4 Cloud Hosted Router Explained

1. Key Concepts of Cloud Hosted Router

Cloud Hosted Router (CHR) in MikroTik is a virtual router that runs on cloud infrastructure. Key concepts include:

• Virtualization: Running a router as a virtual machine on cloud platforms.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Utilizing cloud services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for hosting.
• Scalability: Easily scaling resources up or down based on demand.
• Redundancy: Ensuring high availability by deploying multiple instances across different regions.
• Management: Centralized management and monitoring of cloud-hosted routers.

2. Detailed Explanation of Key Concepts

a. Virtualization

Virtualization allows you to run a MikroTik router as a virtual machine (VM) on cloud platforms. This means you can deploy a fully functional router without the need for physical hardware. The VM runs the RouterOS software, providing all the features and functionalities of a physical router.

b. Cloud Infrastructure

Cloud Infrastructure refers to the platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) where the virtual router is hosted. These platforms provide the necessary compute, storage, and networking resources to run the virtual router efficiently.

c. Scalability

Scalability is the ability to increase or decrease the resources allocated to the virtual router based on demand. For example, during peak traffic times, you can allocate more CPU and memory to the router to handle the increased load. This flexibility ensures optimal performance without over-provisioning resources.

d. Redundancy

Redundancy involves deploying multiple instances of the virtual router across different regions or availability zones within a cloud platform. This ensures high availability and fault tolerance. If one instance fails, another can take over, minimizing downtime.

e. Management

Management of cloud-hosted routers involves centralized monitoring and control. Tools like MikroTik's Cloud Hosted Router Manager (CHRM) allow you to manage multiple virtual routers from a single interface. This includes tasks like configuration, monitoring, and scaling.

3. Examples and Analogies

Example 1: Deploying a Cloud Hosted Router on AWS

Imagine you need to deploy a router for a global e-commerce site. By using a Cloud Hosted Router on AWS, you can deploy the router in multiple regions (e.g., North America, Europe, Asia). This ensures low latency and high availability for users worldwide. If the router in one region fails, the traffic can be automatically rerouted to another region, ensuring continuous service.

Example 2: Scaling Resources Based on Traffic

Consider a video streaming service that experiences a surge in traffic during prime time. By using a Cloud Hosted Router on Microsoft Azure, you can dynamically scale the CPU and memory resources allocated to the router. This ensures that the router can handle the increased traffic without performance degradation.

Analogies

Think of a Cloud Hosted Router as a virtual office that can be set up anywhere in the world. The office (router) can be easily moved or expanded based on business needs. Redundancy is like having multiple offices in different cities, ensuring that the business can continue operating even if one office is closed. Management is like having a central headquarters that oversees all the offices, ensuring they run smoothly.

4. Insightful Value

Understanding Cloud Hosted Router in MikroTik is crucial for modern network architecture. By leveraging cloud infrastructure, you can achieve scalability, redundancy, and centralized management, ensuring optimal performance and high availability. This knowledge is essential for anyone aiming to become a MikroTik Certified Routing Engineer.