Best Practices for Hybrid Cloud Networking Design

Hybrid cloud networking connects on-premises systems with public and private clouds, offering UK businesses flexibility, cost savings, and enhanced security. Here's why it's important and how to get it right:

• Why Hybrid Cloud?

  • 84% of UK businesses use a cloud smart strategy, placing workloads where they perform best.
  • Combines public cloud scalability with private cloud control, reducing costs and improving disaster recovery.
  • Supports advanced tech like AI and machine learning.

• Challenges to Address:

  • 73% of UK organisations face cloud management skill gaps.
  • Security and compliance remain concerns, with 52% struggling to maintain compliance.

• Key Components for Success:

  • Traffic Management: Use tools like SD-WAN, VPNs, and load balancers for smooth operations.
  • Security: Implement encryption, firewalls, and Zero Trust models to meet UK GDPR requirements.
  • Performance Optimisation: Use AI-driven monitoring, QoS settings, and bandwidth management.

• Best Practices:

  • Build for scalability and high availability with redundancy and automation.
  • Automate tasks like network provisioning and security updates.
  • Use centralised monitoring tools for better visibility and quick issue resolution.

Quick Tip: Align your network design with business needs, optimise costs with FinOps practices, and regularly audit your hybrid setup for efficiency.

For UK businesses, hybrid cloud is not just a tech upgrade - it's a strategic move to balance performance, compliance, and costs.

Designing a Real-World Hybrid Cloud Network

Core Components of Hybrid Cloud Networks

The effectiveness of a hybrid cloud network lies in its core components. These elements are essential for creating networks that are scalable, secure, and cost-efficient - qualities that are particularly important for UK businesses. Together, they form a bridge between on-premises systems and cloud environments. Below, we’ll explore the building blocks that make hybrid cloud networking a practical solution for businesses in the UK.

Network Traffic Management and Control

At the heart of hybrid networks is traffic management. Tools like routers, switches, and gateways regulate data flow between different environments, ensuring smooth operations.

Monitoring plays a vital role here. It involves keeping an eye on performance, availability, traffic patterns, and security to identify and address issues before they disrupt operations. This ensures resources are used effectively.

Automation is another key factor. By automating routine tasks like network configuration and provisioning, organisations minimise manual errors and speed up deployments. This consistency allows IT teams to focus on more strategic goals.

Network segmentation adds a layer of security by dividing the network into zones based on access levels. This limits the reach of potential attacks and protects sensitive data, creating a more secure hybrid environment.

Load balancing ensures that traffic is distributed evenly, maintaining high performance and availability, especially for workloads spread across on-premises and cloud resources.

Caching and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are invaluable for improving performance. By storing frequently accessed data closer to users, they reduce latency and enhance the experience for customers, even those located far from the data's original source.

When it comes to connectivity, UK businesses have several options, each with its own advantages:

With traffic management in place, attention turns to security and compliance.

Security and Compliance Requirements

Security is a pressing concern for UK businesses, particularly with regulations like the UK GDPR, which requires organisations to implement technical and organisational measures to protect personal data in hybrid cloud networks [7].

Encryption and pseudonymisation are essential tools for safeguarding sensitive data, whether it’s in transit or at rest. These measures ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data across hybrid environments [7].

The need for robust security has never been more evident. According to Check Point's 2024 Cloud Security Report, the number of organisations experiencing cloud security breaches surged from 24% to 61% in just one year [8]. This underscores why strong security measures are non-negotiable.

Understanding the shared responsibility model is crucial. Cloud providers handle security of the cloud (infrastructure, hardware, software), while customers are responsible for security in the cloud - covering data, applications, and access management [3].

Firewalls and a Zero Trust security model are foundational. The Zero Trust approach ensures that no user or device is trusted by default, no matter their location within the network. This is particularly important in hybrid setups where traditional perimeters are blurred.

Regular security audits are another crucial step. They help spot misconfigurations and ensure proper access controls. A stark example is the Capita data breach, where over 3,000 files were exposed due to an AWS bucket lacking password protection [6].

