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Create virtual network

Published April 5, 2023 | Last modified October 28, 2026

Overview

Use F5 Distributed Cloud Console to create a virtual network.

About F5 Distributed Cloud virtual networks

A virtual network is an isolated layer 3 (L3) network. The virtual network can contain one or more IP address subnets. Within a virtual network, they are network elements, including an interface, host, listener, and much more. Each element can communicate with the other directly.

Two virtual networks can have overlapping IP address spaces. However, if you need to connect two networks directly, each must have a unique IP address.

A virtual network is also used to set up static routes. You can use the static routes to inject and advertise virtual networks with Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). You can also use virtual networks to route to specific networks.

Before you begin

Before you begin, make sure you have:

Create a virtual network

  1. Log in to Distributed Cloud Console.

  2. Select Multi-Cloud Network Connect.

  3. Select Manage > Networking > Virtual Networks.

  4. Select Add Virtual Network.

  5. In the Name field, enter the name for the virtual network object.

  6. In the Labels field, optionally select a key-value pair for the object.

  7. From the Select Type of Network drop-down menu, select the network type that this virtual network object belongs to:

    • Global Network: This option extends your network to other sites, like L3 virtual routing and forwarding (VRF).

    • Site Local (Outside) Network: This option extends your network to the outside.

    • Site Local Inside Network: This option keeps your network on the inside.

  8. Under the Static Routes section, select Add to create a new static route for the virtual network:

    • In the IP Prefixes field, enter a valid IPv4 prefix.

    • From the Select Type of Next Hop drop-down menu, select the type of next hop for your router. The options include:

      • IP Address: The traffic that matches the IP prefixes is sent to the IP address. Enter a valid IP address to send the traffic to in the IP Address field.

      • Node Interface: The traffic that matches the IP prefixes is sent to the node interface. Select Add. Select a node from the Node menu. Select an interface from the options in the Interface drop-down menu. Select Apply.

      • Default Gateway: The traffic that matches the IP prefixes is sent to the default gateway.

    • Optionally, select one or more attributes from the Attributes drop-down menu.

    • Select Apply.

  9. After you finish, select Add Virtual Network.

  10. Select > to view the virtual network object's JSON data.

References

For more information, see:

API references

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