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The major benefits of software-defined networks

10/09/2024
Stefan Ilchmann

Today, company networks have to perform better than ever before. The advantages of software-defined networking (SDN) make it possible to design networks that are more efficient and flexible. SDN is an innovative solution that not only simplifies the administration of company networks, but also increases their security and lowers operating costs. In this blog post, we show how software-defined networking helps companies to future-proof their networks.

What is software-defined networking (SDN)?

Software-defined networking is an approach to network management that separates the control plane from the data plane. This separation allows for centralised network control and provides the ability to program the network directly. Unlike traditional networks where the control and data planes are tightly integrated within individual network devices, SDN architecture enables more flexible and efficient network management.

Major benefits of Software-Defined Networks

1. Enhanced flexibility and agility

  • Rapid network configuration: SDNs allow for quick and easy changes to network topology and policies, enabling businesses to adapt to changing needs and requirements.
  • Dynamic resource allocation: SDN controllers can dynamically allocate network resources based on real-time demand, ensuring optimal utilisation and performance.

2. Improved network automation

  • Reduced manual intervention: Automation of network tasks, such as provisioning, configuration, and troubleshooting. That reduces the need for manual intervention and minimises human error.
  • Faster deployment: SDN-based networks can be deployed more quickly and efficiently, reducing time-to-market for new services and applications.

3. Enhanced network security

  • Granular policy control: SDNs enable granular control over network policies, allowing for more effective security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls.
  • Rapid response to threats: SDN controllers can quickly respond to security threats by isolating affected network segments or implementing appropriate countermeasures.

4. Increased network efficiency

  • Optimised resource utilisation: SDNs can optimise the utilisation of network resources, reducing costs and improving performance.
  • Load balancing: SDN controllers can intelligently distribute network traffic across multiple paths, ensuring efficient load balancing and avoiding congestion.

5. Simplified network management

  • Centralised control: SDN controllers provide a centralised view of the network, simplifying management and troubleshooting tasks.
  • Reduced complexity: The abstraction of network elements in SDNs reduces the complexity of network management. That makes it easier for network administrators to understand and manage the network.

6. Cost savings

  • Reduced operational costs: Automation and simplified management can significantly reduce operational costs.
  • Optimised infrastructure: SDNs can help optimise network infrastructure, reducing the need for expensive hardware upgrades.

7. Future-proofing

  • Adaptability to new technologies: SDNs are well-suited for accommodating new technologies and network paradigms, ensuring that networks remain relevant and future-proof.

SD-WAN and SDA: Key applications of software-defined networking

SDN is used in wide area networks (SD-WAN) to provide quality of service based on the available bandwidth and in Software Defined Access (SDA) networks to segment networks dynamically to provide and limit connectivity in the most flexible way.

Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN)

Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) SD-WAN is a dynamic, software-controlled approach to managing WANs. It allows businesses to integrate multiple connection types such as Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), broadband, and LTE, securely connecting users to applications.

SD-WAN can dynamically choose the best path for data traffic based on factors such as network performance, cost, and application requirements. This ensures optimal network performance and resilience.

Through a single, unified dashboard, IT teams can easily monitor and manage network performance, apply security policies, and automate configuration changes across all locations.

Software-defined access (SDA)

Software-Defined Access (SDA) is a network architecture that automates and simplifies the management of network access for users and devices. Traditional access networks, which rely on manual configurations and static security policies, struggle to keep up with the growing demands of mobile devices, IoT, and the increasing complexity of user access requirements.

By decoupling hardware from network management, SDA enables IT teams to enforce consistent policies across the network, dynamically segment traffic, and improve visibility into who or what is accessing the network at any given time.

This makes it particularly useful in environments with a high number of devices, such as IoT, where managing network access manually would be complex and time-consuming.

Why software-defined networking is important

As businesses increasingly rely on digital technologies and cloud services, the demand for more flexible, scalable, and efficient network infrastructure continues to grow. SDN addresses these needs by providing:

  1. Greater adaptability to changing business requirements
  2. Improved network performance and reliability
  3. Enhanced security capabilities
  4. Reduced operational costs through automation
  5. Faster deployment of new services and applications

By adopting SDN, organisations can create a more agile and responsive network infrastructure that aligns closely with their business objectives.

Would you like to learn more about how software-defined networking can increase the efficiency and security of your network? Contact us today to find out how our solutions can future-proof your business.