Software-defined networking (SDN) has been a hot topic in the network world for the past two years. However, many are still unclear about what it is, what it can do, and its potential benefits.

The greatest benefit of SDN, which has been generating so much interest, is the potential savings on total cost of ownership. SDN capabilities will need real life use cases to prove its cost-savings capability. The tools for SDN are now emerging but applications based on SDN are still scarce in most networks today.

To explain how SDN works, we can start with a network device such as a router, switch or firewall. This device sorts and forwards data based on standard rules. This approach has served us well but today, the old rules are not meeting our new network challenges. SDN breaks this traditional model, offering a new holistic approach to network traffic rules. SDN software dynamically controls networking architecture and devices providing a capability to control or “define” network traffic flows. The programming capability is centralised/hosted on one or a few standard servers known as SDN controllers. The SDN controller is the brain of SDN networks.

The larger service providers or cloud providers are the early adopters of SDN. Large cloud networks have reached the limits of traditional networking methods.  SDN enables them to better control or shape their network traffic as bandwidth scales to extreme levels. With SDN they can combine elements of packet switching and circuit switching as needed.

SDN controller programs instruct network devices to orchestrate network traffic flows. The underlying connectivity must be available and effective for this model to function correctly. This is why a robust physical layer (cabling infrastructure) is crucial. For example, if a large volume of data is to be transferred across networks, the traditional approach requires the data to go through a series of switches and routers. Each device must process the traffic.  SDN can create a virtual shortcut bypassing these decisions and relieving the burden on the network resources which can be applied to other tasks.  No matter which path SDN identifies to route data flows, the underlying connectivity must be up and available all the time for this model to function efficiently.

It is important to know that SDN relies heavily on a high-bandwidth and high-performance physical layer (cabling) infrastructure. SDN essentially is network virtualisation. Physical network devices are shared by multiple virtual networks. For example, SDN can partition a data centre network providing “Private Virtual Networks” for multi-tenancy operations. Each tenant consumes a portion of the networking resource which appears as a complete, secured and isolated data center network. A high-bandwidth cabling infrastructure is needed to provision the necessary networking capacity shared by multi-tenants.

Cloud services require high-performance networks and cabling infrastructures  to guarantee performance meets the specified service level agreement. It is no wonder that 10, 40 or even 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) are the recommended building blocks for SND/Cloud networks.

In the latest CommScope Global Enterprise Survey, 32 percent of respondents indicated that 40GbE and 100GbE would have a significant impact on future operations. SDN offers much promise in tailoring network resources to application needs. Ultimately this should provide a better user experience at a lower operating cost. Will SDN be a part of your network strategy?

As Director – Data Centres for the CommScope Enterprise Solutions Division in Asia Pacific, James Young provides leadership to a broad based technical team providing engineering and technical support for SYSTIMAX® network infrastructure solutions in the region. The teams’ responsibilities include pre- and post-sales activities, BusinessPartner training and auditing of SYSTIMAX installations in support of the warranty program.

James has been involved in sales, marketing and operational roles for communication solutions working with Tyco Electronics/AMP, Anixter, Canadian Pacific and TTS in Canada. James has gained extensive experience in the sale of OEM products, network solutions and value-added services through direct and indirect channel sales environments. His sales experience includes electronic transmission components, telephony systems, network systems, LAN infrastructure products and fibre transmission system products.

Prior to joining CommScope in Canada, he was responsible for the promotion of network infrastructure products for Tyco Electronics in Eastern Canada. James has also garnered substantial experience in OEM and Channel marketing as well as network operations as Assistant Director of CP’s computers and communications group. James graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario and is a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD).

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