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http://www.dcseurope.info/n/smrz
Software defined networking: Coming soon to a network near you
The buzz around software defined networking (SDN), an approach that abstracts control from network endpoints to a centralised process in software, is getting louder and louder. SDN is poised to improve security, network efficiency, and flexibility while reducing complexity. But, shouldn’t your organisation have an understanding of how SDN will infiltrate the network community? By Justin Hadler, Director of Engineering,
Hardware.com
Rather than a quick implementation of SDN into the industry, we will see a progressive transition as SDN infiltrates the market place. The evolution of SDN can be broken into three phases, one which is currently underway, and two that are likely to occur over the next three to five years. Since SDN is going to overhaul network management, it’s critical for organisations to clearly understand when adoption should occur and what hurdles to overcome in order to reap the benefits of SDN.
Hype or here to stay?
According to a 2013 survey of more than 200 large organisations in the U.S. and Canada by Tail-f Systems, 87 per cent of respondents consider SDN an important technology initiative, surpassing virtualisation, mobility, and even the cloud.1 These numbers suggest SDN is more than just mere hype. In fact, it’s well on its way to becoming the next generation of network management. According to market intelligence firm IDC, the SDN market is projected to grow to US$2 billion (approximately £1.3 billion) by 2016.2 Given these predictions, it’s no surprise that industry heavyweights are also recognising the potential impact of the SDN market. VMware Inc., a global leader in virtualisation, recently acquired Nicira, Inc., a pioneer in the SDN arena, for more than US$1.2 billion.3 Brocade also made a move with its 2012 purchase of Vyatta, an SDN development firm.
Phase One - Laying the foundation The first phase of the SDN revolution is currently underway and nearing completion. It involves abstracting the ‘brains’ from network entities such as switches and routers and transitioning them into
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one centralised software process. By relying on one central part of the network to make forwarding decisions, organisations increase security and reduce network complexity. A 2012 report by InformationWeek found that four per cent of 250 IT organisations surveyed have already implemented SDN.4 Another five per cent of IT organisations are currently testing it. Those willing to become early adopters of SDN have the potential to set the stage for other organisations and realise a variety of benefits, including improved network utilisation and efficiency and the automation of provisioning and management. Another 48 per cent are only somewhat familiar with the concept.
Tail-f Systems’ survey found similar results. Although 92 per cent of organisations surveyed believe their understanding of SDN is “pretty
good” or even “complete,” only about half chose a correct
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