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SDN basics for service providers
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Article
The three models of SDN
Before providers can consider SDN deployment, they must determine which model to support. This expert tip outlines the three SDN models to choose from. Read Now
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Article
Barriers to SDN provider adoption
Many large providers have run small-scale SDN pilots, yet they continue to run into barriers when attempting large-scale deployments. In this tip, read about challenges to large-scale SDN deployment. Read Now
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Realizing SDN controller application potential
The goal of a SDN controller in a typical architecture is to convert a route to related sequence of device-forwarding behavior into specific forwarding changes. Learn the ins-and-outs to unlocking the potential of these controller applications. Read Now
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Which SDN architecture will work for you?
here are two SDN architecture types: centralized and decentralized. In this expert tip, learn about the fundamental differences between the two types and determine which works best for you. Read Now
Editor's note
Software-defined networking has caught the eye of service providers. While SDN strategies and use cases are just beginning to emerge, service providers see the potential in using the technology to optimize networks and create revenue-producing services.
Ultimately, service providers are hoping that SDN will enable the long-sought-after goal of application-aware and application-reactive networks. They're also aiming to enable network virtualization for agility and cost savings. To meet those needs, vendors are developing a plethora of SDN products.
However, there's a ways to go before the full potential of SDN will be known.
In this guide to SDN basics and applications for service providers, learn basic SDN and NFV terminology and technology choices, as well as the challenges service providers face when building SDN environments.
1SDN applications for service providers
Although still few and far between, SDN applications have emerged, allowing service providers to streamline services, gain agility and even generate revenue. Read about the ways Google uses OpenFlow, how SDN can improve collaboration and video, and how organizations are interconnecting physical networks and domains using SDN. Additionally, learn how SDN improves security, but how it also poses new concerns.
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The creation of an SDN networking exchange
Read how a group of organizations launched an SDN exchange that allows carriers, research institutes and enterprises to interconnect physical networks. Read Now
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An SDN use case that results in revenue
Sonus Networks has found a way to generate revenue for service providers using SDN and network virtualization to optimize network capacity for video and collaboration applications. Read Now
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Google goes with OpenFlow
Google recently announced it re-engineered its internal data center networks to run OpenFlow-based software-defined networks. Read Now
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Granular policy control enabled by SDN security
To some, the concept of SDN sends security red flags, but experts maintain SDN technology is just as likely to enhance network security as it is to pose new challenges. Read Now
2What to know about network functions virtualization
Software-defined networking and network functions virtualization are often complementary to one another, but they're not the same. Learn about the basics of NFV and where it intersects with SDN.
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Network functions virtualization takes reigns from hardware
NFV allows engineers to replace traditional network devices with software that lives on commodity servers. It's complementary to SDN, but it's not the same. Discover more benefits of NFV and how it offers flexibility and reduces costs. Read Now
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Article
Network functions virtualization revolutionizes architecture
NFV aims to move network functions out of network equipment and onto virtual hosting. Read more on how NVF depends on the execution of four steps, as well as management and standard challenges associated with it. Read Now
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Article
SDN plus NFV means service orchestration in mobile networks
SDN and NVF can address mobile network challenges in two ways: through dynamic resource orchestration and intelligent service orchestration. Read Now
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Article
Understanding the relationship between SDN and NFV
SDN and network functions virtualization often work together and according to this expert answer, can cause a networking revolution. Read Now
3SDN and service providers: Terms to know
Brush up on software-defined networking and service provider language with this terminology refresher.
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Definition
network virtualization
Network virtualization is a method of combining the available resources in a network to consolidate multiple physical networks, divide a network into segments or create software networks between virtual machines (VMs). Read Now
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Definition
network functions virtualization (NFV)
Network functions virtualization (NFV) is an initiative to virtualize network services traditionally run on proprietary, dedicated hardware. Read Now
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Definition
multi-tenancy
Multi-tenancy is an architecture in which a single instance of a software application serves multiple customers. Read Now
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Definition
network hypervisor
A network hypervisor is a program that provides an abstraction layer for network hardware. Network hypervisors allow network engineers to create virtual networks that are completely decoupled and independent from the underlying physical network. Read Now
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Definition
SDN controller (software-defined networking controller)
An SDN controller is an application in a software-defined networking (SDN) architecture that manages flow control for improved network management and application performance. Read Now
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Definition
OpenStack Neutron (formerly called Quantum)
OpenStack Neutron is a cloud networking controller and a networking-as-a-service project within the OpenStack cloud computing initiative. Read Now
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Definition
distributed virtual switch
A distributed virtual switch is an abstract representation of multiple hosts defining the same name, network policy and port group. Read Now
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Definition
SDN application (software-defined networking application)
An SDN application is a software program designed to perform a task in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment. SDN applications can replace and expand upon functions that are implemented through firmware in hardware devices in a conventional networking environment. Read Now