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strict Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies are also vital. Enforcing the principle of least privilege, rotating access keys, and monitoring access patterns help maintain tight control over resources.

Finally, staff training is indispensable. With 73% of UK organisations struggling to manage cloud environments effectively, educating teams on security best practices is essential for a strong defence [1].

Taking into account the state of the art, the costs of implementation and the nature, scope, context and purposes of processing as well as the risk of varying likelihood and severity for the rights and freedoms of natural persons, the controller and the processor shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk – UK GDPR, Article 32 [7]

Bandwidth Management and Performance

Once secure and managed connectivity is established, the next step is to optimise bandwidth to maintain strong performance. With as much as 90% of business activity relying on network efficiency, bandwidth management is critical for keeping operations running smoothly [9].

Quality of Service (QoS) settings allow organisations to prioritise important traffic, ensuring that critical applications have the bandwidth they need. This is especially important in hybrid setups, where various types of traffic compete for network resources.

Traffic shaping helps manage data flow, reducing congestion and ensuring that essential applications always have sufficient bandwidth.

Modern monitoring tools provide detailed insights and visual analytics, enabling proactive adjustments to optimise network performance.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are increasingly being used to analyse traffic patterns, pinpoint bottlenecks, and predict potential problems before they affect users. These technologies bring a level of adaptability that’s invaluable for hybrid environments.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) adds flexibility by allowing organisations to programmatically control their network behaviour. This makes it easier to adapt to shifting demands and maintain performance across hybrid systems.

With 89% of organisations now using a multicloud model and 73% relying on hybrid cloud setups, managing performance across these environments is becoming increasingly complex [10]. This is where tools like Infrastructure as Code (IaC) come into play. Platforms like Terraform and Ansible ensure consistent deployment and configuration management, reducing the risk of misalignment and keeping performance standards high [5].

According to the Enterprise Management Associates, 52% of enterprises now use packet data for monitoring and observability in hybrid and multicloud environments. This reflects the growing sophistication of network monitoring practices [11].

Hybrid Cloud Network Design Best Practices

Once the core components of hybrid cloud networks are in place, the next step is to focus on design practices that can support long-term growth, reliability, and performance. These strategies are crucial for UK organisations looking to make the most of their hybrid cloud investments.

Build for Scalability and High Availability

A well-designed network must be prepared to handle failures without disrupting operations. This requires careful planning and the use of redundant systems to ensure continuous service delivery. High availability (HA) minimises downtime and allows for quick recovery when issues arise, keeping services and applications running smoothly [12].

Redundancy is a key defence against failures. By deploying duplicate servers, databases, and other critical components, you can eliminate single points of failure [12]. Spreading resources across multiple data centres - such as those in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh - adds another layer of resilience, protecting against localised disruptions [12].

Automation plays a vital role in ensuring seamless service continuity. Tools for automated failover and load balancing can help meet high availability targets, such as five nines (99.999%) uptime, which translates to less than 5.26 minutes of downtime annually [12][13].

To fully understand HA, it’s essential to distinguish it from disaster recovery:

Use Automation for Network Management

Hybrid cloud environments require automation to manage configurations, provisioning, and security policies efficiently. Automating routine tasks reduces manual errors, speeds up workflows, and ensures consistent execution [16].

Start by identifying workloads that are ripe for automation. Opt for tools based on open standards to maintain flexibility and scalability as your network evolves [16]. Real-world examples showcase the impact of automation:

• S&P Global leveraged the Itential Automation Platform, enabling network engineers to automate configurations in minutes instead of days and cut firewall rule changes down to seconds [15].
• TPx Communications automated firewall provisioning, freeing up engineers to focus on complex deployments. Automation handled 80% of their tasks, making operations more efficient [15].

Security should also be a central focus in your automation strategy. Automated tools for vulnerability scanning, patch management, and access controls ensure consistent security across the network [16].

What is the network anymore? It's not just physical routers and switches. It's also cloud transit gateways, and traditional enterprise networks. Organisations are going to need a platform that they can automate. They are re-thinking how to move from the silos and domains and build network automation.
– Peter Sprygada, VP Cloud Management, Itential [15]

While automation simplifies many processes, centralised management is essential for maintaining visibility and staying ahead of potential issues.

