ABCs of SDN -Where do we start?
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a network architecture
approach that enables the network to be intelligently and centrally
controlled, or ‘ programmed ’ , using
software applications.
What does SDN actually mean?
Traditional networks
SDN Networks
Application
layer
Business application
Configuration
Control
layer
Infrastructure
layer
Controller plane
Controller plane
Controller plane
Data plane
Data plane
Data plane
controller
Benefits of this Separation
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Response to link or node failure is faster.
Loop avoidance is simpler.
Less time consuming.
Save money.
Support automation.
Support innovation.
Agility.
What Is SD-WAN?

The software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) is a
technology for configuring and implementing an enterprise
WAN — based on software-defined networking (SDN) — to
effectively route traffic to remote locations such as branch
offices. SD-WAN technology derives significant flexibility and
agility benefits from removing the burden of traffic
management from physical devices and transferring it to
software — the essence of SDN.
A method for enabling flexibility, cost reduction, and redundancy
by virtualizing WAN connections.
SDN
SD-WAN
Mainly used in data centers
Deployed in branch offices and data
centers
Centralized orchestration and control
Centralized orchestration, control and
zero-touch provisioning
Separation of control and data
forwarding plane
Separation of control and data
forwarding plane
Technology has taken a long time to
mature
Recent technology but maturing very
rapidly
Variations of commodity and
specialized switching hardware
Off-the-shelf x86 appliances – physical,
virtual, cloud
Savings come from improved
operational efficiencies
Savings come from leveraging lower
WAN transport and infrastructure
costs and improved operational
efficiencies
SD-WAN benefits for enterprises
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Increase business productivity and user
satisfaction
Enhance business agility and responsiveness
Improve security and reduce threats
Simplify branch WAN architecture
Reduce WAN costs by up to 90 percent