Introduction to Software Defined Networks (SDN) ~ Logon2Tech

Software Defined Networks

SDN is nothing but a technique to configure and manage network devices such as routers, switches, and gateways in a given environment. According to webopedia, it uses an open protocol, such as OpenFlow, to apply globally aware software control at the edges of the network to access network switches and routers that typically would use closed and proprietary firmware.

Benefits

On-demand provisioning
Automated load balancing
Streamlined physical infrastructure
Scale network resources

Challenges

Smooth Transition to SDNs
Companies want a smooth transition to new SDN devices without disrupting their existing services. Though, there is no guarantee that the services running on the existing network will be working when migrated to the new SDN devices.

Adapting hardware
Since the protocol, OpenFlow, is an SDN communication protocol that permits the servers to instruct the network devices where to pass on the packets and defines forwarding control interfaces, models, actions based on network services. It is a fast emerging technology in the networking space and provides an open standards-based agile service in the highly competitive business environment in this new digital generation.

Opportunities

Enhanced networks
It is traditionally used in data centers, but can also be used in implementing the campus networks. SDNs come handy when there are tons of wireless network users and mobile terminals move around much frequently in a specific area and are similar to the movement of the virtual machines in data centers.

Increase bandwidth utilization in WANs Traditional enterprise networks operate at a 40% average utilization over the dedicated lines. According to Forbes, when Google implemented SDN technology to their internal network, their bandwidth utilization jumped to more than 90%.

If you want to share anything on the topic, please share it in the comments below.

Thanks