UNIT 4

Software defined networking(SDN):

● Software defined networking(SDN) is the networking architecture that separates the

control plan from the data plan and centralizes race the network controller.

● Conventional network architecture build with specialized hardware (switches, router etc).
Network device in conventional architectures are getting exceedingly Complex with the
increasing number of distributed product has been implemented and the use of
proprietary hardware and interfaces.

● Control plan is the part of the network that carries the signal and routing message traffic
while the data plan is a part of network that carries the payload data traffic.

The limitations of the conventional network architecture as follows:

● Complex network devices: Interoperability is limited due to the lack of standard and
open interfaces. Network devices use proprietary hardware and software and have slow
product lifecycle limiting innovations . The convention networks were well suited for
static traffic pattern and had a large number of product was decided for specific
applications .which are applied in cloud computing environment traffic patterns are more
 dynamic. Due to complexity of conventional network devices making changes in the
networks to meet the dynamic traffic pattern has become increasingly difficult.

● Management overhead: conventional networks involve significant manager overhead.

Network managers find it increasingly difficult to manage multiple network devices and
interfaces from multiple vendors. Up gradation of network configuration changes in
multiple devices.

● Limited scalability: The Virtualization technologies used in cloud computing

environment has increased the number of its host repairing network access Iot
applications hosted in the cloud are distributed across multiple virtual machines that
require exchange of traffic. Components of IoT applications run distributed algorithms
on a large number of virtual machine that require huge amounts of data exchange
between virtual machines. Such computing environment require highly scalable and easy
to manage network architectures with minimal manual configuration which is becoming
raising a difficult with a conventional networks.
key Elements of SDN:

● Centralized network controller: with Decoupled control and the data plan and centralized
network controller, the network administrator can rapidly configure the network. SDN
applications can be deployed Programmable open API. This speed have innovation as the
network status no longer need to wait for other device vendors to embed features in their
proprietary hardware.

● Programmable open APIs: SDN architecture propose Programmable open API for
interface between the SDN application and control layers with these open API is various
network services can be implemented such as routing quality of services access.

● Standard communication interface(Open Flow): SDN architecture uses a standard

communication interface between the control and infrastructure layers. openflow, which
is Defined by the open networking Foundation is the broadly accepted SDN protocol for
the southbound interface. Open flow,the forwarding plan of the network devices can be
directly accessed and manipulated. Open floor uses the concept of close try different
network traffic based on three different rules. Floor can be programmed statically and
dynamically by the SDN controll software. Components of and openflow switch
comprising one or more tables and their group table which perform packet lookup and
forwarding, and open flow channels to an external Controller System openflow protocol
is implemented at both sides of the interface between the controller and the network
devices.

Advantages and benefits of Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) brings several advantages and benefits to network

infrastructure. Here are some key advantages of SDN:
 1. Centralized Network Control: SDN allows for centralized control and management
of the network through a software-based controller. This centralized control simplifies
network management tasks, improves visibility and monitoring capabilities, and enables more
efficient configuration and policy enforcement. Network administrators can define and
implement network-wide policies from a single point of control.

2. Programmability and Flexibility: SDN provides a programmable network

infrastructure, allowing network administrators and operators to define and modify network
behavior using software applications. This programmability enables rapid deployment of new
services, applications, and network functionalities without requiring changes to the
underlying hardware. It facilitates agility and adaptability in network operations.

3. Network Automation: SDN automates many network management tasks, reducing

manual configuration efforts and minimizing human errors. With programmable interfaces
and APIs, SDN enables automated provisioning, dynamic network configuration, and policy
enforcement. It simplifies network operations, enhances scalability, and reduces operational
costs.

4. Improved Network Scalability: SDN architecture separates the control plane from
the data plane, allowing for more scalable network deployments. By centralizing the control
logic in a software-based controller, the scalability of the network is decoupled from the
limitations of individual network devices. This enables easier scaling of network resources
and supports the dynamic growth of network traffic and services.

