration: Many companies use a hybrid cloud model, where some workloads remain in on-premises systems while others run in the public cloud—linked by secure, high-performance networks.
  
• Multi-cloud connectivity: Advanced setups may span two or more cloud platforms, with tools that help maintain seamless service between multiple platforms with consistent network security in cloud computing.
  

By investing in networking support for cloud computing, businesses respond faster to change and reduce downtime.

Traditional networking vs. cloud networking

What’s the real difference between traditional networking and cloud networking? Below, let's tackle the core skills, tools, and features that set them apart in today’s IT environments.

Traditional networking

In a traditional setup, networks are built and managed using physical hardware, typically housed in a data center in cloud computing. Security is handled manually, and connectivity is limited. As traffic grows, so do costs.

The network is limited to what the hardware can handle, and expansion often means buying more computing hardware, upgrading cables, and hiring skilled technicians to install and manage it.

Security is handled manually, and connectivity is local by default. If a location goes down, so does its network. Even adding remote access or cloud services to this model requires custom setups and external tools. There’s little flexibility, and costs can quickly rise as traffic grows.

Cloud networking

Cloud networking, by contrast, relies on distributed infrastructure and removes the need for on-site gear. This setup works especially well when backed by strong networking support for cloud computing.

Unlike older systems, this model includes scalable services and tools like software-defined networking, helping enforce network security in cloud computing from anywhere in the world.

How data centers support cloud computing services and network connectivity

Data center and cloud computing are deeply connected. While the cloud feels virtual, physical infrastructure still matters. That’s where the data center in cloud computing comes in.

These secure facilities host servers, storage, and network gear, allowing cloud providers to deliver fast, reliable services. Inside a data center in cloud computing, components like firewalls and routers enable elastic scaling and cloud bursting.

Businesses with hybrid systems rely on these environments for uptime and strong networking support for cloud computing, with consistent network security in cloud computing to protect operations.

9 signs you have poor cloud network support and cloud security

Not sure if your cloud setup is actually working the way it should? These signs can help you spot weak cloud network support before it starts costing your business.

1. Frequent downtime or connection drops

A well-designed cloud network should deliver stable access to cloud computing services. If systems are frequently down or connections lag, it might be caused by weak networking support for cloud computing.

2. Slow app performance

Apps hosted in the cloud environment depend on fast network connectivity. When users experience delays accessing cloud applications or shared files, it typically points to poor data center and cloud computing integration.

3. Security breaches or threats

Unsecured network components and a lack of encryption expose your data. Lacking network security in cloud computing increases breach risk.

4. Inconsistent access across locations

Remote teams and multi-office setups should experience the same speed and access. Poor networking solutions create bottlenecks and reduce productivity.

5. Lack of redundancy

If your network has no failover systems and can’t switch to a backup route or server, you're risking data loss and unplanned downtime. Weak design in the data center in cloud computing leads to failure.

6. Complex manual configurations

When IT teams still rely on manual setup of network infrastructure, it creates room for errors and slows down responses. A lack of automation hurts modern networking support for cloud computing.

7. No real-time monitoring

If your provider lacks visibility into live network metrics, problems go unnoticed. Strong cloud networking requires tools that monitor performance, latency, and threats 24/7.

8. Limited scalability

Growing companies need cloud networking services that scale on demand. If you're limited to fixed resources or outdated hardware and software, it's time to reevaluate, as this might indicate poor data center and cloud computing design.

9. Support is hard to reach

Unreliable or slow vendor support means delays in fixing issues. You need a cloud provider’s team that’s available, responsive, and familiar with your cloud environment. Providers without a 24/7 response miss critical issues in network security in cloud computing.

Choosing the right cloud provider for networking

Not all cloud providers offer the same level of networking capabilities. When evaluating providers, it’s important to look beyond pricing and check their cloud networking work—how they handle traffic, route requests, manage downtime, and secure your data in the cloud.

Some providers, like Amazon Web Services, offer highly granular control over networking models and cloud deployment models, while others simplify management through bundled networking support for cloud computing.

You’ll also want to evaluate how each cloud provider owns its infrastructure, what kinds of cloud services are offered (like software as a service, platform as a service, or infrastructure as a service), and if they support two or more cloud integrations.

Look for cloud service providers that offer direct access to 24/7 support, customizable network management software, and native tools for cloud migration, cloud storage, and cloud application deployment.

A reliable provider can help your business benefit from cloud adoption faster—while avoiding the technical debt that comes from short-term solutions.

Need help to achieve the benefits of cloud networking? Call RTC!

For businesses that want to make the most out of their cloud computing resources, having expert guidance matters. Whether you’re trying to improve network connectivity, deploy a private cloud, or manage multiple cloud platforms, RTC’s team is ready to support you.

At RTC Managed Services, we specialize in building, securing, and maintaining cloud-based networking that just works. Our experts take care of the tech so you can focus on your business.

From proactive network management to hands-on support during and after deployment, RTC delivers smart solutions tailored to your operations, industry, and growth goals.

[.c-button-wrap2][.c-button-main2][.c-button-icon-content2]Contact Us[.c-button-icon-content2][.c-button-main2][.c-button-wrap2]

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of cloud networking for modern businesses?

The benefits of cloud networking include improved flexibility, global connectivity, and reduced reliance on physical infrastructure.

With cloud-based networking, companies can scale cloud computing services quickly, ensure secure network connectivity, and integrate software tools without the delays common in traditional networking.

This model also reduces costs and offers better uptime through redundant cloud infrastructure.

How does cloud networking work with different types of cloud computing?

Cloud networking work is built to support every type of cloud computing, including public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud.

Whether you’re using cloud services from Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, or Amazon Web Services, the network layer ensures data flows securely and efficiently between systems. 

Most cloud providers typically offer tools for software-defined networking to automate traffic routing within their cloud environment.

What’s the difference between a private cloud and a public cloud provider?

A private cloud is dedicated to one organization and offers more control over cloud security, performance, and compliance.

In contrast, a public cloud provider like Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud or Google Cloud hosts services shared among users but offers scalable cloud computing resources.

Both models have their strengths, and choosing between them depends on budget, compliance needs, and workload type.

How does a hybrid cloud model impact network infrastructure?

A hybrid cloud model uses both on-premises systems and cloud platform resources, requiring advanced network infrastructure to bridge the two.

This model supports seamless cloud migration, offering flexibility and control by moving specific cloud workloads either to a public or private cloud. It also enables features like cloud bursting to handle sudden demand spikes using public cloud services.

What are some examples of networking capabilities used in cloud environments?

Common networking capabilities in cloud networking services include virtual private networks, elastic compute cloud integrations, and centralized network management software.

These tools support everything from data in the cloud to complex cloud applications, using smart routing, traffic shaping, and network components to deliver smooth user experiences within the cloud.

Can I use multiple cloud platforms at once?

Yes, many businesses choose to use multiple cloud platforms across different workloads. This approach helps avoid vendor lock-in, increases redundancy, and allows you to benefit from cloud features offered by each provider.

Managing two or more cloud systems requires compatible networking technologies, and often a third-party cloud service provider to integrate and manage them effectively.

How does cloud networking differ from traditional networking?

Cloud networking is just one part of the broader cloud technologies space, but it’s radically different from traditional networking.

Rather than managing networking equipment and computing hardware locally, cloud networking is managed through software and APIs hosted in one cloud. 

This shift to a subset of cloud allows for real-time scaling, simplified network management, and the ability to use cloud services globally.