What Is network isolation & how does it work?

Whether you're looking to safeguard your data from cyber threats, minimize connectivity issues, or simply make network management easier for your IT team, network isolation can be a powerful solution.

But what is network isolation, and how does it work exactly?

In this primer, we’ll answer that question and show you how to implement network isolation in your business. 

We’ll go over:

• What is network isolation?
• An explanation of how an isolated network functions
• Some key benefits of having isolated networks in your business
• How to implement isolated networks
• Some challenges you might face when implementing network isolation

What is network isolation?

Network isolation is the practice of dividing a computer network into segments to control traffic flow and access. This enhances security, improves performance, and simplifies management. Think of it as creating separate rooms in a house, each with its own purpose and security measures.

Within a network, these segments act as mini-networks, allowing for detailed control and security. Network isolation comes in various forms:

• Physical isolation: The most robust approach involves physically separate hardware for each network component.
• Virtual isolation: A flexible option where virtual networks (VLANs) are created within the same physical network, balancing security and ease of management.
• Application-level isolation: This method isolates individual applications or processes, similar to having separate sandboxes for different activities, allowing for fine-grained control and customization.

How network isolation works

Now that we've tackled the what of network isolation, let's get into the how. We’ve glanced over three isolation levels—physical, virtual, and application-level. Each one brings its own unique flavor to the table, offering different ways to fortify your network defenses:

Physical isolation

Physical isolation is the most straightforward approach. It means physically separating different parts of the network using separate hardware. 

For example, you might have one set of servers and switches for your finance department and another set for your marketing department. These two segments would be completely isolated from each other, with no direct connection.

This approach is the most secure as it prevents any unauthorized communication between the segments. However, it's also the most expensive and difficult to implement, as it requires additional hardware and infrastructure.

Virtual isolation

Virtual isolation uses software to create separate networks within the same physical infrastructure. This is typically done using Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). VLANs allow you to group devices based on their function, department, or security level, even if they are physically connected to different switches.

This provides a good level of security and is much easier to manage than physical isolation. However, it's not as secure as physical isolation, as it's still possible for traffic to leak between VLANs if not properly configured.

Application-level isolation

Application-level isolation goes a step further than virtual isolation by focusing on individual applications or processes. This is done using various techniques, such as containerization or micro-segmentation. 

With containerization, applications are packaged with their own dependencies, making them portable and easy to isolate. Micro-segmentation involves creating very small network segments around individual applications or workloads.

This approach provides the highest level of granularity and control, allowing you to tailor security policies to specific applications. However, it can be complex to implement and may require specialized tools and expertise.

What are the main benefits of network isolation?

Network isolation is more than just creating boundaries; it brings notable advantages to your organization's network infrastructure. Let's dig into three key benefits:

Tighter security

Network isolation acts as a powerful safeguard for your data and systems. By dividing your network into distinct segments, you make it much harder for unauthorized users or malicious actors to move around.

This means that if one part of the network is compromised, the isolation prevents the threat from spreading like wildfire, keeping the rest of your data and systems safe.

This segmentation also makes it easier to comply with data protection regulations. By isolating sensitive data within specific segments, you can apply stronger security measures to those areas without affecting the entire network. 

This targeted approach reduces your overall attack surface, making it a less appealing target for cybercriminals.

Better network performance

An isolated network can greatly improve performance, particularly in high-traffic areas. By segmenting network traffic, you ensure that critical applications get the bandwidth they need without competing with less important traffic.

This is like having dedicated lanes on a highway for emergency vehicles; it ensures smooth and reliable operation even during peak times.

Reducing congestion in these critical areas not only improves the speed and responsiveness of your network but also prevents potential bottlenecks that could slow down your entire operation. This translates to a better user experience for your employees and customers alike.

Simplified troubleshooting and maintenance

When your network is divided into isolated segments, it becomes much easier to manage and troubleshoot. If an issue arises in one segment, you can quickly pinpoint the problem and resolve it without affecting the rest of the network. 

This is akin to having separate circuit breakers for different parts of your house; if one circuit trips, the others remain unaffected.

This modular approach also makes it easier to perform maintenance tasks, such as applying updates or patches. You can update one segment at a time, minimizing disruption to your overall operations. 

Likewise, this segmented architecture provides a clearer view of your network traffic, making it easier to identify and address potential security threats or performance bottlenecks.

