Software defined network is the computer network platform which makes the network administrators to initializing, controlling, changing, and managing the functionality of lower level using open interfaces and abstraction. Open flow is the commonly used protocol in SDN which is used for remote communication between network packets and switches. It is the network architecture which is best suitable for the application due to its dynamic, cost-effective, adaptive, manageable, and high bandwidth nature. It works on eliminating the complexity of the distributed network by creating the layer of abstraction between data forwarding plane and network control plane by making use of physical and virtual devices. The technology of SDN works on improving the network agility and automation. The dynamic and adaptive operation modes are used by SDN for controlling the routes of data packets. The operation of decoupling is required for controlling the network and forwarding functions which helps in creating the abstraction layer between network services and applications. The abstraction is designed for the placement of control plane function on the controller of SDN. The key driving factors which are responsible for the evolution of SDN are changes required in traffic pattern, trend of BYOD, evolution of cloud services, and management of Big Data.
The traditional networking system is based on fixed function of associated network devices like routers, switches, FCoE switch, MPLS switch, FC switch, and Ethernet switch. Every network devices perform specific function for the efficient working of the network. “It helps in bringing coordination among network devices” (Nataranjan, 2016). It is faster because it is based on hardware functionality. The flexibility is the major problem of traditional network. The traditional network does not utilize much APIs between the implementation of hardware and software. Proprietary switching software are used for switching according to the user choice. The control plane of the networking devices is used to provide information to the forwarding table. The data plane of the network communicates with the forwarding plane. The forwarding plane decides the route of sending data frame and packets. The traditional network is based on two factors:
There are some limitations of the traditional network which are described below:
“The software defined network is able to add programming concept in the network. This is not possible with traditional networking” (Sakya, 2013). The control plane of SDN architecture helps in offloading the software. This makes the SDN architecture flexible. The abstraction is designed for the placement of control plane function on the controller of SDN. The SDN controller is the server side software for running the SDN network. Open flow protocol is used for managing communication between data plane of physical and virtual switches. “It provides instruction to the data plane for forwarding the data packets” (Sezer, 2014). The SDN architecture is capable of bringing flexibility in the network according to the requirement of the user. This architecture provides the centralized control on the application. It helps in bringing network automation among different network devices. The traffic reporting system is used for managing traffic by knowing location of the current device and information of the connection. The implementation of network commands on multiple devices can be done by using API. The two factors which are responsible for decoupling of network devices are:
The review of differences between SDN and traditional network can be depicted from the table below:
Particulars |
Software Defined Networking |
Traditional network |
Focus |
The focus is given on Data centre |
The focus is given on service providers |
Strategy |
Split control and data forwarding planes are used for developing strategy in SDN |
The strategy used for making traditional network effective is replacement of network devices with software |
Protocol |
Open flow is the commonly used protocol |
Not determined |
Running of application |
Application can run on switches and industry standards servers |
Application can run on industry standard server |
Benefit of the customers |
It helps in reducing the complexity and agility. It is cost-effective network platform |
It is cost-effective network platform |
Prime initiatives supporters |
It focuses on software and hardware vendors of the enterprise |
Telcom service providers |
Business initiators |
Corporate IT |
Service providers |
The equipment and resources required to implement SDN are listed below:
The following requirements should be addressed for the implementation of SDN architecture:
Requirements |
Description |
Simplicity and expressiveness |
“The surface area of the SDN architecture should be minimized by using the set of standards and architectural components” (Dabbagh, 2016). The abstraction layer is used to overcome the problem of complexity. |
Applicability |
The compatibility should be developed with network paradigm, common practices and standards. The forwarding plane is used for managing flow based packets. The abstraction and standard protocols are used for managing adoption of rapid SDN architecture. The wide area transport network is used for supporting all types of data centre network, transport services, and service chaining of intra-site. |
Internetworking |
“The compatibility should be developed between existing technologies for the deployment of SDN architecture” (Dhawan, 2014). The hybrid networking is used for creating additional standards to reduce complexity of traffic. |
Interoperability |
The standards are developed to ensure interoperability between network devices. The interoperability is promoted by SDN architecture for ensuring clarity in the standards. |
Scalability |
The scalability should be focuses on SDN controller plane, network elements, capabilities of individual functions, The scalability of the SDN controller should be improved for the effective working of the network |
Security |
“The security concerns which are associated with the SDN architecture are providing authentication to the entities such as network elements and SDN controllers” (Gupta, 2013). The configuration policies should be enforced for taking access control of network devices. The encrypted communication channels should be used for enforcing privacy. Policies should be developed from mitigating from denial of service attacks. |
The expert should possess skills for the implementation of SDN are knowledge of network domain, knowledge of industrial mathematics to understands the technical issues, formulation of mathematical model, and computer techniques used for implementing solution, the knowledge of open source software which are required for utilizing the tools and application of SDN, knowledge of handling big data, and knowledge of cyber security. The big data analytics involves data driven decision for managing data efficiently. The protection should be given to the resources for managing their privacy, availability, and integrity.
Conclusion:
From the research, it has been concluded that the SDN architecture which is best suitable for the application due to its dynamic, cost-effective, adaptive, manageable, and high bandwidth nature. The abstraction and standard protocols are used for managing adoption of rapid SDN architecture. The SDN controller is the server side software for running the SDN network. Open flow protocol is used for managing communication between data plane of physical and virtual switches. The reliable connection should be developed between network devices with the implementation of SDN architecture. The SDN architecture is capable of bringing flexibility in the network according to the requirement of the user. This architecture provides the centralized control on the application.
References:
[1]M. Dabbagh, Software defined networks security: Pros and cons, 1st ed. 2016.
[2]M. Dhawan, Detecting security attacks in software defined networking, 1st ed. 2014.
[3]L. Gupta, SDN development, adoption, and research trends, 1st ed. 2013.
[4]A. Hakiri, Software defined networking: Challenges and research opportunities for future internet, 1st ed. 2014.
[5]W. Jesus, Software defined networking: Management requirement and challenges, 1st ed. 2015.
[6]S. Miniman, Networking revolution: Software defined networking and network virtualization, 1st ed. 2013.
[7]S. Nataranjan, A survey of security in software defined networks, 1st ed. 2016.
[8]R. Sakya, Benefits of SDN: Solving network infrastructure, 1st ed. 2014.
[9]G. Sezer, SDN security: A survey, 1st ed. 2013.
[10]K. Thomson, Traditional vs Software defined networking, 1st ed. 2014.
[11]M. Xia, Framework for SDN: Scope and requirement, 1st ed. 2015.
[12]C. Yoon, Enabling security function with SDN: A feasibility study, 1st ed. 2015
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