Define the term "virtual network."

A "virtual network" is an abstracted network that is created within a physical network infrastructure, enabling the creation of software-defined environments that can emulate the behavior of traditional networks. These virtual networks allow for the segmentation and isolation of network resources, enabling multiple virtual networks to operate on the same physical hardware while providing separate network configurations, IP address spaces, and routing protocols. Virtual networks are commonly used in environments like cloud computing and data centers, where they can support virtual machines (VMs), containers, and other virtualized resources. They can be managed through software-based technologies, such as network virtualization protocols and orchestration tools, which facilitate the dynamic allocation and management of network resources. Key benefits of virtual networks include enhanced flexibility, scalability, improved resource utilization, and simplified network management, as well as the ability to implement advanced features like network security through micro-segmentation.