SDN System

Software-defined networking is an approach to networking that uses software-based controllers or application programming interfaces (APIs) to communicate with underlying hardware infrastructure and direct traffic on a network.
This model differs from that of traditional networks, which use dedicated hardware devices (i.e., routers and switches) to regulate network traffic. SDN can create and control a virtual network — or control traditional hardware — via software.
While network virtualization allows organizations to segment different virtual networks within a single physical network, or to connect devices on different physical networks to create a single virtual network, software-defined networking enables a replacement way of controlling the routing of knowledge packets through a centralized server.

Importance of SDN

Increased control with greater speed and flexibility: rather than manually programming multiple vendor-specific hardware devices, developers can control the flow of traffic over a network just by programming an open standard software-based controller. Networking administrators even have more flexibility in choosing networking equipment, since they will choose one protocol to speak with any number of hardware devices through a central controller.
Customizable network infrastructure: With a software-defined network, administrators can configure network services and allocate virtual resources to vary the network infrastructure in real-time through one centralized location. This allows network administrators to optimize the flow of knowledge through the network and prioritize applications that need more availability.
Robust security: A software-defined network delivers visibility into the entire network, providing a more holistic view of security threats. With the proliferation of smart devices that hook up with the web , SDN offers clear advantages over traditional networking. Operators can create separate zones for devices that need different levels of security, or immediately quarantine compromised devices in order that they can’t infect the remainder of the network.
The key difference between SDN and traditional networking is infrastructure: SDN is software-based, while traditional networking is hardware-based. Because the control plane is software-based, SDN is way more flexible than traditional networking. It allows administrators to regulate the network, change configuration settings, provision resources, and increase network capacity — all from a centralized interface , without the necessity for more hardware.
There also are security differences between SDN and traditional networking. Thanks to greater visibility and therefore the ability to define secure pathways, SDN offers better security in some ways . However, because software-defined networks use a centralized controller, securing the controller is crucial to maintaining a secure network.

What’s a traditional network?

Traditional networking is rooted in fixed-function network devices, like a switch or router. These devices each have certain functions that operate well together and support the network. If the network’s functions are implemented as hardware constructs, then its speed is typically bolstered.
Flexibility is a recurring hurdle for traditional networks. Few APIs are exposed for provisioning and most switching hardware and software is proprietary. Traditional networks often work well with proprietary provisioning software, but this software cannot be quickly modified as required .
Traditional networking consists of the following traits:
The functions of traditional networking are primarily implemented from dedicated devices using one or more switches, as well as routers and application delivery controllers.
The functionality of traditional networking is essentially implemented in dedicated hardware, like application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC). One of the negative aspects of this traditional hardware-centric networking is its limitations.

What are the differences between SDN and traditional networking?

The most notable difference between SDN and traditional networking is that SDN is software-based while traditional networking is usually hardware-based. Because it’s software-based, SDN is more flexible, allowing users greater control and ease for managing resources virtually throughout the control plane.

Inversely, traditional networks use switches, routers and other physical infrastructure to create connections and run the network.

SDN controllers feature a northbound interface that communicates with APIs. Because of this communication, application developers can directly program the network, as opposed to using the protocols required by traditional networking.

SDN lets users use software to provision new devices instead of using physical infrastructure, so IT administrators can direct network paths and proactively arrange network services. Unlike traditional switches, SDN also has the ability to better communicate with devices using the network.

Virtualization epitomizes the primary difference between SDN and traditional networking. When SDN virtualizes your entire network, it generates an abstract copy of your physical network, and lets you provision resources from a centralized location.

Opposingly, with a traditional network the physical location of the control plane hinders an IT administrator’s ability to control the traffic flow.

With SDN, the control plane becomes software-based, allowing it to be accessed through a connected device. This access lets IT administrators manage traffic flow with greater detail from a centralized user interface (UI). This centralized location grants users greater control over how their networks work and how their networks are configured. The ability to quickly process different network configurations from a centralized UI is especially beneficial for network segmentation.

SDN became a popular alternative to traditional networking because it lets IT administrators provision resources and bandwidths as needed without requiring an investment of additional physical infrastructure. Traditional networking requires new hardware to increase its network capacity. The paradigm for SDN versus traditional networking could be distilled to the generalization: one requires more equipment for expansion and the other requires only keystrokes.

What are the primary advantages of SDN?

SDN has the advantage of generating a framework that bolsters data-intensive applications, such as big data and virtualization. Big data and virtual machines are somewhat intertwined. Ingram Micro argues that “Virtualization adoption is being driven by big data and SDN provides the means to manage virtual machines and big data network traffic.”

In addition to centralizing and simplifying the control of enterprise network management, SDN offers the following succinct advantages:

• Traffic programmability
• Greater agility
• Capacity to generate policy-driven network supervision
• Ability to implement network automation

Here are several of the primary advantages that SDN offers:

1. Centralized network provisioning. SDN helps centralize enterprise management and provisioning by offering a unified perspective on the whole network. SDN can also speed up service delivery and boost agility in provisioning virtual and physical network devices in a central location.
2. Holistic enterprise management. Networks must meet the rising demand for processing requests. SDN helps your IT department adjust your network configuration with no impact on your network. Also, unlike Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), SND bolsters the management of physical and virtual switches and network devices that are from a central controller.
3. More granular security. Virtual machines pose a challenge for firewalls and content filtering, a challenge that’s further compounded by personal devices. By establishing a central control point for regulating security and policy information for your enterprise, the SDN controller quickly becomes a boon for your IT department.
4. Lower operating costs. Several benefits to SDN, such as having an efficient administration, server utilization improvements, and improved virtualization control, can dually help cut operating costs. Because many regular network administration issues can be automated and centralized, SDN can also help reduce operating costs and grow administrative savings.
5. Hardware savings and reduced capital expenditures. SDN adoption helps revive older network devices and simplifies the process of optimizing commoditized hardware. By following the instructions from the SDN controller, older hardware can be repurposed while less costly hardware can be deployed to optimal effect. This process allows new devices to become veritable “white box” switches that have intelligence focused at the SDN controller.
6. Cloud abstraction. Using SDN to abstract cloud resources helps simplify the process of unifying cloud resources. SDN controllers can manage all the networking components that comprise the massive data center platforms.
7. Consistent and timely content delivery. One big benefit of SDN is the ability to manipulate data traffic. It’s easier to have quality of service for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and multimedia transmissions if you can direct and automate data traffic. SDN also helps with steaming higher-quality videos since SDN bolsters network responsiveness and, therefore, creates an improved user experience (UX).