Getting Started With Software-Defined Networking: An Overview

Software-defined networking (SDN) is an architecture that makes networks agile and more flexible. Let’s see how software-defined networking works.

Software-defined networking (SDN) is the latest terminology in the IT industry, which gets popular every year. Network engineers have heard about how the whole network will be programming shortly. Besides, there will be a fear that programmers using C/C++, Java, and Python will replace their positions inside out.

Software-defined networking technology has been steadily gaining popularity. Companies are designing network infrastructure with the software-defined networking approach. So the popularity of SDN technology across various industries shows how important SDN is to global business operations. The article provides you with a brief overview of software-defined networking technologies. Read on for more information.

What is software-defined networking?

Software-defined networking (SDN) is an approach to networking in which software-based controllers communicate with hardware infrastructure on a network. This software-defined networking model differs from that of traditional networks, using hardware devices to control traffic. Besides, software-defined networking creates and controls virtual networking through software applications. Network virtualization allows firms to segment various virtual networks in a single physical network. It also connects devices on physical networks to create a virtual network. The software-defined networking technology enables a new method of controlling data packet routes via a centralized server.

Benefits of software-defined networking

Increased control at a greater speed and flexibility

With software-defined networking, developers no more manually program various vendor-specific hardware devices. Developers control traffic flow over a network by programming an open software-based controller. Moreover, networking administrators have more flexibility in selecting networking equipment since they choose a single protocol to communicate with any hardware devices via a centralized controller.

Create the customizable network infrastructure

Creating a customizable infrastructure is another benefit of software-defined networking services. Administrators configure network services and classify virtual resources. It helps change the networking infrastructure in real-time via a centralized location. The software-defined networking helps optimize data flow through the network and prioritize applications.

Enhance safety and security

Software-defined networking provides visibility into the whole system, leading to a more holistic view of any threat. With smart devices connecting to the internet, SDN features advantages over traditional networking. Operators create various zones for devices that require different security levels.

How does software-defined networking work?

There has been increasing growth in cloud applications, multimedia, mobile usage, and more. Thus, outsourcing software development services are trying to figure out how to manage the havoc and change traditional networking models. Many dedicated development teams look for a software-defined networking technology to change their network designs and operations.

Programming networks

Software-defined networking controls network behavior external to physical devices. It gives network administrators a way to customize networks for new services. Moreover, users introduce innovative and differentiated new services with hardware decoupled from software.

Intelligent and centralized control

With a centralized control network, bandwidth management, restoration, and policies have become optimized. Users get a holistic network view. A logically-centralized approach means resources reap the benefits of intelligent control and management. It results in devices operating with little awareness of the current state.

Network interaction through APIs

Using software-defined networking technologies, administrators separate services and applications from physical hardware and connections. It means your applications will connect over the network infrastructure with the use of APIs between OSS and BSS, and assurance systems.

Vendor-neutral architecture

Software-defined networking features interoperability and openness. So dedicated development teams acknowledge the features of SDN. The interoperability enhances a vendor-neutral system. The use of APIs enables cloud orchestration, SaaS, and business-critical apps. Intelligent SDN control hardware using programmatic interfaces like OpenFlow. Besides, intelligent network services and applications run in the IT software environment.

Software-defined networking services: Examples and Technological Applications

VMware NSX – One of the biggest software-defined networking examples

One of the most popular software-defined networking examples is VMware NSX. It transfers over 141 applications to software-defined networking within five months.

This software-defined networking example is virtual and security software for SDDC. It provides cloud computing on the VMware network. VMware NSX uses a network hypervisor to distribute network functions like switches, routers, and firewalls.

Different types of software-defined networking technologies

Open software-defined networking

It uses open protocols to control the virtual and physical devices which are responsible for routing data packets.

API software-defined networking

This type of software-defined networking uses programming interfaces to control data flow from each mobile device.

Overlay model software-defined networking

Overlay SDN opens a virtual network above existing hardware. It will provide tunnels to get channels to centralized data. Overlay SDN also allocates bandwidth in the channel and assigns devices to each channel.

Hybrid-model software-defined networking

The type of SDN combines software-defined networking and traditional networking. It allows the optimal protocol to be assigned for different types of traffic.

Software-defined networking vs. Traditional networks

Traditional networks

Traditional networks allow dedicated development teams to control network resources and traffic through hardware devices. Since networking administrators integrate the control and data planes in the traditional networks. If there is any change, even the smallest one, it will take weeks to complete the change as the change has to be completed step-by-step for each device.

Software-defined networking applications

The software-defined networking differs from traditional networks. It means that network administrators have to control completely by hand through the software and the controller communicates directly with software applications through open APIs. Outsourcing software development services can program the network directly. If there is any change in a network, it will easily be made in the lockstep.

Wrapping Up

Software-defined networking technologies allow organizations to manage and reconfigure network resources through automated provision and policy-based management. Network management keeps evolving. Software-defined networking applications are viable options for those that are developing to make the business more efficient and adaptable. Moreover, the software-defined networking services continue breaking away from the constraints of traditional networks. Data centers can benefit from an easy and secure programming environment so they will boost the growth of a business.