5. Enhanced Network Visibility and Analytics: SDN provides enhanced visibility and
monitoring capabilities through centralized control and programmability. Network
administrators can gain real-time insights into network traffic, performance metrics, and
security events. This visibility enables proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and
optimization of the network. SDN also facilitates the collection and analysis of network data
for advanced analytics, enabling intelligent decision-making and network optimization.

6. Efficient Resource Utilization: SDN enables dynamic resource allocation and

optimization based on network demands. Network resources can be allocated and adjusted in
real-time based on application requirements, traffic patterns, and Quality of Service (QoS)
needs. This efficient resource utilization reduces network congestion, optimizes bandwidth
usage, and improves overall network performance.

7. Enhanced Security: SDN offers improved security capabilities through centralized

control and policy enforcement. Network administrators can define and implement security
policies consistently across the network, providing granular control over traffic flow and
access control. SDN's programmability enables the integration of security applications and
services into the network architecture, facilitating advanced threat detection, mitigation, and
response.

8. Vendor-Neutral and Open Standards: SDN promotes vendor neutrality and

interoperability by separating the control logic from the underlying hardware. It allows
organizations to choose networking hardware from different vendors and integrate them into
a unified SDN infrastructure. Open standards and APIs enable multi-vendor compatibility,
fostering innovation and preventing vendor lock-in.

Difference between SDN and NFV for IoT:

Scope SDN is primarily focused on the NFV is focused on the virtualization and
control and management of network management of network functions.
traffic flows.

Functionality SDN separates the control plane NFV virtualizes network functions such as
(which determines how traffic is routing, switching, firewalling, and load
routed) from the data plane (which balancing, allowing these functions to be
handles the actual transmission of deployed and managed as software-based
data), allowing for more flexible and virtual network functions (VNFs).
programmable network management.

Deployment SDN typically requires specialized NFV can be deployed on standard x86
network hardware, such as switches servers, storage, and switches.
and routers, that support OpenFlow or
other SDN protocols.

Management SDN typically relies on centralized NFV also requires management and
and controllers that manage and orchestration, but this is typically focused
Orchestration orchestrate network traffic flows. on the deployment and management of
VNFs.

Standards SDN is primarily defined by the Open NFV is defined by the European
Networking Foundation (ONF) and Telecommunications Standards Institute
the OpenFlow protocol. (ETSI) and its NFV Industry Specification
Group (ISG).

Network SDN is typically used to create a NFV, on the other hand, is focused on
Architecture centralized, software-defined network virtualizing network functions to create a
architecture that is more more flexible and scalable network
programmable and easier to manage. architecture.

Network SDN abstracts the network NFV abstracts network functions from the
Abstraction infrastructure from the control plane, underlying hardware, allowing them to be
allowing network administrators to deployed and managed independently of
define network policies and
 configurations that are separate from the physical infrastructure.
the underlying hardware.

Service SDN can be used to enable new NFV can also enable new service delivery
Delivery service delivery models, such as models by allowing network functions to
network slicing, that allow network be deployed and scaled up or down based
resources to be allocated dynamically on demand.
based on the needs of specific
applications or services.

Vendor SDN has a larger and more mature NFV is still a relatively new technology,
Ecosystem vendor ecosystem than NFV, with a and the vendor ecosystem is still evolving.
wide range of products and solutions
available from established networking
vendors as well as startups.

Control Plane (CP) and Data Plane (DP) in SDN:

In Software-Defined Networking (SDN), the Control Plane (CP) and Data Plane (DP) are two
fundamental components that work together to enable network management, control, and
forwarding. They serve distinct purposes in the SDN architecture.

1. Control Plane (CP):

The Control Plane is responsible for network management, control, and decision-making in
an SDN environment. It comprises software-based controllers that centralize the network
control logic and intelligence.

The main functions of the Control Plane include:

a. Network Management: The Control Plane handles network-wide configuration,

monitoring, and management tasks. It maintains a global view of the network and manages
network policies, service provisioning, and resource allocation.

b. Routing and Path Computation: The Control Plane determines the best paths for
data traffic and computes the routing decisions based on network policies and algorithms. It
establishes and maintains the forwarding paths within the network.

c. Policy Enforcement: The Control Plane enforces network policies, security

measures, and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements across the network. It ensures that
traffic flows adhere to defined policies and that the network operates according to the desired
specifications.
 d. Network Control and Orchestration: The Control Plane orchestrates the behavior of
network devices and manages their configuration and operation. It communicates with the
Data Plane elements to program forwarding rules and implement changes in the network.

