SDN explained in one sentence would be “imagine a port of a switch which is no longer a port of a switch, but it can be from an interface of firewall still router or a port switch, and everything managed from a controller”.
Although a concept of technological revolution is sold, like the future of networks, the truth is that it is one more step in the development of these, contributing:
- A centralized console from where we can configure any rule without having to touch individual computers, whether they are traffic tagging in vLAN, priorities, the blocking of specific types of packets.
- A flexibility in the configuration of each port, where each interface is configured regardless of the hardware to which it belongs.
Origins of the SDN
The origin of SDN dates back to the 20th century, in the years 90, when programmable network functions were included. At the beginning of the 21st century, the data control layer was separated, and in 2007 APIs begin to be implemented (Application Program Interface) OpenFlow presenting ports as open interfaces. Finally, virtualization played its defining role in the evolution of SDN.
Currently, the standard OpenFlow is the de facto standard for an SDN and works in three stages:
- Allows the person in charge of networking manage any configuration remotely (interfaces, firewall, etc.)
- Periodically collects information on the status of all network equipment.
- Issues commands on the configuration made by the person responsible for networking. The information that OpenFlow collects is transformed from a generic code to a code that a team (Cisco, HP) is able to understand.
The future of SDN
only theoretically, the improvements brought by SDN become visible especially in large networks. Although there are already concepts from manufacturers that at the beginning of the 21st century tried to launch global network configurators on the market (HP Openview, for instance), they were conglomerates of individual network equipment configurators bundled into one tool.
Additionally, they are useful for scaling quickly., implement changes quickly, and virtualize network devices.
The six keys to incorporating SDN in your facilities
Dynamic Needs
Social situations change and therefore the technological needs of companies and institutions adapt to these changes. As technology managers we must be prepared to face these changes in the best possible way.
SDN technologies are an essential support to be able to adapt telematic networks to all the social and organizational changes that we are experiencing.
Agile Changes
The ability to act on the network must be agile enough to be able to solve the demands at the right time. All SDN technology is designed to be able to do it in an orderly and structured way, but maintaining the agility requirements that the different situations require.
Centralized Flexibility
SDN technology allows the entire network to be centralized, on a single control platform. So, the IT manager will be able to act on his entire network from this same point of control.
The needs and evolutions of the organization can be quickly implemented and controlled, with the centralized system provided by the SDN.
TeleManagement
Teleworking also exists for technology managers.
Access to the control and management system can be done through virtual access, allowing work from home or remote office.
Although we emphasize the need for good cyber protection, remote access greatly optimizes all the dedication of resources to monitoring, alert and network management.
NetworkKnowledge
No more paper lists with the IP addresses of each device.
Current technology offers all the necessary and advanced information on the state of the network, connected and disconnected devices, current or past traffic, and so on.
Having the knowledge means being able to face new challenges, new projects.