5.1.1. Configure Virtual Networks

💡 First Principle: Azure Virtual Networks (VNets) are the core of private networking in Azure, providing a secure, isolated, and scalable environment that enables controlled communication between resources.

Scenario: You need to create a private network for your new application in Azure. This network will host several Virtual Machines in different logical segments, and you need to control traffic flow between these segments.

This task delves into the practical application of VNet configuration. You'll explore how to:

• Configure Virtual Networks and Subnets: Define IP address spaces and logical segments for your resources.
• Configure Network Security Groups (NSGs): Implement virtual firewalls for traffic control.
• Configure Azure Firewall: Centralize network security and intelligent threat protection.
• Configure Azure DNS: Manage public and private domain name resolution.

Mastering these concepts is crucial for the AZ-104 exam, as it assesses your ability to implement foundational networking infrastructure.

⚠️ Common Pitfall: Not planning the VNet address space carefully, leading to overlapping IP ranges with on-premises networks or other VNets, which complicates future hybrid connectivity and peering.

Key Trade-Offs:

• Network Segmentation vs. Simplicity: More subnets provide better segmentation and security control but can increase management complexity.

Reflection Question: How do Azure Virtual Networks and their associated components (subnets, NSGs, Firewall) fundamentally provide a secure, isolated, and scalable environment for your cloud resources, enabling controlled and efficient communication?