Virtual Networks

Objective

This guide provides instructions on how to create a Virtual Network using the guided wizard in F5® Distributed Cloud Console (Console). For more information on a site, see Site.

A Virtual Network is an isolated L3 network. A Virtual Network can contain one or more IP subnets. Network elements in a virtual network (interface, host, listener, etc.) can talk to each other directly.

Two virtual networks can have overlapping IP address spaces. If two networks are connected directly, then they will have to guarantee unique IP addressing.

A Virtual Network is also used to configure static routes, either to inject and advertise them via Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), or to statically route to specific networks from this Virtual Network.

Using the instructions provided in this guide, you can create a Virtual Network and set up a static route from this network.

Prerequisites

The following prerequisite applies:

An F5® Distributed Cloud Services Account. If you do not have an account, see Create an Account.

Configuration

The following video shows the virtual network configuration:

Create a Virtual Network

Perform the following steps:

Step 1: Start virtual network object creation.

Log into Console.
Click Multi-Cloud Network Connect.

Figure: Console Homepage

Select Manage > Networking > Virtual Networks.

Figure: Virtual Networks

Click Add virtual network.

Step 2: Configure virtual network.

In the Name field, enter the name for the virtual network object.
In the Labels field, optionally select a key-value pair for the object.
From the Select Type of Network drop-down menu, select the network type that this virtual network object belongs to:
- Global Network: Network to extend to other sites, like L3 virtual routing and forwarding (VRF).
- Site Local (Outside) Network: Your outside network.
- Site Local Inside Network: Your inside network.

Figure: Virtual Network Configuration

Under the Static Routes section, click Add Item to configure a new static route for this virtual network:
- In the List of IP Prefixes field, enter a valid IPv4 IP prefix.
- From the Select Type of Next Hop drop-down menu, select the type of next hop for your router. The options include:
  - IP Address: The traffic matching the IP prefixes is sent to the IP address. You must enter a valid IP address to send the traffic to in the IP Address field.
  - Interface: The traffic matching the IP prefixes is sent to the interface. You must select an interface from the options in the Interface drop-down menu.
  - Default Gateway: The traffic matching the IP prefixes is sent to the default gateway.
- Optionally, select any attribute from the Attributes drop-down menu.
- Click Add Item.
After you finish, click Save and Exit.

Step 3: View the virtual network object information.

Click > to view the virtual network object's JSON data.

Figure: View Virtual Network Object Information

Concepts

API References

Virtual Network