Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for operating a dedicated virtual machine host cluster within cloud computing infrastructure are described herein. In one embodiment, an instance principal certificate that includes a virtual network identifier for a dedicated virtual network for the cluster is retrieved by a host computing device. The instance principal certificate is authenticated by the host against a switch to grant access of the host to a virtual network indicated by the virtual network identifier through a network interface card of the host. A virtual function of the network interface card of the host is allocated to a guest virtual machine. The guest virtual machine is launched in the host with the virtual function as a network device of the guest virtual machine.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for operating a dedicated virtual machine host cluster within cloud computing infrastructure are described herein. In one embodiment, an instance principal certificate that includes a virtual network identifier for a dedicated virtual network for the cluster is retrieved by a host computing device. The instance principal certificate is authenticated by the host against a switch to grant access of the host to a virtual network indicated by the virtual network identifier through a network interface card of the host. A virtual function of the network interface card of the host is allocated to a guest virtual machine. The guest virtual machine is launched in the host with the virtual function as a network device of the guest virtual machine.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with cloud computing cluster isolation with strong authentication and automatic configuration deployment are described. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to receiving an authentication frame through the uncontrolled port, (i) extracting data from the authentication frame for performing authentication, and (ii) parsing the authentication frame to identify a piggybacked virtual network identifier that functions as an instruction to create an isolated connection. If the authentication was successful and the piggybacked virtual network identifier was identified, creating the isolated connection between the controlled port and a virtual network that is identified by the piggybacked virtual network identifier.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with cloud computing cluster isolation with strong authentication and automatic configuration deployment are described. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to receiving an authentication frame through the uncontrolled port, (i) extracting data from the authentication frame for performing authentication, and (ii) parsing the authentication frame to identify a piggybacked virtual network identifier that functions as an instruction to create an isolated connection. If the authentication was successful and the piggybacked virtual network identifier was identified, creating the isolated connection between the controlled port and a virtual network that is identified by the piggybacked virtual network identifier.