Out with the Old, In with the New
Software-Defined Networking is claimed to be a new and disruptive networking paradigm. And, it's all about access to the traditional and proprietary software (firmware) within the network switch or router. Cisco has its IOS, Juniper has JunOS and Brocade has its IronWare OS, providing so-called "intelligence" to the hardware, i.e. they all implement algorithms and routing protocols to define the paths for data packets through the network.
Definition: Software-Defined Networking
However, the Open Networking Foundation (ONF), the organisation behind the new OpenFlow protocol, defines Software-Defined Networking as an emerging network architecture based on 3 key features:
- Separation of the control plane from the data plane
- A centralized controller and view of the network
- Programmability of the network by external applications
Source: Open Networking Summit 2012
Effectively, this makes the control plane remotely accessible and modifiable, via third-party software clients, using open protocols such as OpenFlow. This allows for optimization of switching/routing policies; and, external access to the switches or routers. So, SDN abstracts the network much like an OS abstracts applications from hardware.
Benefits and Applications for Software-Defined Networking
And, overall, this means that network operators, data centre providers and enterprises could have more control over their infrastructures, with the potential to customise and optimise their networks, reducing overall capital and operational costs. Sounds great!
Key uses of SDN are emerging in the network operator space, specifically in Access Services where an SDN design can steer traffic based on subscribers/applications using global overlays. Traditionally, network operators would have to statically map their networks for this traffic, requiring complex planning and a slow rollout process; and, all built around anticipated peak usage in specific locations.
Another key benefit envisioned for SDN usage relates to the massive growth of devices linked to the Internet, i.e. via the Internet of Things (IoT) or Machine to Machine (M2M) networking. In this scenario there will be an explosion in the number of end-points accessing the Internet, including "things" such as home-appliances, cars, doors, lights, personal health monitors, etc.
The Other Side of the Coin
But, is it all too good to be true? Will network architects want to risk going down the SDN route for their mission-critical services? How long will it take for the products to mature to allow worry-free adoption? Is it another hyped technology that the start-ups can ride on until Cisco buys them up? The next 18-24 months will show us more...
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