Software-defined networking (SDN) has emerged as a buzzword in recent years, though many outside of the IT sector seem uncertain about what the term actually means — especially in relation to cloud computing.
What Is Software-Defined Networking?
Software-defined networking was pioneered between 2008 and 2011 by work done at Stanford University and the Nicira Company (now part of VMware). The basic premise behind SDN is that by separating control of network functions from hardware devices, administrators acquire more power to route and direct traffic in response to changing requirements.
As the demand for cloud computing increases, SDN has emerged as an effective way to get the most out of the legacy hardware many data centers rely on to facilitate growth.
Software-Defined vs. Traditional Networking
The key difference between traditional and software-defined networking is how SDNs handle data packets. In a traditional network, the way a switch handles an incoming data packet is written into its firmware. Most switches — particularly those used in commercial data centers rather than enterprise environments — respond to and route all packets the same way.
SDN provides admins with granular control over the way switches handle data, giving them the ability to automatically prioritize or block certain types of packets. This, in turn, allows for greater efficiency without the need to invest in expensive, application-specific network switches.
Benefits of Software-Defined Networking
There are several benefits to the more advanced level of control afforded by implementing SND in a multi-tenant network environment:
- Automation — SND allows for automation of complex operational tasks that make networks faster, more efficient and easier to manage.
- Increased uptime — SDN has proven effective in reducing deployment and configuration errors that can lead to service disruptions.
- Less drain on resources — SDN gives administrators control over how their routers and switches operate from a single, virtual workflow. This frees up key staff to focus on more important tasks.
- Better visibility — With SDN, system administrators gain improved visibility into overall network function, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively.
- Cost savings — SND can lead to significant overall costs savings. It also reduces the amount of spending required on infrastructure by allowing data centers to get the most use of their existing devices.
The SDN Outlook
SDN is expected to grow into a $3.7 billion industry by 2016. Even though increasingly more data centers are implementing the technology, there has yet to be any comprehensive critical analysis of the security implications of moving to an SDN environment. Any organizations considering doing so should perform a comprehensive review of their security needs before making a decision.
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