Understanding Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

 SDN

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a network management architecture that uses software to control a network's infrastructure and traffic. SDN differs from traditional networks, which use dedicated hardware devices to control network traffic.

SDN's key features include:

Centralized management

SDN uses a centralized platform to manage the network, making it more flexible and easier to manage.

Separation of control and data planes

SDN separates the control plane, implemented in software, from the data plane, implemented in network devices.

Virtualization

SDN can create and control virtual networks or control traditional hardware.

Interoperability

The SDN software can work with any router or switch, regardless of the vendor.

SDN has several benefits, including:

• Application environments as code: SDN can deliver application environments as code, which can reduce network management time.
• Real-time adaptation: SDN is well suited to emerging technologies like IoT.
• Dynamic network creation and destruction: Networks can be spun up and down dynamically.

QoS - Three Primary Planes

 QoS (Quality of Service) 3 Planes

In network functions related to Quality of Service (QoS), the three primary planes are the Control Plane (making decisions about traffic prioritization and switching), the Data Plane (handling the actual switching of traffic), and the Management Plane (monitoring traffic conditions).

Control Plane:

This plane determines the best path for data packets based on network topology, routing protocols, and QoS policies. It essentially decides which traffic should be prioritized and where it should be routed, updating routing tables accordingly.

Data Plane:

Once the Control Plane has made its decisions, the Data Plane executes those instructions by forwarding packets according to the established routing paths. This is the part of the network that actually moves data across the network.

Management Plane:

This plane configures and monitors the network device, including managing QoS settings, viewing traffic statistics, and performing administrative tasks.

Key points to remember:

QoS implementation:

The Control Plane is where QoS policies are defined. It determines which traffic should receive preferential treatment based on factors like delay sensitivity or bandwidth requirements.

Separation of concerns:

Network devices can efficiently manage traffic flow by separating these functions into different planes while clearly separating decision-making (Control Plane) and data forwarding (Data Plane).