Software-defined networking (SDN) is an IT infrastructure approach that abstracts network resources into virtualized systems. This is called network virtualization. SDN separates network forwarding functions from network control functions with the goal of creating a centrally manageable and programmable network, which means separating the control plane from the data plane. SDN allows IT operations teams to control network traffic in complex network topologies through a centralized dashboard without having to manually handle each network device.
Advantages of software-defined networking (versus traditional networking)
Enterprise organizations adopt software-defined networking in response to the limitations of traditional infrastructure. Advantages of software-defined networking include:
Separation of control plane and data plane: The control plane is responsible for deciding how to forward data packets and is implemented centrally by a software-based controller. The data plane is responsible for actually forwarding packets through the network. It still exists in hardware- based network devices, but is simplified and specialized to focus only on packet forwarding. In traditional networks, the control plane and data plane are usually integrated in network devices such as switches, routers, and access points, eliminating the need for centralized control.
Centralized control: Software-defined networking provides centralized control, with network policies and configurations managed and implemented by a central controller, unlike traditional networks where network policies and configurations are distributed across multiple network devices.
Lower cost: Software-defined network infrastructure is generally less expensive than hardware infrastructure because they run on off-the-shelf commodity servers rather than expensive single-purpose equipment. Because software-defined network infrastructures can run multiple functions on a single server, they also take up less space. This means that less physical hardware is required, which facilitates resource consolidation to reduce physical space occupation, power consumption and overall cost.
Greater scalability and flexibility: By virtualizing your network infrastructure, you can expand or contract network resources as needed where appropriate without having to rush to add additional proprietary hardware. After adopting software-defined networking, you will gain great flexibility and can realize self-service provisioning of network resources.
Programmable and easily automated: In software-defined networking, administrators use software-defined logic and APIs to define network policies and configurations. This enables us to dynamically configure network resources and manage them based on policy, which facilitates rapid deployment and adaptation to changing business needs. Traditional networks often require manual configuration and management of network devices using command line interfaces (CLI) or device-specific configuration tools.
Simplified management: Software-defined networking makes the entire infrastructure easier to operate because it does not require highly specialized network experts to manage it.
Software-defined networking, combined with software-defined storage and other technologies, can form an approach to IT infrastructure called hyperconvergence, a nearly universal software-defined approach.
Software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization ( NFV )
For telcos, there is also a network abstraction called network functions virtualization (NFV). Similar to software-defined networking, NFV abstracts network functions from the hardware. NFV supports software-defined networking by providing the infrastructure on which SDN software can run. NFV gives providers the flexibility to run corresponding functions on different servers or move them as needed when requirements change. With this flexibility, telecom service providers can deliver services and applications faster. For example, if a customer requests a new network feature, they can spin up a new virtual machine (VM) to handle the request. This virtual machine can be deactivated when the functionality is no longer needed. This is a low-risk way to test the value of potential new services.
Depending on what you want to accomplish, NFV and SDN can be used together, both using commodity hardware. With NFV and SDN, you can create a network architecture that is more flexible, programmable, and efficient in utilizing resources.
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Advantages of software-defined networking (versus traditional networking)
Enterprise organizations adopt software-defined networking in response to the limitations of traditional infrastructure. Advantages of software-defined networking include:
Separation of control plane and data plane: The control plane is responsible for deciding how to forward data packets and is implemented centrally by a software-based controller. The data plane is responsible for actually forwarding packets through the network. It still exists in hardware- based network devices, but is simplified and specialized to focus only on packet forwarding. In traditional networks, the control plane and data plane are usually integrated in network devices such as switches, routers, and access points, eliminating the need for centralized control.
Centralized control: Software-defined networking provides centralized control, with network policies and configurations managed and implemented by a central controller, unlike traditional networks where network policies and configurations are distributed across multiple network devices.
Lower cost: Software-defined network infrastructure is generally less expensive than hardware infrastructure because they run on off-the-shelf commodity servers rather than expensive single-purpose equipment. Because software-defined network infrastructures can run multiple functions on a single server, they also take up less space. This means that less physical hardware is required, which facilitates resource consolidation to reduce physical space occupation, power consumption and overall cost.
Greater scalability and flexibility: By virtualizing your network infrastructure, you can expand or contract network resources as needed where appropriate without having to rush to add additional proprietary hardware. After adopting software-defined networking, you will gain great flexibility and can realize self-service provisioning of network resources.
Programmable and easily automated: In software-defined networking, administrators use software-defined logic and APIs to define network policies and configurations. This enables us to dynamically configure network resources and manage them based on policy, which facilitates rapid deployment and adaptation to changing business needs. Traditional networks often require manual configuration and management of network devices using command line interfaces (CLI) or device-specific configuration tools.
Simplified management: Software-defined networking makes the entire infrastructure easier to operate because it does not require highly specialized network experts to manage it.
Software-defined networking, combined with software-defined storage and other technologies, can form an approach to IT infrastructure called hyperconvergence, a nearly universal software-defined approach.
Software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization ( NFV )
For telcos, there is also a network abstraction called network functions virtualization (NFV). Similar to software-defined networking, NFV abstracts network functions from the hardware. NFV supports software-defined networking by providing the infrastructure on which SDN software can run. NFV gives providers the flexibility to run corresponding functions on different servers or move them as needed when requirements change. With this flexibility, telecom service providers can deliver services and applications faster. For example, if a customer requests a new network feature, they can spin up a new virtual machine (VM) to handle the request. This virtual machine can be deactivated when the functionality is no longer needed. This is a low-risk way to test the value of potential new services.
Depending on what you want to accomplish, NFV and SDN can be used together, both using commodity hardware. With NFV and SDN, you can create a network architecture that is more flexible, programmable, and efficient in utilizing resources.
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