What is software-defined networking (SDN)?

Summary

Software Defined Networking (SDN) has transformed the networking landscape since its inception five years ago. Initially designed for data center virtualization, separating the control and data planes, SDN has expanded beyond its original use case. It now encompasses applications in SD-WAN for enterprise connectivity, security through microsegmentation, and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) replacing specialized hardware with software. SDN's adaptability allows it to manage IoT traffic and create hybrid cloud networks, showcasing its potential for future networking innovations.

Takeaways

• 🌐 **SDN's Evolution**: Software Defined Networking (SDN) has evolved from a specific use case to being applied across various networking scenarios.
• 🏛️ **Inception**: The concept of SDN was created by researchers at Stanford, bringing virtualization principles to networking.
• 🔄 **Traditional vs. SDN**: Traditional networking uses integrated hardware and software, whereas SDN separates the control and data planes for more dynamic network management.
• 💡 **SDN Advantages**: Virtualizing the network allows for dynamic network creation, fine-tuning for specific applications, and enhanced security policy implementation.
• 🌉 **SDN in SD-WAN**: SDN is used in Wide Area Networks (WAN) through SD-WAN, which aggregates various network connections for robust and cost-effective solutions.
• 🛡️ **Security with Microsegmentation**: SDN enhances security by segmenting network traffic, limiting the impact of potential breaches.
• 🔄 **NFV Integration**: Network Function Virtualization (NFV) uses SDN to replace specialized hardware with software on standard servers.
• ☁️ **Hybrid Cloud Networking**: SDN connects data centers to public cloud providers, facilitating hybrid cloud networks with features like microsegmentation and dynamic scaling.
• 🌐 **IoT Traffic Management**: SDN helps manage the vast amounts of traffic from the Internet of Things (IoT) by segmenting and organizing data.
• 🔧 **Agility and Adaptability**: As networks become software-controlled through SDN, they become more agile, easier to manage, and better prepared for future use cases.

Q & A

What is Software Defined Networking (SDN)?

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is a method of virtualizing the network by separating the control plane that manages the network from the data plane where traffic flows. It allows for centralized control and management of network traffic using a smart controller running specialized software.

Who is credited with creating the concept of SDN?

Researchers at Stanford are credited with creating the idea of bringing the tenets of virtualization to networking, which led to the birth of Software Defined Networking.

How does traditional networking differ from SDN?

Traditional networking uses integrated hardware and software to direct traffic across a series of routers and switches, whereas SDN separates the control plane from the data plane, allowing for more dynamic and centralized management of network traffic.

What are the advantages of virtualizing the network?

Virtualizing the network allows for dynamic creation and adjustment of networks, fine-tuning for specific application use cases, and the ability to install security policies on each individual network.

How is SDN being used in the Wide Area Network (WAN)?

SDN is being used in the WAN through a use case called SD-WAN, which uses software to aggregate multiple types of network connections such as broadband, MPLS, or wireless to create strong and cost-effective connections for enterprises connecting to their branch offices.

What is microsegmentation and how is it applied in SDN?

Microsegmentation is the practice of segmenting network traffic for security purposes. In SDN, it is used to create ultra-secure networks for sensitive data and public-facing networks, limiting the impact of potential security breaches.

What is Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and its relation to SDN?

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is the concept of replacing specialized hardware like firewalls and load balancers with software running on standard server hardware. SDN is often used in conjunction with NFV to provide more agile and cost-effective network solutions.

How does SDN help in managing hybrid cloud networks?

SDN can be used to connect data centers to public cloud providers, creating hybrid cloud networks that include features like microsegmentation and dynamic scaling, enhancing security and flexibility.

In what ways can SDN manage the traffic from the Internet of Things (IoT)?

SDN can help manage IoT traffic by segmenting network traffic and organizing data, making it easier to handle the large volumes of data generated by IoT devices.

How has the SDN market evolved over the years?

The SDN market has evolved from a specific use case to being applied across various areas of networking, including within data centers, extending to the cloud, and in the IoT space, making networks more agile and easier to manage.

What does the future hold for SDN as it adapts to new use cases?

As software continues to control the network, SDN is expected to become even more agile, easier to manage, and ready to adapt to emerging use cases in the future, providing a flexible foundation for evolving networking needs.