What is SDN (Software Defined Network) next generation networks part II

We have already discussed regards to one of the next generation networks: NFV technology in brief and find out its architecture and how it is important to implement in your corporate network to meet business operations. In the enterprise network domain, NFV technology is going to use widely due to its cost-effectiveness. Nowadays we can see another trend and a good recommendation for next-generation networks. As NFV, we can find there is a similar architecture building block called SDN (Software Defined Network). However, some of you still aren't aware of SDN technology. Today we will cover the basis of SDN network and technology throughout this article.

What is SDN (Software Defined Network)?

The control plane and data plane in your network divided from a single box to a couple of boxes. Then the devices like routers and switches only deal with the data plane traffic while the SDN controller controls the control plane of the entire network. In other words, SDN devices will process to control the control and management plane. Data plane will control the data traffic flows in the network by devices like routers and switches wherein the data plane. When using SDN technology, the network admin will be able to manage the network devices from the SDN controller.

Why use SDN?

As mentioned earlier, by removing the control plane and data plane in the same box and deploy in two boxes will help to reduce the CPU utilization of the network devices. SDN will also decrease the overall cost of the network. SDN facilitates a centralized location to manage and control your network and it will make ease the process of your network controllability.

When considering SDN architecture, three major layers exist as follows.

Application Layer
Control & Management Layer
Data & Infrastructure Layer

Now you may understand the fundamentals of SDN next-generation network. However, I knew that you have a lot of doubts such as how the control layer interacts with the application layer with the help of API and then how the entire network can control by SDN.

You all are welcome to comment on your questions and share your ideas. You can chat with us on Facebook. Your comments will help us to provide more information when we come up with a full explanation of the SDN network in another article.

Cheers!