Trends in Network Virtualization within Cloud Environments: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Network virtualization has revolutionized cloud environments by abstracting network resources from underlying hardware, enabling flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. This paper explores current trends and future directions in network virtualization within cloud environments, addressing challenges and opportunities. It discusses key technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and Virtual Network Functions (VNFs), highlighting their impact on network management, security, and performance. Case studies and comparative analyses illustrate the adoption of network virtualization, its benefits, emerging trends, and research directions shaping the future of cloud networking.