1.3 Summarize cloud concepts and connectivity options
📘CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
Hybrid Cloud Deployment Model
Definition
A hybrid cloud is a cloud deployment model that combines two or more types of cloud environments, usually private and public clouds, to create a unified, flexible infrastructure. It allows organizations to take advantage of both environments depending on their needs.
- Private Cloud: Controlled and used exclusively by a single organization.
- Public Cloud: Hosted and shared by a cloud service provider and accessed over the internet.
- Hybrid Cloud: Integrates private and public clouds so that data and applications can move between them as needed.
Key Features
- Flexibility
- Organizations can store sensitive data in the private cloud while using the public cloud for less sensitive operations or to handle extra workloads.
- Example: During high traffic periods, the public cloud can handle extra computing power (bursting), while the private cloud handles critical, sensitive processes.
- Scalability
- A hybrid model allows scaling resources up or down efficiently.
- You don’t have to buy and maintain hardware for occasional peak workloads because the public cloud can provide extra capacity when needed.
- Cost Efficiency
- Critical workloads stay in the private cloud, reducing security risks.
- Non-critical or temporary workloads run in the public cloud, which can be cheaper than expanding private infrastructure.
- Workload Mobility
- Applications and data can move between public and private clouds depending on current demand, cost, or compliance requirements.
Use Cases in IT Environments
- Data Security & Compliance
- Sensitive customer data can be kept in a private cloud to meet regulatory requirements.
- Less sensitive services, like website hosting, can be run in the public cloud.
- Disaster Recovery
- Backups or failover systems can be placed in the public cloud while primary operations stay in a private cloud.
- Ensures business continuity without over-investing in extra private infrastructure.
- Application Development and Testing
- Developers can use public cloud resources to test new applications without affecting the private cloud.
- Once applications are stable, they can move to the private cloud for production.
Advantages
- Combines security of private cloud with flexibility and scalability of public cloud.
- Reduces capital expenditure on hardware.
- Enables business continuity and disaster recovery solutions.
- Supports burstable workloads, where extra computing power is needed temporarily.
Challenges
- Complex Management: Integrating private and public clouds requires sophisticated management tools and monitoring.
- Network Dependence: Hybrid cloud relies heavily on network connectivity between private and public clouds.
- Security Complexity: Must manage security across both cloud environments, which can involve multiple tools and policies.
- Compatibility Issues: Applications may need to be adapted to move seamlessly between environments.
Key Exam Points to Remember
- Definition: Hybrid = Private + Public cloud integration.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Can handle varying workloads efficiently.
- Cost-Effective: Use public cloud for non-sensitive or temporary workloads.
- Security: Private cloud portion ensures sensitive data is protected.
- Use Cases: Disaster recovery, workload bursting, development/testing, regulatory compliance.
- Challenges: Complexity, network dependence, security, compatibility.
Summary for Easy Recall
- Hybrid Cloud = Best of both worlds.
- Private cloud = Secure. Public cloud = Flexible & scalable.
- Move workloads where it makes sense: critical → private, non-critical → public.
- Exam Tip: If a question asks about a cloud model that mixes private and public with workload mobility, the answer is Hybrid Cloud.
