SDN is one of the latest technologies designed for Network Control. SDN can allow a Network Manager to change the way the network devices, i.e. Routers, Switches..etc , handle packets by allowing complete control of the rules set into network devices from a central console. SDN allows for the entire control of as network to allow quick response to changing network or business needs. SDN also has a lot of diagnostic capability. By the way, SDN cannot replace a network TAP for visibility!
The foundation protocol for SDN is Openflow.
SDN has a problematic future as it has issues to overcome. The first issue is the console/remote capability with today’s security issues many will not want to expose their network to a potential hacker takeover. It is an Open Source Technology!
Another issue is the current state of Network Management policies and practices with single device or single path focus. When a Network Manager looks at SDN he only sees how it can help or hurt his network but SDN is much bigger and a lot of education still remains to be done to make SDN or similar technologies palatable.
SDN is a Human Centric Technology where today’s technology is Device Centric which is and always will be a challenge to get managers to adopt especially when one person can completely change your network, storage, WAN..etc fabric.
Many talk about SDN’s ability to help with the “Cloud” but before we get SDN involved we need to get the “Cloud” under control.
There are also serious financial, training and primary deployment issues.
SDN opens lots of questions for the future of advance networking and computing technologies. We need more responsive technology but not at the cost of security and control. In the long run SDN may be deployed in provider networks but individual corporations may find it just too much to deploy. SDN is in need of a lot more development and proof of being a secure and deployable technology.
This is a guest post by Tim O'Neill, Senior Technology Consultant & Chief Editor at LoveMyTool.
If you want to learn more about the promises of SDN, NFV and the importance of maintaining 100% network visibility as you make the transition, download our free white paper, Architecting Data Centers for SDN and NFV - In 40G and 100G Environments