Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Definition (2024)

Provision, manage, and program networks more rapidly

Adopt an SDN solution that provides automation and programmability across your entire network. See how SDN is the foundation for automating the complete network lifecycle with intent-based networking.

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What is software-defined networking (SDN)?

SDN is an architecture designed to make a network more flexible and easier to manage. SDN centralizes management by abstracting the control plane from the data forwarding function in the discrete networking devices.

SDN elements

An SDN architecture delivers a centralized, programmable network and consists of the following:

  • A controller, the core element of an SDN architecture, that enables centralized management and control, automation, and policy enforcement across physical and virtual network environments
  • Southbound APIs that relay information between the controller and the individual network devices (such as switches, access points, routers, and firewalls)
  • Northbound APIs that relay information between the controller and the applications and policy engines, to which an SDN looks like a single logical network device

SDN adoption

SDN has seen wide adoption across data centers (64%), WANs (58%), and access networks (40%). For more information on SDN trends, see the 2020 Global Networking Trends report.

SDN and IBN

SDN serves as a foundational element of a comprehensiveintent-based networking(IBN) architecture. SDN has been limited to automated provisioning and configuration. IBN now adds "translation" and "assurance" so you can automate the complete network lifecycle and continuously align the network to business needs. Watch ourBeyond SDNwebinar recording to explore more ways that intent is changing how we network.

Features and benefits

Simplify operations

Build programmable networksthat auto-discover and auto-configure fabrics and switches.

Achieve faster troubleshooting

Improve the health of networks with network analytics, machine learning and predictive insights.

Improve security

Deploy consistent zero-trust accessacross your network with policy-based segmentation

Transform your infrastructure

Lay the platformto automate life-cycle management across access, WAN and cloud network domains

Find the best SDN solution for you

For data center managers

Increase business agility: Automate provisioning and operations, enhance security, and enable multicloud.

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Design, provision, and manage highly secure networks that provide access to any application.

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Reinvent IT to boost innovation and effectiveness

After the Cisco SD-Access deployment, Kolmar's campus has become an amazing IT innovation place with seamless L2 roaming, comprehensive policy, and full IP mobility. With Cisco DNA Assurance, we save time, cost, and deliver powerful insights to the field—all with a lean IT team.

-Howon Lee, IT Senior Manager, Kolmar Korea

A modern and updated user experience

Cisco ACI is very flexible and our virtual learning environment was already on the network, so we didn't have a problem with the increased load. It took us one or two days to get everyone working from home and carrying on like normal.

-Richard Lock, Principal Infrastructure Engineer, University of Derby

Remaining on the forefront of digitization

Due to the rapid digitization efforts of city departments, we are called upon to solve a diverse set of connectivity problems and are challenged to provide our services faster. With Cisco SD-Access, we can automate and apply segmentation and security policies to our network devices up to 10 times faster than before. Cisco DNA is the right platform for our city to remain on the forefront of technology for years to come.

-Frank Weiler, Head of Networking Department, City of Luxembourg

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Resources

Videos

  • Leading Digital Business Transformation: Cisco CIO (0:39)

  • Operational Efficiency through Automation (5:13)
  • How Intent is Changing How We Network (55:45)

White papers

  • 2021 Global Networking Trends Report: Business Resilience Special Edition
  • Check out past Global Networking Trends Reports
  • Networking Technology Trends

You may also like…

  • Intent-based networking
  • Cisco Catalyst 8000 Edge Platforms family
  • Cisco Catalyst 9000 wireless and switching family
  • Cisco Nexus data center switches

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Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Definition (2024)

FAQs

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Definition? ›

Software-Defined

Software-Defined
What is Software-Defined Storage (SDS)? Software-defined storage (SDS) is a system of abstracting data storage so that the provisioning and management of storage are separated from the underlying hardware. This allows separate pools of physical storage resources to be managed together as a single logical device.
https://www.vmware.com › content › software-defined-storage
Networking (SDN) is an approach to networking that uses software-based controllers or application programming interfaces (APIs) to communicate with underlying hardware infrastructure and direct traffic on a network.

Which of the following describes software defined networking SDN? ›

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is best described as an architecture that separates the network control and forwarding functions. So, the correct answer is A. In SDN, a centralized controller manages the network, providing a programmable and flexible approach to network management.