How to implement network isolation step-by-step

Next, let's go over an easy 5-step guide so you can start implementing network isolation for your business with less hassle:

Step 1: Assess your network needs and risks

Begin by thoroughly mapping your network infrastructure. Identify critical assets like sensitive data repositories and mission-critical servers that need extra protection. 

Categorize these assets based on their sensitivity and the potential impact of a breach. This assessment will help you develop a focused isolation strategy and prioritize your efforts.

Step 2: Choose the right isolation method

The ideal isolation method for your organization depends on specific needs and budget constraints. Remember:

• Physical isolation: Offers the highest security but is costly and complex
• Virtual isolation (VLANs): Provides a balance of security and flexibility
• Application-level isolation: Offers granular control over individual applications or processes

Step 3: Configure isolation settings

Establish clear boundaries between network segments using VLANs, firewalls, and access control lists (ACLs). 

Define strict rules for traffic flow between segments, permitting only essential communication while blocking unauthorized access. You might set up rules based on IP addresses, ports, protocols, or other criteria.

Step 4: Monitor and manage

Regularly review and update your isolation policies and configurations to stay ahead of evolving threats and changing business needs. Consider using intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) for rapid identification and response to security incidents.

Step 5: Leverage the right technology

Simplify the implementation and management process with a Network as a Service (NaaS) solution like Meter. You can work with Meter to automate tasks, provide visibility into network traffic, and ensure compliance with security policies, making network isolation more manageable.

Challenges you may face when implementing network isolation

While network isolation offers considerable benefits, it's important to be aware of the challenges that can arise during implementation and ongoing management:

Balancing isolation with network performance and user accessibility

Excessive isolation can hinder collaboration and data sharing between departments. It can also lead to performance issues if not properly configured, as traffic may need to go through multiple security layers, resulting in latency.

Solution: Carefully plan your isolation strategy by mapping out communication flows between different departments and applications. 

Use tools like firewalls with intelligent traffic management features to optimize performance while maintaining security. Regularly review and adjust isolation policies to ensure they align with changing business needs.

Technical challenges

Implementing and maintaining network isolation can be complex, especially in large, dynamic environments. It requires a deep understanding of networking concepts, security protocols, and the specific tools used for isolation (e.g., VLANs, firewalls, ACLs). Misconfigurations can lead to security vulnerabilities or unintended network disruptions.

Solution: Engage experienced network security professionals to design and implement your isolation architecture. 

Invest in comprehensive training for your IT staff to ensure proper configuration and ongoing management. Consider using network management tools that provide visibility into traffic flows and automate certain tasks, such as policy updates.

Administrative challenges

Managing isolated networks can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when dealing with numerous segments and complex access control rules. It requires meticulous documentation, regular audits, and close coordination between different teams (e.g., IT, security, operations).

Solution: Develop clear and concise documentation for your isolation policies and procedures. Implement change management processes to ensure that any modifications to the network are carefully planned, tested, and communicated. 

Cost considerations

Implementing network isolation can require significant upfront investments in hardware (e.g., additional switches, firewalls) and software (e.g., network management tools). Ongoing maintenance and management costs should also be factored in.

Solution: Explore cost-effective alternatives, such as virtual isolation using VLANs, which can leverage existing infrastructure. Consider NaaS solutions, which can offer scalability and flexibility while reducing upfront hardware costs.

Next steps

Network Isolation is a technique that every engineer needs in their toolkit to keep their networks secure. If you're interested in learning more about how Meter handles network isolation for our customers, talk to one of our networking experts.

Meter provides an end-to-end solution that covers everything from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and support. Most importantly, we combine our expertise, advanced software, and custom-made, vertically integrated security appliance hardware to keep your network secure.

• OpEx only: Meter requires no big, one-time “CapEx” fee. Instead, we charge a flat monthly fee based on your square footage, and we build our own vertically integrated hardware and software to run every part of your network.
• ‍Upgrades and relocations included: When new hardware is required, we provide it inclusive of your monthly bill. Similarly, when relocating to a new space, we’ll move your network over for free.
• ‍24/7 operations: Our job is to keep your network available and performant at all times. We’ll monitor and support your network remotely, offer phone support to your workforce when they’re stuck on the little things, and be immediately available to you for the big things.
• ‍First-class network security: With Meter, you’ll have an expert security team remotely monitoring your network for threats around the clock. Our security appliance prevents unauthorized access and ensures data integrity with features like DNS security, Malware protection, and VPN capabilities. We provide real-time insights and alerts to help you maintain security, no matter the threat.

Get a demo and see how Meter can build you a high-performing and cost-efficient network.