The ICT industry is notorious for coming up with new buzzwords, some more useful than others. Currently ‘software defined’ has become a genuinely helpful alternative to simple virtualisation, emphasising the fact that when something is virtualised it is capable of being controlled entirely by software — in fact it has to be. Software defined networking (SDN) is a latecomer in the sense of following the other major ICT elements in embracing the merits of virtualisation.
Like so many other things in technology, the concept is straightforward although the detailed follow-through faces lots of obstacles such as agreement on terms and technical standards. Traditionally, networking kit worked with device firmware, often proprietary, notably in the switching and routing functions. Now we are looking at a multi-function network controller that is actually a suite of server-based software. There are many advantages to this new architecture, notably that fact that software can be updated and upgraded and gives complete flexibility for the future because it can be re-programmed.
SDN is becoming a familiar term but it is essential complement NFV is definitely not. Network Functions Virtualisation is essentially about the internal network controls and functions from an operational perspective. SDN is really at a higher level, providing a dynamic bond between the network layer and the applications it supports. The software element enables accelerated deployment of new applications and services. It can incorporate flexible policies and business rules to govern what is being delivered to the users. Agile is the description that is regularly used.
Which is why it is of interest to business and to providers of online services, from SaaS to outsourced business functions. SDN offers a new generation of networking and opens up terrific possibilities for innovation. In many respects it is like the beginning of virtualisation in servers, storage and applications. Once the functionality is decoupled from the physical equipment it becomes wholly digital, wholly flexible.
A welcome aspect of the moves towards SDN is that there is a strong trend towards Open Architecture such as OpenFlow and the use of industry standard APIs. As we have seen before in ICT, there is also something of the traditional proprietary impulse in the market, with vendors attempting to corner something exclusive, if only their interpretation of open standards in particular applications. But most of us in the industry are reasonably confident that open standards will prevail.
SDN offers a new generation of networking and opens up terrific possibilities for innovation
SDN, which is really becoming the overall term, is at an early stage of a long journey with many significant and even key elements still undefined in terms of agreed global standards. But there is a grand vision which will offer enormous potential for literally every aspect of ICT and the way we use our applications and devices.
The ultimate SDN will be centralised, completely programmable and therefore always flexible and renewable. Because it will be dynamic in operation it will need a high degree of automation, but that in turn will offer many ways in which the network can be tuned to the specific needs of the applications and services that use it. It is a new world of networking that in time may prove as much of a revolution as the first steps in virtualisation.
Michael Kinsella is business development manager with Agile Network
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