The Benefits of Software Defined Networking
Software defined networking technology refers to a new approach to network management. It makes network configuration dynamic and programmatic, thereby improving performance and monitoring. This approach resembles cloud computing more than traditional network management. Rather than managing physical switches, routers and switches, software-defined networking makes configuration much more flexible. Here are some of the benefits of SDN technology. Let’s take a closer look. Its aims are to improve network performance, security, and monitoring.
Application layer
Software defined networking (SDN) replaces the need for complex programming of devices. Instead of relying on an application layer, a network administrator can create and modify virtual resources, prioritize network packets, and block devices based on their content. This technology is perfect for customer networks that experience rapid changes in load. For example, a social networking site could transfer 140 applications to an SDN infrastructure. This type of system would also work well in large data centers.
SDN is built on three layers. The control layer represents the centralized SDN controller software. This controller software handles network policies and traffic flows. The infrastructure layer is comprised of physical switches that forward network traffic. All three layers communicate with one another via southbound APIs and northbound APIs. In general, applications talk to the controller through the northbound API, while switches communicate with each other via southbound interfaces. This allows SDN to be cost-effective and dynamic.
Control layer
The control layer in software defined networking (SDN) performs two primary tasks: it communicates with the application layer and receives instructions from the last layer of SDN hardware. The controller receives information from the hardware and passes it on to the application layer, which creates an abstract view of the hardware. From here, the application layer can route data, configure network policies, and monitor traffic. The software that powers SDN controllers is called the SDN controller.
The Control layer of software defined networking is essential for many reasons. It ensures that applications run smoothly and respond to changes in service levels. Besides guaranteeing application traffic routing policies, it also orchestrates resource allocation and uses intelligence to determine the best path for traffic. Northbound APIs are used for this purpose and are generally RESTful. The entire process of orchestration is fully automated, making it simple for applications to access and interact with the controller.
Infrastructure layer
An SDN (software defined network) is a network architecture that uses a software controller to manage the data plane and application layer. The control layer connects the application layer and infrastructure layer, processes network requirements, and passes data to the infrastructure layer. The application layer is comprised of various applications, such as firewalls, load balancing, and authentication. Traditional networks use specialized appliances to perform these functions. In contrast, a software defined network uses a controller to manage data plane behavior. Applications, such as websites, web servers, and email, use the application layer to communicate with these devices.
SDN can be divided into two types, overlay networking and hybrid networking. The former maps a virtual layer on top of the hardware ecosystem and provides segmented bandwidth between devices. The latter combines traditional networking and SDN, assigning the best protocol to each flow of data. The utility of SDNs varies depending on the size and type of business. For SMBs, it can simplify network control and keep operational costs down.
SDN Controller
Software defined networking, or SDN, is a modern approach to network management that uses automation and orchestration to route information to and from various applications. With its open standards, SDN can work with virtually any network hardware vendor. Because it is programmable, SDN can increase IT agility by eliminating manual configuration and manual management of network devices. In addition to boosting efficiency and agility, SDN can support BYOD policies and on-demand cloud services.
Nicira’s controller provides a set of northbound programmable APIs that enable developers to create network overlays and link them to management elements. With its OVSDB programmability, it is compatible with a variety of encapsulation protocols, including VxLAN, STT, and OpenFlow. Several commercial SDN controllers are also available, which makes it easy to find and evaluate the best SDN controller for your environment.