Software defined networking (SDN) is an emerging technology that is robust, manageable, affordable, and adaptable. The unique characteristics of SDN make it an ideal choice for today’s applications with higher bandwidth and dynamic nature. IT decision-makers are exploring opportunities to shift from traditional networking infrastructure to SDN infrastructure to enhance security and streamline the communication between the applications on the network.
According to a report by Extrapolate, the global software defined networking market size is projected to grow to $32.7 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 19.4% between 2022 and 2028.
This blog explores the definition of software defined networking, how it works, why it is crucial, and how it is different than traditional networking.
What is Software Defined Networking (SDN)?
Software defined networking (SDN) is a networking strategy that leverages application programming interfaces (APIs) or software-driven controllers to interact with direct traffic on a network and integrated hardware infrastructure. The SDN model is different compared to legacy networks that leverage dedicated hardware such as routers and switches to manage network traffic. SDN can assist IT teams in developing and controlling a virtual network or controlling a legacy hardware network with software.
Network virtualization enables enterprises to segregate various virtual networks within one physical network. It is also capable of connecting different physical networks to build one single virtual network. SDN opens up new ways to control the route of data packets via a centralized server.
Why Software Defined Networking is Crucial?
SDN network is a leap forward to legacy networking. Following are the reasons why enterprises should embrace software defined networking in their tech stack:
1. Better Control, Speed, and Flexibility
Rather than programming various vendor-specific hardware devices manually, developers can manage the traffic flow through a network seamlessly by developing an open standard software-based controller. Network administrators have the freedom to select the networking devices. They can select a single protocol to interact with multiple hardware equipment through a centralized SDN controller.
2. Tailor-made Network Infrastructure
Administrators can embrace software defined networks to set up network services and designate virtual resources to modify the network infrastructure in real-time through one centralized location. It allows administrators to improve the data flow inside the network and focus on applications that need more availability.
3. Enhanced Security
SDN offers more visibility into the complete network infrastructure, providing a comprehensive view of all the security threats. There has been a significant increase in the adoption of smart devices that are connected to the internet, software defined networking has numerous benefits compared to the legacy networking infrastructure.
Networking teams can develop segregated zones for devices that need different security levels. Additionally, they can isolate the compromised devices in real time so that they cannot infect the other devices on the network. Hence, SDN security is more robust compared to the other network security postures. However, as SDN relies on a centralized controller, protecting the controller itself is essential to ensure a secure network.
Difference Between Traditional Network Infrastructure and Software Defined Network
The following are the key differences between traditional networking and SDN:
| Traditional Network Infrastructure | Software Defined Network
|
| Hardware Based | Software Based |
| Distributed Control | Centralized Control |
| Manual Configuration | Automated Configuration |
| Static and Rigid | Dynamic and Adaptable |
| Limited Automation | High Automation |
| Vendor Dependency | Vendor Neutrality |
How Does Software Defined Network Work?
In order to understand how the SDN model works, it is crucial to define the network operating system and the components that build a network ecosystem. Software defined network infrastructure is developed on three layers that interact with each other leveraging northbound APIs (interfaces that allow lower-level components to interact with higher-level components) and southbound APIs that facilitate interaction in the opposite direction. Following are the three layers of software defined networking
1. Application Layer
The layer that encompasses all the network applications and programs is referred to as the application layer. This layer interacts with the control layers using the northbound interface. It passes information to the control layer regarding the application resource needs. Legacy network infrastructures might utilize a dedicated appliance like a firewall or load balancer. SDN will utilize the application layer to control and handle the data plane.
2. Control Layer
This layer acts as the brain or network operating system that controls the traffic or data movement on the network. The control layer is crucial for allocating resources throughout the network. The control layer is the central layer that allows interaction between the application layer and the infrastructure layer.
3. Infrastructure Layer
The infrastructure layer includes physical switches and routers that transport data packets and manage network traffic inside the network.
Other than these layers, software defined networking infrastructure will have components integrated into the network that might not be placed in the same physical area. Following are the components that are additional to the above-mentioned three layers:
- Applications
Applications are responsible for transmitting information about the network or requests for particular resource availability or allocation.
- SDN controllers
SDN controllers are tasked with managing interactions with the apps to understand the destination of data packets. The controllers serve as load balancers inside the software defined networking.
- Networking devices
SDN controls give instructions to devices used for networking about the packet’s route.
Software Defined Networking in a Nutshell
Selecting SDN over legacy networks delivers various benefits. It offers centralized control, allowing network administrators to have more effective network management and automation. This approach helps significantly reduce human error and operational costs. Software defined networking offers enhanced security features, better visibility, and control over the network. The innumerable benefits offered by SDN make it a robust, scalable, and adaptable solution for modern network demands.