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Network Services

VDC Networking

What Is It?

VDC Networking provides isolated network environments within Virtual Data Centers (VDCs). Create private LANs, configure IP addresses, and manage network topology to connect resources within data centers. VDC Networking forms the foundation for building secure, segmented cloud infrastructure with control over addressing, routing, and connectivity between resources.

Quick Facts

Aspect Details
Type Virtual network infrastructure within VDCs
Network Types Private and Public Layer 2 LANs
IP Management Manual or DHCP-based addressing
IPv6 Support Up to 256 IPv6-enabled LANs per VDC
Segmentation Multiple LANs per VDC for isolation
Management DCD, Cloud API

What You Can Do

Private LAN Creation

Create isolated Layer 2 networks within VDCs. Each LAN provides private connectivity between attached resources without Internet exposure.

IP Address Management

Configure IP addressing manually or use IONOS DHCP for automatic assignment. Control IPv4 and IPv6 address allocation for connected resources.

Network Segmentation

Create multiple LANs per VDC to isolate different tiers, departments, or security zones. Separate frontend, backend, and database networks logically.

IPv6 Configuration

Every VDC automatically receives a public /56 IPv6 CIDR block, enabling true dual-stack (IPv4 + IPv6) environments. Enable IPv6 on LANs to receive /64 blocks from the VDC's /56 allocation.

IPv6 Address Allocation Hierarchy:

Resource CIDR Block Source
VDC /56 Automatically assigned per VDC
LAN /64 Taken from VDC's /56 block
NIC /80 Taken from LAN's /64 block
Individual Address /128 Taken from NIC's /80 block (max 50 per NIC)

Attach NICs to IPv6-enabled LANs to receive both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. Each NIC gets a /80 IPv6 block and an initial /128 address automatically. Assign up to 50 IPv6 addresses (/128) per NIC. IPv6 addresses are static and remain assigned after VM restarts.

IONOS provides DHCPv6 by default for automatic IPv6 configuration. You can disable DHCPv6 if running your own DHCPv6 server. Reverse DNS (PTR records) can be created for public IPv6 addresses through Cloud DNS.

IPv6 Limitations:

NIC Attachment

Connect server and Cube NICs to LANs for network connectivity. Control which resources can communicate on each network segment.

DHCP Services

Use IONOS-provided DHCP for automatic IP assignment or disable DHCP to run custom DHCP servers on your infrastructure.

Best For

Scenario Why It Fits
Multi-tier applications Separate LANs for web, app, and database tiers
Security isolation Segment production, staging, and development environments
Compliance requirements Network-level isolation for regulated workloads
Private communication Resources communicate without Internet routing
Large deployments Multiple LANs organize complex infrastructures
IPv6 adoption Dual-stack support for modern addressing

Key Considerations

Billing & Costs

  • Main billing: Included with VDC (no separate networking charge)
  • Additional costs: None for basic LAN functionality

Limitations

  • LANs are VDC-scoped
  • Connectivity between VDCs requires additional services such as Cross Connect.
  • Maximum 256 IPv6-enabled LANs per VDC
  • Private and public LANs are both supported: private LANs isolate traffic internally, while public LANs (attached via an Internet Access element) give resources direct, routable internet access without requiring a NAT Gateway.
  • Cross-region connectivity requires additional solutions

Management Options

  • Data Center Designer (DCD)
  • Cloud API
  • LAN creation, configuration, and deletion
  • IP address range management
  • IPv6 enable/disable per LAN