2. Data Plane (DP):

The Data Plane, also known as the Forwarding Plane or Data Forwarding Plane, handles the
actual forwarding and processing of data packets in an SDN environment. It consists of
network devices such as switches and routers that perform packet forwarding based on
instructions received from the Control Plane.

The main functions of the Data Plane include:

a. Packet Forwarding: The Data Plane forwards incoming data packets according to
the forwarding rules defined by the Control Plane. It examines packet headers, makes
forwarding decisions, and routes packets to their intended destinations.

b. Packet Processing: The Data Plane performs packet processing tasks, such as
packet classification, filtering, and modification, based on predefined rules or policies. It may
also handle actions like encapsulation, fragmentation, and error detection.

c. Traffic Monitoring: The Data Plane can collect traffic statistics and monitor
network performance at the packet level. This information may be sent back to the Control
Plane for network analytics, troubleshooting, and decision-making purposes.

d. Packet Inspections: The Data Plane may conduct deep packet inspections to
analyze packet contents for security, QoS, or application-specific purposes. It can apply
specific actions or policies based on the content or characteristics of the packets.

The separation of the Control Plane and Data Plane in SDN architecture allows for
centralized control and programmability of the network while keeping the actual packet
forwarding distributed across network devices. This separation enables flexibility, scalability,
and agility in network management, as well as the ability to introduce new services and
functionalities more easily.
SDN for IOT

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) can play a significant role in supporting the Internet of
Things (IoT) by addressing the unique networking challenges presented by IoT deployments.
Here's an explanation of SDN for IoT:

1. Simplified Network Management: IoT deployments often involve a large number

of interconnected devices with diverse communication requirements. SDN provides a
centralized management framework, enabling administrators to easily configure, monitor, and
control the IoT network from a single point. It simplifies the complex task of managing a
diverse and dynamic IoT ecosystem.

2. Dynamic Resource Allocation: IoT devices have varying bandwidth, latency, and
quality of service (QoS) requirements. SDN allows for dynamic allocation and optimization
of network resources based on the specific needs of IoT applications and devices. This
flexibility ensures efficient resource utilization and supports the diverse traffic patterns of IoT
deployments.

3. Scalability and Flexibility: SDN provides scalability for IoT networks, allowing
them to accommodate a growing number of devices and changing network demands. SDN's
decoupling of the control plane and data plane facilitates the scaling of network resources
without requiring significant changes to the underlying hardware. This scalability ensures that
IoT networks can expand to handle increasing device connectivity and traffic.

4. Traffic Segmentation and Isolation: IoT deployments often require the segregation
of different types of traffic, such as critical sensor data, control messages, and multimedia
content. SDN enables network administrators to define and enforce policies for traffic
segmentation and isolation, ensuring that data flows are appropriately separated and isolated
within the network. This enhances security, reliability, and performance in IoT environments.

5. Security and Access Control: IoT networks face unique security challenges due to
the large number of connected devices and potential vulnerabilities. SDN allows for
centralized security management, enabling administrators to define and enforce security
policies consistently across the network. With SDN's programmability, security measures can
be dynamically adapted and scaled to address emerging threats and protect IoT devices and
data.

6. Efficient Data Processing and Analytics: SDN can facilitate the processing and
analysis of IoT data by directing it to appropriate processing resources. With programmable
network functions, SDN can optimize data routing and distribution based on specific
application requirements or analytics needs. This ensures efficient utilization of
computational resources and enables real-time insights from IoT data.

7. Integration with Cloud Services: SDN can seamlessly integrate IoT deployments
with cloud services and applications. By leveraging SDN, IoT devices can efficiently connect
to cloud resources, enabling data storage, processing, and analysis in the cloud. SDN's
centralized control allows for dynamic and flexible integration of IoT devices with cloud
platforms, facilitating scalable and cost-effective IoT deployments.