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Unit 5- Software Defined Network

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36 views6 pages

Unit 5- Software Defined Network

Uploaded by

kmahalakshmi1345
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Software Defined Network

Whenever it comes to networks, new trends keep on adding up and thus it


becomes essential to know about the dissimilarities that SDN Networks and
Traditional Networks possess. Given the ever-increasing need for the
expansion, fault tolerance, and resource optimization of the networks that
connect today’s business environments, organizations, and IT practitioners
are generally in a dilemma over the type of network architectures to adopt.
This article will try to solve this confusion by explaining and comparing the
major differences between SDN and Traditional Networks to decide which
one suits you.

What is a Software Defined Network (SDN)?

SDN stands for Software Defined Network which is a networking architecture


approach. It enables the control and management of the network using
software applications. Through Software Defined Network (SDN) networking
behavior of the entire network and its devices are programmed in a centrally
controlled manner through software applications using open APIs. Software
Defined Network improves performance through network virtualization. In
SDN software controlled applications or APIs work as the basis of complete
network management that may be directing traffic on the network or
communicating with underlying hardware infrastructure. So in simple, we can
say SDN can create a virtual network or it can control a traditional network
with the help of software.

Components of SDN
SDN is comprised of three key components: the data plane, the control
plane, and the application layer. The data plane is responsible for forwarding
network traffic, while the control plane manages network infrastructure and
makes decisions about how network traffic should be handled. The
application layer consists of software applications that run on top of the SDN
infrastructure.

Benefits of SDN
SDN offers several key benefits over traditional networking approaches. For
example, SDN allows for more efficient network management, as network
administrators can automate many tasks that would otherwise be done
manually. SDN also allows for more flexible and customizable network
configurations, as network infrastructure can be reconfigured on the fly.
Applications of SDN
SDN has a wide range of applications, from data center networking to wide
area networks (WANs) and even the Internet of Things (IoT). SDN is
particularly useful in situations where network infrastructure needs to be
highly flexible and scalable.

Advantages of SDN
 Centralized Control: It eases the management of the network for it
presents a single interface for the management of the network.
 Scalability: It is flexible for operation in network with many users as well
as in a network where users are limited and keep on changing the
location of their seats.
 Automation: Automates many networks management decisions via
programmable network requirements which decrease the amount of times
that a human has to step in and make a decision.
 Cost-Efficiency: Increases access and decreases circumstance when
specialized hardware and software are required in other kinds of
architectures.

Disadvantages of SDN
 Security Risks: Centralized control is particularly disadvantageous as it
becomes a weak link if protection and security is not well implemented.
 Complexity: It comes with the need to have prior knowledge on network
programming and may at times be a bit complex for the users.
 Initial Costs: While overall costs are lower the initial costs as well as the
conversion costs might be high.

The below figure illustrates architecture Software Defined Network :


SDN Network Architecture

What is Traditional Network?

Traditional network refers to the old conventional way of networking which


uses fixed and dedicated hardware devices such as routers and switches to
control network traffic. Inability to scale and network security and
Performance are the major concern now a days in the current growing
business situation so that SDN is taking control to traditional network.
Traditional network is static and based on hardware network appliances.
Traditional network architecture was used by many companies till recent
years but now a days due to its drawbacks Software Defined Network has
been developed and in coming years it will be used more.

Components of Traditional Network

 Network devices: Traditional networks use physical network devices,


such as routers, switches, and firewalls, to manage and direct network
traffic.
 Cabling: Traditional networks use physical cabling to connect network
devices to each other.
 Protocols: Traditional networks rely on standard networking protocols,
such as TCP/IP and Ethernet, for communication between network
devices.

Advantages of Traditional Network

 Well-established: Traditional networks are well-established and widely


used in various organizations.
 Predictable performance: Traditional networks offer predictable
performance as network devices are configured based on specific
requirements
 Familiarity: Traditional networks are familiar to network administrators
and require minimal training.

Disadvantages of Traditional Network
 Limited scalability: Traditional networks have limited scalability due to
the dependence on physical hardware devices.
 Limited automation: Traditional networks have limited automation
capabilities and require significant manual intervention.
 Rigid architecture: Traditional networks have a rigid, hierarchical
architecture that is difficult to modify or adapt to changing business
needs.

The below figure illustrates the architecture of Traditional Network

Traditional Network Architecture

Here are some similarities between Software Defined Network (SDN) and
Traditional Network

 Both SDN and traditional networks aim to provide network connectivity


between devices.
 Both types of networks use standard networking protocols, such
as TCP/IP and Ethernet, for communication between network devices.
 Both SDN and traditional networks have security concerns, such as
unauthorized access, data breaches, and network attacks.
 Both types of networks can provide quality of service (QoS) features to
ensure that critical applications receive the required bandwidth and
priority.
Difference Between SDN and Traditional Network

SDN TRADITIONAL NETWORK

Software Defined Network is virtual Traditional network is the old


networking approach. conventional networking approach.

Software Defined Network is Traditional Network is distributed


centralized control. control.

This network is programmable. This network is non programmable.

Software Defined Network is open


Traditional network is closed interface.
interface.

In Software Defined Network data In traditional network data plane and


plane and control plane are control plane are mounted on same
decoupled by software. plane.

It supports automatic configuration so It supports static/manual configuration


it takes less time. so it takes more time.

It can prioritize and block specific It leads all packets in the same way no
network packets. prioritization support.

It is difficult to program again and to


It is easy to program as per need.
replace existing program as per use.

Cost of Software Defined Network is Cost of Traditional Network is high.


SDN TRADITIONAL NETWORK

low.

Structural complexity is low in Structural complexity is high in


Software Defined Network. Traditional Network.

Extensibility is high in Software Extensibility is low in Traditional


Defined Network. Network.

In SDN it is easy to troubleshooting In Traditional network it is difficult to


and reporting as it is centralized troubleshoot and report as it is
controlled. distributed controlled.

Its maintenance cost is lower than Traditional network maintenance cost is


traditional network. higher than SDN.

Conclusion
The main differences between SDN and traditional networks are their
architecture, control plane, configuration and management, programmability,
scalability, security, and cost. While traditional networks are still widely used,
SDN networks are becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility,
automation, and cost-effectiveness.

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