Trends
Key benefits and challenges of software-defined networking
SDN allows data to move easily between distributed locations. SDN enables fast movement of workloads across the network.management.
Headline
SDN allows data to move easily between distributed locations. SDN enables fast movement of workloads across the network.management.
Context
Reduced policy rule: With SDN , administrators can change the rules of any network switch if necessary – prioritising, de-prioritising or even blocking specific types of packets with fine-grained control and security levels. This feature is particularly useful in cloud multi-tenant architectures because it enables administrators to manage traffic loads in a flexible and efficient manner, which essentially enables administrators to use cheaper commodity switches and better control network traffic. Network management and visibility: Other benefits of SDN are network management and end-to-end visibility, with network administrators dealing with only one centralised controller to distribute policies to connected switches, as opposed to configuring multiple separate devices. This feature is also a security advantage because the controller can monitor traffic and deploy security policies, for example, it can reroute or discard packets if the controller deems traffic suspicious.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Reduce hardware footprint and operating costs: SDN also virtualises hardware and services previously performed by dedicated hardware, which minimises hardware footprint and thus reduces operational costs. Network innovation : SDN also led to the emergence of software-Defined Wide Area Network technology, which takes the virtual overlay aspect of SDN technology and abstracts an organisation’s connectivity links in its WAN, creating a virtual network that can use whatever connection the controller sees fit to send traffic. Improved security posture: SDN provides enhanced security features through centralised control, allowing for quicker detection and response to threats as well as more effective implementation of security policies across the network. Also read: 7 key benefits of Software-Defined Networking
Key Points
- SDN allows data to move easily between distributed locations, which is critical for cloud applications.
- SDN enables fast movement of workloads across the network.
- With the speed and flexibility offered by SDN, it is able to support emerging trends and technologies, such as edge computing and the Internet of Things, which require the quick and easy transfer of data between remote sites.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
