Network & Cloud

Welcome to the INS Network & Cloud Competence Center

Our institute has been working with network technologies for over 15 years. We closely follow the latest developments, thoroughly test them ourselves, and based on that, support our partners and clients with practical implementation.

We specialize in intent-based networks, which are nowadays used for networks in data centers, enterprises, and service providers. Software, networks, and infrastructures are increasingly interconnected. Applications offer exciting new possibilities, and with intent-based networking, organizations can leverage automation to scale and secure their network infrastructure.

More and more services are being provided in the public cloud. Companies connect their servers in private data centers with those in the cloud. Our Network & Cloud Competence Center specializes in the network functions between private and public clouds as well as the relevant security policies.

In microservices-based applications, the network and security in the cloud no longer stop at the server’s network card. Containers are the new units that require connectivity and security. For these cloud-native technologies as well, INS is here with our expertise to support you.

Our main areas of research

This graphic illustrates the central themes of our research area in the context of modern network technologies. At the core is Network Observability — comprehensive visibility and analysis of network states. To achieve this goal, we focus on key technologies such as Intent-Based Networking, Software-Defined Networking, Infrastructure as Code, Cloud Networking, Digital Twins, NetDevOps, Network Automation, and Network Programmability. These components form the foundation for future-proof, automated, and more resilient network infrastructures.

Our infrastructure

The Network & Cloud Competence Center at INS offers a modern and high-performance infrastructure for teaching, research, and professional training in the fields of networking and cloud technologies.

Our CN Lab (room 2.154) is specially equipped for the CN1 and CN2 modules. It provides ideal conditions for hands-on lab exercises and deepening knowledge in network technology and cloud computing. The equipment includes:

44x Cisco Catalyst 9300 Switches
22x Cisco ISR 1111 Routers
40x Arista 7160 Data Center Switches
44x Workstations

For the automated creation and deployment of complex network environments, our Lab Topology Builder offers a platform where a wide variety of virtual network topologies can be provisioned automatically.

Computer Networking Lab

Networks: Automation, Security, and Innovation

Enterprise infrastructure

Today’s enterprise network has fundamentally changed compared to ten years ago – and the pace of this transformation continues to accelerate.

Traditional office-bound work has been replaced by a hybrid model, where employees work flexibly from home, the office, or anywhere in between. Migration to the cloud is a key prerequisite for the flexibility required in today’s digital work environments.

Network security boundaries must extend far beyond traditional office perimeters. For example, network segmentation, consistent policies, and endpoint analysis can help reduce the risk of security breaches escalating into company-wide attacks.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are increasingly being used to support operations – an approach known as AIOps.

Adapting to these trends is a major challenge, and Software Defined Networking provides the new capabilities enterprises need for their network infrastructure.

Intent-based networking

Intent-based Networking (IBN) is a growing technology concept designed to replace manual processes in network configuration and control with a higher level of intelligence and intent.

The IBN system develops applications that make routing in networks, such as the Internet, intent-based.

Service provider networks

At the INS Institute for Networks and Security in Eastern Switzerland, we focus on applied Segment Routing.

Introduced in 2013, Segment Routing has achieved tremendous success with service providers, hyperscale web providers, and large enterprises. Its adoption is growing exponentially, as it is a key enabler for the transformation all networks will undergo in the future.

We offer courses in Segment Routing and lead several projects developing Segment Routing applications. We also conduct research projects in collaboration with leading telecommunications industry players.

Network automation

To meet the increasing demands and high complexity of modern networks, automation is essential. Today’s network engineers therefore need a basic understanding of programming and the relevant tools.

Cloud: Focus on Connectivity and Security

Cloud Networking

Cloud networking focuses on a company’s network functions and resources that are hosted on a public or private cloud platform and made available on demand.

Cloud Security

A cloud environment is only as secure as its weakest point. Effective cloud security therefore requires multiple technologies working together to protect data and applications from all angles. This typically includes firewalls, identity and access management (IAM), segmentation, and encryption, with security requirements varying depending on the type of cloud deployment.

Cloud Native Infrastructure

An application running in public and private clouds is often cloud-native, meaning it is designed to fully leverage the benefits of the cloud. Deployment orchestration for cloud-native applications is managed using Kubernetes.

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