Implement Centralised Management and Monitoring

To manage hybrid environments effectively, you need unified platforms capable of aggregating data from various sources. Centralised monitoring enables early detection of issues and ensures consistent security enforcement.

Consolidate data across platforms with centralised monitoring and logging tools [18]. Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools are particularly useful for identifying misconfigurations, compliance gaps, and vulnerabilities [18]. Consistent tagging - using metadata like region, service name, and application - helps organise and streamline monitoring efforts [19].

Automated alerts for suspicious activities or policy violations allow IT teams to respond quickly to threats [18]. For example, Capital One enhanced its security by implementing automated policy enforcement and robust identity controls, enabling real-time monitoring and regular audits [18].

AI-powered tools can further enhance monitoring by analysing traffic patterns, identifying bottlenecks, and predicting potential issues before they escalate [4]. The growing complexity of hybrid environments is reflected in the fact that 89% of organisations now use multicloud setups, while 73% rely on hybrid cloud solutions [10]. Those who embrace automation often see tangible benefits - 84% report both increased revenue and reduced operational costs [17].

Hybrid cloud automation acts as a 'translator,' seamlessly bridging on-premises and cloud deployments through code, enabling consistent service delivery regardless of resource location.
– Team Cloud4C [17]

Need help optimizing your cloud costs?

Get expert advice on how to reduce your cloud expenses without sacrificing performance.

Schedule a 30 minutes, no-obligation call

Custom Network Solutions and Performance Tuning

Tackling the challenges of hybrid cloud networking often requires customised solutions that align with specific business goals while keeping performance and costs in check. By building on the foundational elements and practices already discussed, tailored approaches can help fine-tune operations and achieve better outcomes.

Aligning Network Design with Business Needs

Designing a network for hybrid cloud environments starts with aligning it to your organisation’s unique requirements, such as compliance, security, latency, and cost considerations [21]. Factors like bandwidth demands, latency tolerance, availability, security constraints, and monitoring needs all play a role in shaping these decisions [13].

For instance, a financial services company might process sensitive customer data on-premises to meet GDPR requirements, while leveraging cloud platforms for scalable analytics and reporting. Similarly, network segmentation can be used to isolate different parts of the hybrid environment, allowing businesses to apply tailored security policies, performance settings, and access controls based on compliance needs [20].

Colocation services offer another strategy to reduce latency by placing data closer to cloud gateways [22]. For UK businesses operating across various regions, this approach ensures low-latency connections between on-premises systems and cloud services, which is critical for maintaining smooth operations.

Hybrid cloud security protects data, applications, and infrastructure across private and public clouds using encryption, access controls, and monitoring. It helps manage security risks and prevents single points of failure. Strong protocols simplify compliance and improve overall security. - Fortinet [21]

This careful alignment of network design supports proactive management and cost efficiency.

Monitoring Performance and Resolving Issues

Real-time monitoring is essential for managing hybrid cloud networks effectively. Tools powered by AI can optimise bandwidth, handle load balancing, and predict potential problems before they occur [19][23]. Automated alerts and incident management systems further ensure that issues are addressed promptly, minimising disruptions [23].

Unlike traditional setups, hybrid cloud monitoring must bridge diverse environments, each with its own metrics and interfaces [19]. Advanced AI tools take this a step further by analysing traffic patterns, spotting bottlenecks, and predicting problems before they escalate.

The best time to take hybrid cloud monitoring seriously was yesterday; the second-best time is now. Ignoring or delaying a solid monitoring foundation will only lead to performance issues, outages, downtime, and security risks later on, especially since your environment is so diverse. - Ifeanyi Benedict Iheagwara, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, and Power Platform Developer [19]

By adopting robust monitoring practices, businesses can not only prevent operational hiccups but also strategically manage costs across their hybrid environments.

