The Role of Network Virtualization Strategy in Enhancing Scalability and Cost Efficiency in Cloud Data Centers

Mohammad  Alimorad; Babak  Nouri Moghaddam; Abbas Mirzaei; Nasser  Mikaeilvand; Azadeh  Zamanifar

Authors

Mohammad Alimorad Department of Computer Engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8240-6211
Babak Nouri Moghaddam Department of Computer Engineering, Ard.C., Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5363-9949
Abbas Mirzaei Department of Computer Engineering, Ard.C., Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4476-2512
Nasser Mikaeilvand Department of Cognitive Computational Science, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1240-1306
Azadeh Zamanifar Department of Computer Engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2629-4794

Keywords:

Network virtualization strategy; cloud data centers; scalability; cost efficiency; software-defined networking; infrastructure optimization.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the role of network virtualization strategy in enhancing scalability and cost efficiency in cloud data centers. This applied quantitative study used a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population consisted of cloud infrastructure specialists, network engineers, virtualization administrators, data center managers, IT project managers, and system architects working in cloud data centers and technology-based organizations in Tehran. A total of 214 participants were selected through purposive sampling based on their professional experience with cloud infrastructure, network virtualization, software-defined networking, or data center management. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring network virtualization strategy, scalability, and cost efficiency. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed through expert review, and its reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and structural equation modeling with SPSS and AMOS software. The inferential findings showed that network virtualization strategy had a positive and significant correlation with scalability (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) and cost efficiency (r = 0.63, p < 0.01). Scalability also had a positive and significant correlation with cost efficiency (r = 0.59, p < 0.01). Regression analysis indicated that network virtualization strategy significantly predicted scalability (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) and explained 46% of its variance. It also significantly predicted cost efficiency (β = 0.63, p < 0.001) and explained 40% of its variance. Structural equation modeling confirmed the proposed model, showing significant direct effects of network virtualization strategy on scalability (β = 0.69, p < 0.001) and cost efficiency (β = 0.61, p < 0.001), as well as a significant direct effect of scalability on cost efficiency (β = 0.28, p < 0.001). The findings indicate that network virtualization strategy is a key technological and managerial capability for improving the scalability and cost efficiency of cloud data centers.

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