Top 8 Advantages of Software Defined Networking
If you are trying to learn about the real benefits of Software Defined Networking (SDN), let's start with how it simplifies control and centralized enterprise network management. The SDN is finally giving us a chance to steer clear of the traditional networking methods. Earlier, the decisions of network traffic depended on the device in place and were translated through the present routing tables. Today, the SDN fundamentals ensure we have more networking control with minimum resources. By adapting the SDN style, an enterprise can adopt a more flexible version for the networking process. With SDN, an administrator or engineer can shape the movement of the traffic and use a centralized console for control.
This flexible networking version also allows customization and tailor-made methods, further simplifying the process for the enterprises. The key is to understand and implement the process right. If you successfully do that, the process can empower businesses to establish a highly responsive network that can instantly respond to the growing and changing need of the business. In simple words, the enterprise has better control over the network. And the best part is, the advantages do not end here. In fact, there are tons more that really defines what implementing a Software Defined Networking would be like.
Top Advantages of Software Defined Networking (SDN)
Another primary advantage of the SDN process is that it establishes a framework as support to data-based applications like virtualization and big data, which are expected to boost at an impressive yearly rate of 27% according to IDC. However, that's not all. Here's the list of the top advantages that enterprises can gain with Software Defined Networking.
Network Provisioning
As mentioned earlier, the SDN framework offers centralized control and view of the overall network. This makes it easier for enterprise management with network provisioning. For instance, creating a Gordian knot of dependencies and links or connecting more VLANs as a part of physical LANs. By extracting the data planes and control, the Software Defined Networking approach improves agility and boosts service delivery, which helps improve provisioning for both physical and virtual network devices from a centralized location.
Reduced Operational Cost
Since SDN enables multi-tasking, the workload on the network operations reduces. This requires less time and equipment and reduces the need for expensive network switches. The SDN process is completely different and much more efficient as compared to the traditional style. This eventually translates into reduced operating costs. SDN also works great with virtualization, which further minimizes the requirement for acquiring more hardware.
Efficient Enterprise Management
Enterprise networks are expected to establish virtual machines and new applications on demand to fulfill the latest requests based on big data analytics. With the help of the SDN approach, IT managers can experiment with network configuration without affecting the network. Moreover, SDN also helps with management support of both virtual and physical network devices and switches from a central controller - a process not possible with SNMP. An enterprise has access to single APIs for establishing a single console for management for virtual and physical devices.
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Security Approach
When you have a single-management console for networking, it becomes easier to monitor and control your security features. You do not have to work with or rely on multiple applications across the system. You can simply work with one central point and use it to have a stronger approach to security. The same console can also be used to spread information in case there's a security-related alert. Virtualization has made it more challenging for IT managers to keep up with network management. With several virtual machines attached to the physical systems, applying filtering policies and firewalls can be difficult. With SDN, both information and security policy can be controlled and distributed consistently within the enterprise.
Reduced Capital Expenditures
As mentioned earlier, SDN brings the existing network devices to life. It utilizes and optimizes commoditized hardware, making the process even simpler. Using the existing hardware for different purposes reduces capital expenditure. SDN allows deploying the same hardware with great effect due to the intelligent SDN-centered controller.
Operational Control
This is, in fact, one of the major reasons why the whole approach exists. The point is to be able to influence the overall operations using a single console. This is done with the intention of boosting the ability to have better control over task allocation and network traffic. Also, the centralized console can be used to improve the productivity of the enterprise's network and systems.
Cloud Abstraction
Cloud computing is the elephant in the room that cannot be ignored. The technology is here to stay and is evolving at an impressive pace. It has transformed into a unified infrastructure that businesses of all sizes and industries are putting to good use. By abstracting cloud resources with the help of an SDN, the enterprise can easily unify cloud resources too. There are various networking components, which translates into a massive volume of data, can also be managed and monitored with the SDN controller.
Automation
The amount of automation you can leverage out of a Software Defined Networking process can help you in various ways. It's the best way to invest speed in the overall networking operations. Unlike before, today’s network does not have to struggle with internet connectivity. With SDN, it is also possible to alter automated responses in the cloud. The process works particularly good in environments such as enterprise-wide SD-WAN networks.
Final Word
The best way to implement SDN is to ensure you provide Software Defined Networking training to your IT employees. It's a surefire way to prepare them to adopt the change in the networking approach and enable them to make the most out of the given technology. If you want to learn more about Software Defined Networking training and the options you have, contact us now and let a professional assist you. Start your training journey today!