Reducing Costs Through Network Optimisation

Cost efficiency in hybrid cloud networks comes down to optimising workload placement and adopting financial operations (FinOps) practices. These efforts can cut waste and lower expenses by as much as 32% [14][25]. For example, strategically moving workloads between private, on-premises, and public cloud resources enables organisations to choose the most cost-effective option for each task [14].

FinOps, which brings together IT, finance, and engineering teams, ensures financial accountability in cloud operations [25]. This collaborative approach helps businesses make smarter decisions about spending priorities while maintaining operational efficiency.

AI-driven automation also plays a key role by dynamically adjusting traffic flows and improving network efficiency [2]. Meanwhile, edge computing reduces latency and limits reliance on costly centralised cloud infrastructure by processing data closer to its source [2].

Regular cloud cost audits are another effective way to uncover and eliminate waste [24]. These reviews evaluate platform spending and explore strategies such as reserved instances, spot instances, and hybrid benefit programmes.

With effective cloud cost optimisation, you chip away from the average 32% of waste and start building your competitive advantage. - Steve Pownall, DeeperThanBlue [25]

For UK organisations looking to optimise their hybrid cloud networks, Hokstad Consulting offers expert cloud cost engineering services that can reduce expenses by 30–50%. Their approach combines technical know-how with practical cost management strategies, helping businesses achieve both performance and financial goals in their hybrid cloud setups.

Building Effective Hybrid Cloud Networks

To create hybrid cloud networks that truly work, businesses need to focus on delivering smooth operations across private, public, and on-premises systems. These networks should not only ensure operational efficiency but also maintain flexibility and scalability. At the same time, consistent security policies across all environments are essential to meet compliance standards and safeguard sensitive data.

For UK businesses, cost management is a standout advantage. By strategically placing workloads to balance performance and expenses, organisations can achieve cost efficiency without compromising on functionality. When combined with strong monitoring and automation, hybrid cloud networks can adapt as business needs evolve. Let’s explore the key considerations for UK organisations in more detail.

Key Points for UK Businesses

UK organisations looking to implement hybrid cloud networks should focus on a few critical areas to ensure success:

• Planning and Architecture: Deciding where workloads belong - whether in private, public, or on-premises environments - is essential. These decisions should be guided by factors like compliance requirements, performance goals, and budget constraints.

• Security and Compliance: The UK's regulatory environment demands extra care. Consistent security policies across all systems, adherence to GDPR, and maintaining data residency requirements are must-haves. Regular security audits and automated compliance checks can help enforce these standards without slowing down operations.

• Scalability: Networks must be designed to handle growth. Whether it’s increased traffic, new applications, or a wider geographical reach, scalability impacts both performance and costs.

• Cost Management: Strategic workload placement and regular optimisation reviews are key to avoiding budget overruns. Knowing which applications perform best in specific environments allows businesses to allocate resources effectively and prioritise spending.

• Collaboration Across Teams: Close cooperation between IT and cloud teams is vital for resolving issues quickly. This teamwork should extend to finance, engineering, and operations to ensure technical performance aligns with financial goals.

How Hokstad Consulting Can Help

Hokstad Consulting brings these principles to life with tailored solutions for UK businesses. Their expertise in hybrid cloud network design and optimisation can transform these challenges into opportunities for measurable business improvements.

• Cost Optimisation: Hokstad Consulting’s cloud cost engineering services help businesses cut hybrid cloud expenses by 30–50%. They achieve this through strategic workload placement, automated optimisation, and detailed cost audits.

• Automation and Reliability: Their DevOps transformation services implement automated CI/CD pipelines and monitoring tools that integrate seamlessly across on-premises and cloud systems. This reduces manual workload while improving deployment reliability.

• Seamless Cloud Migration: With zero-downtime migration services, Hokstad ensures businesses can transition to hybrid models without disrupting operations. Their ongoing performance and security optimisation keep networks running at peak efficiency.

• Flexible Engagement Models: Hokstad offers both project-based and retainer consulting options, giving businesses the flexibility to choose what works best for them. Their No Savings, No Fee model for cost optimisation guarantees that clients see tangible value from their services.

FAQs