SDN, OpenFlow, and NFV

Introduction to Software Defined Networking (SDN)

  • Overview of SDN and its relevance to adjacent technologies: NFV and OpenFlow.

  • Importance in enabling Open RAN technology.

Network Domains in Mobile Communications

Three Major Domains

  • Wireless Access Domain: Contains radio elements.

  • Transport Domain: Involves fiber and microwave connectivity for network element interconnectivity.

  • Core Network: Houses all services accessed via mobile networks, such as gateways and signaling nodes.

Focus of the Module

  • Emphasis on Transport and Core domains.

  • Connection of cloud computing aspects across all domains, with a focus on virtual machines and SDN elements.

Overview of Key Technologies

  • Distinction between SDN and NFV.

  • OpenFlow as a component of SDN and its role in NFV.

  • Discussion of virtualization as another related technology.

Understanding Software Defined Networking (SDN)

Components of a Typical IP Network

  • Switches: Forward packets on Layer 2.

    • Functional roles:

      • Data Plane: Forwards packets, contains decapsulated packets at Layer 2.

      • Control Plane: Responsible for device configuration and monitoring, assumes instruction role based on protocols.

The Role of the Control Plane

  • Centralizes configuration, monitoring, and fault detection for network switches.

    • Importance of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for overall switch health.

Complexity of Network Configuration

  • Manual configuration and monitoring of individual devices in traditional networking.

  • Reliance on protocols for maintaining network coherence during faults.

Transition to Software Defined Networking

Centralization of Control in SDN

  • Control functions of switches centralized in an SDN controller, moving away from individual device configuration.

  • Results in "dumb switches" that solely forward packets.

Software-Defined Aspect of SDN

  • Shift from dedicated hardware to software-based functions.

  • SDN uses centralized control via software, which can be deployed as a virtual machine.

Conclusion

  • SDN represents a paradigm shift from traditional IP networking by decoupling control from hardware, leveraging software for network management.