Network Management
Networking in Google Cloud is built on a global private backbone that connects regions, zones, and services worldwide. Understanding how networking works and how to design it correctly is essential for building secure and high performing cloud environments.
Network service tiers
Google Cloud offers two network service tiers.
Premium tier
The Premium tier keeps traffic on Google private infrastructure as long as possible. Traffic enters the Google network close to the user and exits close to the destination. This provides better performance, lower latency, and improved security.
Standard tier
The Standard tier exits to the public internet earlier and re enters closer to the destination. It is lower cost but may have higher latency and less predictable performance.
Virtual Private Cloud
A Virtual Private Cloud is a global resource in Google Cloud. A single VPC can span multiple regions and allows resources in different regions to communicate using private IPs over Google backbone.
Subnets
Subnets are regional resources within a VPC. Even though subnets are regional, resources in different subnets and regions can still communicate privately.
There are two subnet modes.
Auto mode
Auto mode VPCs automatically create subnets in all regions with predefined IP ranges and firewall rules. This mode is not recommended for production environments.
Custom mode
Custom mode VPCs allow full control over IP ranges, regions, and firewall rules. This mode is strongly recommended for production use.
Private Google Access
Private Google Access allows resources without external IP addresses to reach Google APIs and services. Traffic stays on the Google network and does not traverse the public internet. This improves security while maintaining access to required services.
Connectivity between networks
By default, VPCs are isolated from each other. Connectivity can be established using several options.
Shared VPC
Shared VPC allows a centrally managed host project to provide networking resources to multiple service projects. This enables separation of duties where network teams manage connectivity and application teams manage workloads.
Shared VPC improves governance, simplifies network management, and reduces duplication.
VPC peering
VPC peering connects two VPCs using private IP connectivity. Peering is non transitive and uses standard network pricing.
Cloud VPN
Cloud VPN provides encrypted connectivity between VPCs or between Google Cloud and on premises environments. It is suitable for hybrid connectivity when low latency is not a strict requirement.
Network design best practices
Common best practices for Google Cloud networking include:
- Use custom mode VPCs for greater control
- Centralize networking using Shared VPC
- Use fewer and larger subnets to simplify management
- Avoid assigning external IP addresses where possible
- Enable Private Google Access for private workloads
Networking in foundation setup
The foundation setup workflow allows configuration of multiple VPCs for different environments such as production and non production. It supports defining regions, IP ranges, firewall rules, and optional Cloud NAT configuration.
Network architecture can be reviewed and validated before deployment to ensure it meets security and connectivity requirements.
Outcome
A well designed network provides secure connectivity, predictable performance, and strong governance. By following Google Cloud networking best practices, organizations can build scalable environments that support both current and future workloads.