In one embodiment, a method includes receiving data at a virtual switch located at a network device in a cloud network. The data is received from an external network and destined for one or more virtual machines located in the cloud network and associated with the external network. The method further includes transmitting the data from the virtual switch to the virtual machines. The virtual switch operates as an access layer switch for the external network and creates a virtual switching overlay for secure communication between the virtual machines and the external network. Logic and an apparatus are also disclosed.