What are software representations of network systems referred to as?

Software representations of network systems are best referred to as models. Models are abstract representations that help in understanding and simulating the behavior of systems, including network architectures and their interactions. They provide a structured way to visualize and organize network components, their relationships, and functions.

Models are fundamental in cloud computing as they allow for the design and development of various configurations, ensuring that networks operate efficiently and meet specified requirements. For instance, network models might include layered architectures or reference models that define the structure of network protocols, which are key in managing and deploying cloud services.

While related terms like templates, instances, and frameworks exist in networking and cloud computing, they do not specifically capture the essence of a software representation designated for modeling. Templates are often used for creating standardized configurations, instances relate to specific occurrences of a virtual resource, and frameworks provide a broader structure for building applications or systems. However, when it comes to the specific representation of network systems, the term "models" is the most appropriate.