How can software defined networking or SDN help with device management problems that may occur? ›

In conclusion, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) simplifies network management by separating the software control from the hardware that moves data. This allows for easier and more flexible network management through a central controller, making networks more efficient, adaptable, and easier to control.

How does software defined networking SDN compare to software-defined visibility SDV )? ›

It is to a visibility infrastructure what Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is to a network infrastructure. SDV combines the pervasive reach of visibility with an automation framework. In an SDN infrastructure, network switches and routers form the physical network or the Layer 2-3 data plane.

What is the main objective of software defined networking SDN? ›

What is software-defined networking (SDN)? SDN is an architecture designed to make a network more flexible and easier to manage. SDN centralizes management by abstracting the control plane from the data forwarding function in the discrete networking devices.

What is the definition of SDN in networking? ›

What is Software-Defined Networking (SDN)? Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an approach to networking that uses software-based controllers or application programming interfaces (APIs) to communicate with underlying hardware infrastructure and direct traffic on a network.

Which statement describes SDN Quizlet? ›

Software-defined networking (SDN) uses a controller to manage the devices. The controller is able to inventory hardware components in the network, gather network statistics, make routing decisions based on gathered data, and facilitate communication between devices from different vendors.

What is the main function of SDN? ›

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a network architecture approach that enables the network to be intelligently and centrally controlled, or 'programmed,' using software applications. This helps operators manage the entire network consistently and holistically, regardless of the underlying network technology.

What are the two main challenges of SDN? ›

Although SDN is a favorable solution for IT and cloud providers and enterprises, SDN faces some challenges that hinders its performance and implementation. The list of SDN challenges consists of: Controller placement, Scalability, Performance, Security, Interoperability and Reliability [6].

What are the benefits of having software-defined networking (SDN)? ›

Software Defined Networking (SDNs) – Benefits, Challenges &...
  • Benefits of Software-Defined Networking. ...
  • Improved network flexibility and agility. ...
  • Enhanced network security. ...
  • Cost savings and efficiency. ...
  • Centralized network management. ...
  • Network performance and reliability concerns. ...
  • Skill gaps and training.

What are two characteristics of software-defined networking (SDN)? ›

In conclusion, the two characteristics of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) are: Provides centralized view and control of the underlying network. Decouples software from the hardware of network devices.

How does software defined networking SDN support remote access? ›

A software-defined network attempts to build a computer network by separating it into two segments. The control plane can provide performance and fault management of NetFlow, IPFIX and SNMP protocols. This plane is generally used to manage configurations of devices connected to the SDN on a remote access basis.

What are the three software defined networking SDN layers? ›

A typical representation of SDN architecture comprises three layers: the application layer, the control layer and the infrastructure layer.

Why do we need SDN network? ›

SDN centralizes management and automation capabilities, enabling organizations to streamline network operations and improve resource utilization, thereby making it an ideal solution for network modernization. SDN also provides enhanced visibility and flexibility through the decoupling of software from hardware.

What are the impacts of SDN? ›

SDN separates the control plane from the actual devices, creating a logically centralized control plane. This decoupling allows network administrators to manage and configure the network from a single, unified interface, simplifying network management and enabling dynamic provisioning of network resources.

How does SDN provide network security? ›

Granular Security: A primary advantage of SDN networking is greater visibility throughout the network. In traditional networking, any security that impacts traffic is overarching. With SDN, it's granular. This means that engineers can selectively block malicious traffic throughout your network on a granular basis.

What does using SDN in your network mean quizlet? ›

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a new approach to designing, building, and managing networks that separates the network's control (brains) and forwarding (muscle) planes to better optimize each.

Which of the following best describes the physical SDN layer? ›

Final answer: The Physical SDN layer, also known as the Infrastructure layer, contains physical networking components and implements plans given by the Controller layer, rather than receiving requests from the Application layer or refreshing old hardware.

What is software defined networking SDN in edge computing? ›

The SDN components are also employed to provide virtualization functions and management functions in this architecture. An emerging important application of SDN and MEC is the next generation tactical networks, which require high speed data transmission to support necessary services.

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