SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORKING

What is software-defined networking?

SDN elements

An SDN architecture delivers a centralized, programmable network and consists of the following:

• A controller, the core element of an SDN architecture, that enables centralized management and control, automation, and policy enforcement across physical and virtual network environments

• Southbound APIs that relay information between the controller and the individual network devices (such as switches, access points, routers, and firewalls)

• Northbound APIs that relay information between the controller and the applications and policy engines, to which an SDN looks like a single logical network device

SDN adoption

SDN has seen wide adoption across data centers (64%), WANs (58%), and access networks (40%). For more information on SDN trends, see the 2020 Global Networking Trends report.

SDN and IBN

SDN serves as a foundational element of a comprehensive intent-based networking (IBN) architecture. SDN has been limited to automated provisioning and configuration. IBN now adds "translation" and "assurance" so you can automate the complete network lifecycle and continuously align the network to business needs. Watch our Beyond SDN webinar recording to explore more ways intent is changing how we network.

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What is Software-Defined Access?

SD-Access gives network architects the tools to orchestrate key business functions like onboarding, secure segmentation, IoT integration, and guest access.

SD-Access automates user and device policy for any application across the wireless and wired network via a single network fabric.

And SD-Access is a transformational shift. It allows IT to set network access in minutes for any user, device, or application, without compromising on security.