Software Defined Network (SDN)

Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

A network architecture approach that enables the network to be intelligently and centrally controlled, or programmed, using software applications.

Control plane

Decides traffic prioritization and security.

Data plane

Handles actual traffic routing and access controls.

Management plane

Monitors network traffic and status.

Northbound API

Interfaces between SDN applications and the controller.

Southbound API

Interfaces between the controller and network devices.

How does SDN simplify network management?

By centralizing policy decisions and automating the configuration of devices through APIs, which reduces the hassle of setting it up manually.

What are the main benefits of SDN for large-scale networks?

Centralized management.

Simplified configuration.

Improved scalability and flexibility.

Enhanced security through consistent policy enforcement.

What is typically found in the control plane of SDN?

SDN controller

Policy management tools

Algorithms for traffic routing and prioritization

What is typically found in the data plane of SDN?

Physical and virtual switches

Routers

Firewalls

What is typically found in the management plane of SDN?

Monitoring tools for traffic and network performance

Applications for fault detection and resolution

Configuration management systems

Which SDN plane directly processes and forwards data packets through the network?

data plane

How does the management plane support network administrators?

By providing tools to monitor and analyze network performance, detect faults, and optimize configurations.

What plane is involved in tasks like traffic prioritization, quality of service (QoS), and routing strategies?

control plane