Nutanix Flow is a software-defined networking and security solution for Nutanix AHV, Nutanix’s native, enterprise-grade hypervisor included with the Nutanix Cloud Platform. It’s comprised of Flow Network Security for microsegmentation and Flow Virtual Networking for overlay networking. Flow provides application-centric security policies and isolated, software-defined networks (virtual private clouds, or VPCs) across data centers, edge, and public clouds, with centralized management through Nutanix Prism Central.
Deliver secure, resilient apps services where you need them
In hybrid and multicloud environments, organizations need a secure, reliable, and often private way to connect disparate locations. F5 secure multicloud networking solutions, powered by F5 Distributed Cloud Services, deliver this and more. Across its private network backbone, Distributed Cloud Services can enforce consistent network and security policies across traffic. The F5 integration with Nutanix Flow brings this to life for Nutanix environments.
F5 secure multicloud networking for Nutanix
Nutanix Flow for software-defined networking does not natively deliver connectivity between sites and clouds (the data plane). Distributed Cloud Services bridges this gap, securely and privately connecting environments while also enforcing security and networking policies in real time.
At the heart of this integration is the ability to deploy an F5 Distributed Cloud Customer Edge (CE) inside a Nutanix Flow VPC, establish Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) peering, and then inject CE advertised routes into the VPC’s routing table. This architecture gives F5 complete control over application delivery and security within the Nutanix Flow VPC. Distributed Cloud Services then selectively advertises HTTP load balancers or virtual IPs (VIPs) to a VPC, making it possible to safely, securely, and efficiently connect the network to remote locations.
Network segment extension with microsegmentation enforcement
Microsegmentation involves dividing a network into small, distinct segments to improve security. Each segment is isolated, creating granular zones that can be secured individually. This reduces potential attack surfaces and can limit the impact of a breach. It also helps enable least privilege access, a core tenant of zero trust architectures.
The integration with Distributed Cloud Services can extend network segments defined in Nutanix Flow, while Nutanix Flow Network Security - a stateful distributed firewall - allows administrators to create security policies based on application categories rather than IP addresses, reducing the risk of lateral threat movement.
Together, Distributed Cloud Services seamlessly extend network segments across environments, while Nutanix Flow Security ensures fine-grained security controls within those segments.
Web app and API security
As part of F5’s multicloud networking capabilities, you can centrally define and manage web application firewall (WAF) security policies and have them consistently enforced across the network. This allows you to secure apps and APIs across clouds, sites, and the edge. Defend against OWASP Top 10, malicious bots, DDoS and other volumetric attacks, while instituting AI and ML to identify, score, and block malicious users and emerging threats.
Private network backbone
At the cornerstone of Distributed Cloud Services is the F5 Global Network—a private network backbone purpose-built to connect and secure workloads across sites. All F5 points of presence (PoPs) are redundantly connected in each continent to deliver performance, reliability, and control. It has automatic infrastructure security with L3-L7 DDoS protection, optional network firewall, and AI-based anomaly detection to prevent attacks at the network level.
Secure multicloud networking plus network segment extension with microsegmentation controls helps enterprises reduce operational overhead, maintain compliance, and strengthen security, with robust scalability across environments.
Learn more about F5 integrations with Nutanix Flow on DevCentral and visit our partnership page at f5.com/nutanix.
KEY BENEFITS
Simplify secure hybrid and multicloud networking
Deliver secure hybrid and multicloud networking across Nutanix environments without complex or one-off configurations.
Extend network segmentation
Extend network segments to remote sites and enforce consistent, granular security that reduces attack surface and prevents lateral movement.
Deliver extra layer of app security
Enforce web app firewall defenses for every application in addition to layered security within network segments.
Improve network resiliency
Rely on a global private network backbone with built-in redundancy and network-level threat protections.