Design and implement virtual networks and subnets

When planning and administering Azure for SAP Workloads, designing and implementing virtual networks and subnets is an important aspect to consider. Virtual networks help organize and isolate resources, while subnets allow for further segmentation and control within those networks. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in designing and implementing virtual networks and subnets for Azure SAP Workloads.

1. Define Network Requirements:

Before creating virtual networks and subnets, it is essential to identify the network requirements for your SAP Workloads. Consider factors such as the number of SAP systems, communication requirements between systems, network security, and any connectivity requirements with on-premises networks. Based on these requirements, you can design an appropriate network architecture.

2. Create Virtual Networks:

To create a virtual network in Azure, navigate to the Azure portal and follow these steps:

1. Click on “Create a resource” and search for “Virtual Network.”
2. Click on “Virtual Network” from the search results and select “Create.”
3. Provide a name, select the subscription, resource group, and region.
4. Specify the address space for the virtual network, which should be large enough to accommodate your SAP Workloads.
5. Configure the DNS and DHCP settings as per your requirements.
6. Review the settings and click on “Create” to provision the virtual network.

3. Create Subnets:

Once the virtual network is created, you can proceed to create subnets within that network. Subnets help logically divide resources and provide additional security and control. Follow these steps to create subnets:

1. In the Azure portal, select the virtual network you created and click on “Subnets.”
2. Click on “+ Subnet” to add a new subnet.
3. Provide a name for the subnet and specify the subnet address range.
4. If you have specific requirements, such as enabling Network Security Groups (NSGs) or route tables, you can configure them during the subnet creation process.
5. Click on “OK” to create the subnet.

4. Define Network Security Groups (NSGs):

Network Security Groups allow you to filter network traffic to and from subnets. You can create NSGs to control inbound and outbound network traffic and define rules based on protocols, source IP addresses, and destination IP addresses.

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to the created virtual network and click on “Network Security Groups.”
2. Click on “+ Add” to create a new NSG.
3. Provide a name and select the subscription and resource group.
4. Configure the inbound and outbound security rules based on your SAP Workload requirements.
5. Associate the NSG with the relevant subnets within the virtual network.

5. Establish Connectivity:

Depending on your SAP Workload requirements, you might need to establish connectivity between Azure virtual networks and on-premises networks. Azure provides several connectivity options, such as Azure ExpressRoute, VPN Gateway, and Azure Virtual WAN. You can choose the appropriate option and configure the connectivity as per the documented guidelines.

6. Implement Network Routing:

Network routing helps control how traffic flows between different subnets and networks. Depending on your requirements, you can implement custom routing or use Azure’s default routing. Custom routing allows you to define specific routes for your SAP Workloads, while default routing follows Azure’s built-in routing protocols.

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to the virtual network and select “Subnets.”
2. Click on the desired subnet and select “Route table.”
3. Associate a route table with the subnet and define the required routing rules.

7. Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

Once the virtual networks and subnets are designed and implemented, it is important to monitor and troubleshoot network connectivity and performance. Azure provides comprehensive monitoring and diagnostics capabilities through services like Azure Network Watcher, Azure Monitor, and Azure Log Analytics. Utilize these tools to identify and resolve any network-related issues promptly.

In conclusion, designing and implementing virtual networks and subnets for Azure SAP Workloads requires careful planning and consideration of the network requirements. By following the steps outlined in this article and referring to the official Microsoft documentation, you can create a secure and well-connected network infrastructure for your SAP Workloads on Azure.