Software-defined networking is quickly becoming one of the hottest buzzwords in a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, technology and business. However, in order for organizations to take full advantage of what it has to offer, users must first understand what SDN means and what the process entails.
While educating potential customers is usually a top priority for service providers, this may be easier said than done as several groups recently proclaimed their confusion at the concept of software-defined networks. Even VMware executive Steve Mullaney admitted he doesn’t fully understand what SDN is.
“I’m not really sure what SDN means because it means so many things to so many people,” Mullaney told Network World. “I think of it in terms of the small ‘s,’ small ‘d,’ small ‘n’ meaning … It’s a philosophy, not a thing.”
Furthermore, network engineer Tom Hollingsworth recently told Network Computing that SDN has effectively become just a buzzword, used as an attachment to sell a host of products.
What is SDN?
To dispel the confusion, TechTarget’s definition for SDN states that the concept is a networking strategy involving decoupled hardware control and shifting management to a controller software application. In this way, a network administrator has the ability to use the central control console to shape network traffic for switches forwarding packets. Users can adjust network switch rules that govern how packets are dealt with and prioritize or block different types of traffic without having to change individual switches.
This is especially useful within a cloud computing multi-tenant arrangement as managers can flexibly and efficiently regulate traffic loads in the network, providing a cost-effective solution for increased, granular control.
Benefits of SDN
Once customers understand just what SDN is and what it entails, service providers can raise awareness of the technology’s vast benefits. This may also help to make understanding of the system clearer.
One of the main advantages of a software-defined network is the flexible management such a solution provides. Administrators can have real-time control over network traffic, which is especially beneficial in climates that require close oversight. Users can treat a variety of traffic types differently, creating an optimal online environment for productivity and efficiency.
Network Computing also noted that SDNs lend themselves to boosted security measures, as administrators have complete control over their network assets, especially in practices which have previously presented issues when it comes to data governance and protection.
“SDNs can provide the kind of fine-grained security for apps, endpoints and BYOD devices that a conventional hard-wired network can’t,” the source noted.
In addition, when SDNs are implemented within a business setting, the system can provide considerable savings in operating costs. Although it’s too early to tell the exact savings SDN can offer, a significant number of administrators who have deployed SDN technology in their organizations said they have experienced lower hardware and operating expense costs. These benefits came as direct results of boosted network management efficiency, according to an InformationWeek report.
Overall, SDNs provide increased management capabilities for administrators, which can lead to boosted business efficiency and better use of network resources.
