Chalk Talk: What is Software-Defined Networking (SDN)?

Summary

Rod Tompkins from Siena discusses Software Defined Networking (SDN), a technology that enhances network agility by allowing dynamic service allocation. SDN's three-layer architecture—control, infrastructure, and application—enables optimal network configuration for various services, reducing vendor lock-in. Siena's focus on multi-layer SDN, from layer 0 to 3, promises full network agility and transformation, with applications like path computation and network optimization enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Takeaways

• 🌐 **Dynamic Network Services**: SDN allows networks to be more agile and handle multiple services dynamically.
• 🔄 **Consolidation of Services**: Multiple services can be consolidated onto a single infrastructure, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
• 🛠️ **Three-Layer Architecture**: SDN consists of an infrastructure layer, a control layer, and an application layer.
• 📡 **Infrastructure Layer**: The bottom layer where network forwarding equipment resides.
• 🔄 **Control Layer**: Middle layer that configures the infrastructure layer based on service requests.
• 📱 **Application Layer**: Top layer where applications place their demands for network services.
• 🔓 **Open Interfaces**: SDN layers and APIs are designed to be open, allowing for multiple vendors and avoiding vendor lock-in.
• 💡 **Centralized Network Configuration**: The control layer centralizes network configuration and service requirements for optimal infrastructure configuration.
• 🚦 **Path Computation Engines**: Used to optimize network traffic flow, increasing network efficiency beyond traditional shortest path algorithms.
• 🔍 **Network Optimizer**: Identifies and adjusts network hotspots to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• 📈 **On-Demand Services**: SDN enables the creation of new on-demand services like cloud computing and backup services, potentially generating new revenue streams.
• 🔄 **Multi-Layer SDN**: Ciena focuses on multi-layer SDN, reconfigurable from layer 0 to layer 3, for full network agility.

Q & A

What is Software Defined Networking (SDN)?

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is a new technology designed to make networks more agile by allowing them to handle many different services dynamically and consolidating multiple services onto one common infrastructure.

How does SDN benefit service providers and carriers?

SDN allows service providers and carriers to allocate network resources on-demand, consolidating different networks into one powerful network that can adapt to various services throughout the day.

What are the three layers of the SDN architecture?

The SDN architecture is comprised of the infrastructure layer, the control layer, and the application layer.

What is the role of the infrastructure layer in SDN?

The infrastructure layer consists of network forwarding equipment that relies on the control layer for configuration and forwarding instructions.

What does the control layer do in SDN?

The control layer is responsible for configuring the infrastructure layer by receiving service requests from the application layer and mapping them onto the infrastructure layer in the most optimal manner.

What applications can be found in the application layer of SDN?

The application layer includes cloud applications, management applications, and business applications that place their demands for the network onto the control layer.

How does SDN architecture promote openness?

SDN architecture is designed to be open, allowing for multiple different vendors' equipment at the infrastructure layer, control components in the control layer, and various vendors' applications at the application layer, eliminating vendor lock-in.

What advantages does the control layer provide in terms of network configuration?

The control layer can make intelligent and informed decisions on how to configure the infrastructure layer to be optimal for the network by understanding all combinations and permutations of the network and mapping them to current and historical service requirements.

What is a path computation engine and how does it improve network efficiency?

A path computation engine is used to change the way traffic is routed in a network. Ciena has discovered algorithms that deliver better network efficiency than traditional shortest path first methods, allowing the network to be more efficient and effective at delivering services.

How does the network optimizer in SDN work?

The network optimizer examines the current performance of the network, identifies hotspots, and adjusts the costing within the path computation engine to avoid these hotspots for future services, leading to a more efficient and effective network.

What is multi-layer Software Defined Networking and how does it enhance network agility?

Multi-layer Software Defined Networking allows reconfiguration from layer 0 to layer 3, enabling on-demand services and optimization at every layer, providing full network agility.

How is Siena helping to make network transformation possible with SDN?

Siena is focused on multi-layer SDN, which allows for full network agility, and is one way Siena is helping organizations to transform their networks.