Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Specialized SDN controllers: Are they necessary?

  An SDN controller, with or without OpenFlow, is not required for a software-defined network, and SDN architecture vendors take different approaches.  Continue Reading

• Is SDN a centralized or distributed network architecture?

  A software-defined network can have a centralized or distributed network architecture in the data center, LAN and WAN, depending on business needs.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between an overlay network and SDN?

  A software-defined network can be deployed as an overlay network to a physical network or natively as the primary network to improve flexibility.  Continue Reading

• Does software-defined networking require special SDN switches?

  Software-defined networks do not require special SDN switches; instead, vendors offer a variety of SDN controllers, network fabrics and hardware.  Continue Reading

• Where do network fabric and SDN technologies intersect?

  Networks can use a network fabric and SDN technologies together, and vendors' SDN architectures integrate them in a variety different ways.  Continue Reading

• Why you need a hybrid network while migrating to SDN

  While migrating to software-defined networking, hybrid SDN and traditional networks must support both physical and virtual switching environments.  Continue Reading

• The role of northbound APIs in an SDN environment

  Northbound APIs on SDN controllers enable applications and orchestration systems to program the network and request services from it.  Continue Reading

• SDN, network virtualization: Are they the same?

  Despite differences, SDN and network virtualization share common elements to direct network resources to VMs and segment or consolidate networks.  Continue Reading

• Do I need to use an SDN controller for software-defined networking?

  An SDN controller, with or without OpenFlow, is not required for a software-defined network, and SDN architecture vendors take different approaches.  Continue Reading

• When does cloud federation require Layer 2 connectivity?

  Depending on the scenario, Layer 2 connectivity may be a critical component for enabling cloud federation, says networking expert Chip Popoviciu.  Continue Reading

• Developing data security policy for BYOD

  Expert Rainer Enders offers tips for a data security policy that will ensure personal data remains secure on enterprise devices -- and vice versa.  Continue Reading

• What to consider when choosing an MDM system

  Choosing an MDM system can be a complicated process, but expert Rainer Enders breaks down the considerations into straightforward terms in this tip.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of data center consolidation for cloud providers?

  The benefits of data center consolidation for cloud providers cover a range of optimization opportunities, according to cloud expert Chip Popoviciu.  Continue Reading

• How do cloud elasticity and cloud scalability differ?

  Cloud elasticity and cloud scalability are both characteristics of cloud services, but support different goals, says cloud expert Chip Popoviciu.  Continue Reading

• Do we need full-stream reassembly in network-based monitoring?

  Network management expert Jesse Rothstein explains the concept of full-stream reassembly and why it's necessary for network performance monitoring.  Continue Reading