Software defined networks, the advantages of network management … – Fastweb.it (Blog)

By virtualizing the network infrastructure can better manage data flows and give immediate responses to stress always new and evolving

software defined networks (SDN, “networks defined by software”) is a technological paradigm rather large inside which there are different types of networking technology whose purpose is to make computer networks agile and flexible, such as virtual servers and storage infrastructure used in modern Data Center .

The purpose of a SDN is to allow engineers and network operators to respond quickly to the demands and evolving needs of companies and distributors of online services. In a software defined network Network management is dynamic and entrusted to professionals who can modellarne flows through a console of centralized control. All without having to physically act on switches and other network equipment : acting remotely, who manages the network can activate or deactivate services on demand without worrying if a router is connected to such a server, to a switch or any other device online.

The basic features of architecture SDN

In the architecture SDN network infrastructure physical is made abstract and directly programmable via a control interface software. This allows to separate the management of the network by forwarding functions ( forwarding ) and adapt the data flow to the needs of the moment. SDN network infrastructure, therefore, is:

• Direct programmable . The disjunction between network management and forwarding functions of the physical infrastructure allows technicians and operators to plan network flows directly
• versatile . Thanks to a very high level of abstraction, the group behind the network can continuously monitor data streams and respond dynamically, and in time almost instantaneous, customer needs and related services provided

• Managed centrally . The entire management of the network is made through a single console of centralized control. SDN infrastructure allows to maintain a global view of the network, thus facilitating control and administration
• Configured by software . An SDN enables administrators to configure, manage, to secure and optimize network resources with quick procedures and streamlined thanks to programs and API made specifically according to the needs and requirements of the infrastructure and the services it has appointed to provide

How is made a software defined network

A logical level, the structures that make up a network can SDN It is collected in three levels. At the base we find network infrastructure , or the physical structure, the hardware, consisting of switches, routers, servers and cables; the second level is the software SDN , which allows the dynamic management of network data streams so to adapt to the needs of the moment; Finally, the last level is occupied by the services and the business applications that act on the physical infrastructure by communicating directly with the level SDN using special APIs.

In this scheme applications and network services communicate their needs and requirements to the structure SDN in a direct and programmed, so that the control software can “translate” communications management commands to the physical infrastructure of the network . This organization allows us to act on the flow data that there is no need to manually correct and timely configuration of the network infrastructure: simply change some parameters of the control software to achieve the desired results in no time.

Why SDN

The adoption of this architecture allows network administrators to act in a much more free and easy. The separation that is created between the plane of the physical infrastructure and the management plan and control allows the network administrator react faster and more accurate reminders and requests for change. In some cases the control automation allows modulareil traffic flow data directly and dynamically to changing requirements at the moment that there is no need for any human intervention.

Benefits SDN

Such versatility ensures a long list of benefits for administrators who implement a software defined network within their Data Center .

• Better User Experience . The ability to manage the flow of data automatically and programmed allows the network administrator to dramatically improve the user experience. The adoption of SDN will make the entire network more versatile and agile, allowing you to respond quickly to customer needs and provide better service and high quality to all users
• Alignment infrastructure IT with business objectives . The versatility of the network, also allows you to quickly respond to new demands and new business objectives. In the event of changes in the race, in fact, will not have to act physically on the network infrastructure, with the time and inefficiency that these interventions often involve, but simply act on the configuration console of centralized control

• Process automation . Thanks to software defined network in addition, these processes can be programmed for time and automated. This way you can speed up all operations related to the release of new services and features, making the tasks of network management extremely simple
• Reduce infrastructure costs . All this results in a strong reduction of costs for the establishment of the infrastructure. The SDN architecture eliminates the redundant elements in a network, thus optimizing the available resources. A company with offices located in various parts of the world will not necessarily replicate the network infrastructure in its headquarters, but will make best use of the centralized infrastructure through software and applications developed ad hoc