software will define everything!

Software defined networking is a approach to networking in which the control plane (the part of the network that determines how data is routed) is decoupled from the data plane (the part of the network that carries the data). This separation allows for more flexibility and easier management of the network.

In a software defined networking architecture, a central controller is responsible for managing the network. The controller receives requests from network devices and determines how to route the data based on pre-defined rules. The data is then forwarded to its destination by the data plane, which consists of physical networking equipment such as switches and routers.

Some of the benefits of software defined networking include:

Improved network agility and flexibility: With SDN, the network can be easily reconfigured to meet changing needs.

Simplified network management: Because the control plane is centralized, it is easier to manage and maintain the network.

Enhanced security: With SDN, security policies can be easily enforced and updated.

Improved scalability: SDN allows for easy expansion of the network as needed.

Some challenges of implementing software defined networking include:

Complexity: SDN architectures can be complex to set up and manage.

Interoperability: Different vendors' SDN solutions may not be fully compatible with each other.

Lack of standardization: There are currently no industry-wide standards for SDN, which can make it difficult to integrate different solutions.

Limited vendor support: Some vendors may not fully support SDN, or may only support certain parts of the architecture.

Software defined networking (SDN) is typically divided into three layers: the control plane, the data plane, and the application plane.

Control plane: The control plane is the "brain" of the SDN architecture. It is responsible for managing and controlling the network. It receives requests from network devices and determines how to route the data based on pre-defined rules.

Data plane: The data plane is responsible for forwarding data to its destination. It consists of physical networking equipment such as switches and routers.

Application plane: The application plane is responsible for running applications that use the network. These applications can be used to manage and monitor the network, or to provide additional functionality such as load balancing or traffic shaping.

In a typical SDN architecture, the control plane and the data plane are decoupled, allowing for more flexibility and easier management of the network. The application plane sits on top of the control plane and can communicate with it through a northbound interface.

There are several types of software defined networking, each with its own unique characteristics and applications:

Network Function Virtualization (NFV): NFV is a type of SDN that involves virtualizing network functions such as firewalls, load balancers, and VPNs. This allows these functions to be run on standard server hardware rather than specialized hardware, making them easier to deploy and manage.

Cloud-based SDN: Cloud-based SDN involves running the control plane of the network in the cloud, rather than on physical hardware. This allows for increased scalability and flexibility, as the network can be easily expanded or reconfigured as needed.

OpenFlow: OpenFlow is a communication protocol that is often used in SDN architectures. It allows the control plane to communicate with the data plane, enabling the network to be easily reconfigured and managed.

Centralized SDN: In centralized SDN, the control plane is fully centralized and all network devices are connected to a central controller. This allows for easy management of the network, but can also be less resilient than other architectures.

Distributed SDN: In distributed SDN, the control plane is distributed across multiple devices in the network. This can provide increased scalability and resilience, but may be more difficult to manage than a fully centralized architecture.

Software defined networking (SDN) and software defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) are both approaches to networking that use software to control and manage network traffic. However, they differ in terms of their scope and focus.

SDN is a general term that refers to the use of software to control and manage a network. It can be applied to any type of network, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud networks.

SD-WAN, on the other hand, is specifically focused on the management of wide area networks. A wide area network is a type of network that spans a large geographical area, such as a city or a country. SD-WAN technology allows organizations to use software to manage and optimize their WAN connections, improving performance and reducing costs.

One key difference between SDN and SD-WAN is that SD-WAN is typically designed to work with existing networking hardware and infrastructure, while SDN typically requires a more extensive overhaul of the existing network. Additionally, SD-WAN is typically focused on optimizing the performance of specific types of traffic, such as voice and video, while SDN is more focused on overall network management and control.

Software defined networking (SDN) is a approach to networking in which the control plane (the part of the network that determines how data is routed) is decoupled from the data plane (the part of the network that carries the data). This separation allows for more flexibility and easier management of the network.

There are several reasons why organizations might choose to implement SDN:

Improved network agility and flexibility: With SDN, the network can be easily reconfigured to meet changing needs. This is particularly useful in dynamic environments where the network requirements may change frequently.

Simplified network management: Because the control plane is centralized, it is easier to manage and maintain the network. This can reduce the complexity and cost of managing the network.

Enhanced security: With SDN, security policies can be easily enforced and updated. This can help to protect the network from cyber threats.

Improved scalability: SDN allows for easy expansion of the network as needed. This is particularly useful for organizations that are growing rapidly and need to add new devices and users to the network on a regular basis.

Reduced costs: By simplifying network management and increasing the efficiency of the network, SDN can help organizations to reduce their networking costs.

While software defined networking (SDN) offers many benefits, it also has some potential disadvantages that organizations should be aware of before implementing it:

Complexity: SDN architectures can be complex to set up and manage. This can require specialized knowledge and expertise, and may increase the initial cost of implementing the technology.

Interoperability: Different vendors' SDN solutions may not be fully compatible with each other. This can make it difficult to integrate different solutions and may require additional resources to manage.

Lack of standardization: There are currently no industry-wide standards for SDN, which can make it difficult to integrate different solutions. This can also make it harder to compare different products and vendors.

Limited vendor support: Some vendors may not fully support SDN, or may only support certain parts of the architecture. This can limit the options available to organizations and may make it more difficult to find support when needed.

Dependence on software: With SDN, the control plane of the network is dependent on software. If the software fails or becomes unavailable, the network may not function properly. This can be mitigated through the use of redundant systems and backup procedures, but it is something that organizations should be aware of.