Migration paths from traditional computer networks to SDN architecture

Abstract

     Software-defined networking is an approach to network management that uses abstraction to provide dynamic and programmatically efficient network configuration to create grouping and segmentation, while improving network performance and monitoring. SDN is designed to improve the static architecture of traditional networks and can be used to centralize network intelligence in a single network component by separating the process of forwarding network packets (data plane) from the process of routing (control plane). The control plane consists of one or more controllers, which are considered the brains of the SDN network. SDN is an architecture that separates network management and data forwarding functions, allowing network management to be directly programmed and the underlying infrastructure to be abstracted away for applications and network services. SDN capabilities include the ability to more efficiently and dynamically manage network traffic, providing increased control and flexibility in the network. SDN allows the creation of multiple logical networks based on a single physical infrastructure, enabling network virtualization. In addition, SDN helps automate many network functions, which can reduce physical device usage and enable faster deployment and efficient use of network resources. In addition, SDN provides a centralized view of the entire network, providing better visibility and control. To configure an SDN network, you simply add a software controller, rather than editing large amounts of code across multiple network devices. The behavior of an SDN network can be controlled in real time, and new solutions can be implemented much faster than in a traditional architecture. Centralizing network state in a single point of control allows SDN networks to be configured using software tools. Network controllers also include a set of software interfaces that implement standard routing tasks such as multipathing, security, access control, bandwidth management, and quality of service, while they can be specialized and customized to meet specific user needs. The article considers methods for transforming the main classes of traditional networks into an SDN architecture based on the OpenFlow standard; describes possible scenarios for deploying SDN networks; provides tools for solving migration problems; investigates the issue of network security in the context of the growing use of software-defined networks.