What is SDN ?
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a technology which allows networking devices to get connected to the applications directly with the use of Application Programming Interface (API). All the management of the hardware devices are taken care by the software itself. For this purpose they usually separate the network into smaller segments.
How does SDN work ?
A SDN works by creating a computer network that virtualizes hardware and resources. According to the requirement, SDN has the capability to adopt itself. For an example, if there is a requirement for speed, the network can be changed accordingly to fulfill the needs.
While there are many benefits of embracing Software Defined Network, still it is with number of drawbacks. Take this pros and cons into consideration before implementing SDN.
In this article, I will be mentioning about 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of SDN | Drawbacks & Benefits of SDN. At the end of this post, you will know the pros and cons of using SDN.
Let's get started,
Advantages of SDN
1. Cost
Since all if the network administration is centralized and automated, it overall leads to cost savings in SDN. Users cut down unnecessary costs using SDN with better server utilization and improved virtualization. Apart from these, SDN reduces network operations by enabling multi-tasking. Thus, the requirements for expensive hardware is eliminated.
2. Security
SDN includes a controller which provides security to the entire network. This controller ensures that right security policies and information are implemented within the network. And also, SDN is equipped with single management system. One single entity is going to control the security and features.
This types of approach is known to be highly secure because only one central point is used. The administrator could easily block security threats and stop it from infecting.
3. Centralization
SDN allows centralized management of the entire network. All of the networking devices can be monitored and administered from a central location. It eliminates the barrier created by traditional systems in managing the infrastructure. Even if there is a need to manage system individually, SDN makes it possible to do it so.
4. Scalability
Another benefit of SDN is the level of scalability it offers. The infrastructure of the network can be changed instantly. All without the need of purchasing and configuring resources.
5. Optimization
A new way of optimizing hardware devices are deployed when using SDN. All the existing and new hardware can be assigned with a specific purpose with the use of SDN controllers. Therefore, it eliminates the restriction of hardware devices where it is dedicated to one single purpose.
Disadvantages of SDN
1. Latency
Every device used on a network occupies a space on it. The speed of interaction between the devices and the network depends on the number of virtualized resources. If there is a need of more speed, more virtualized resources can be introduced. Now virtualizing resources could result significant amount of latency.
2. Maintenance
The maintenance is a very important aspect of networking for carrying out its operations. An SDN lacks in the side of maintenance. It makes it almost impossible to manage the actual devices. Especially while upscaling a network.
3. Complexity
There isn't any standardized security protocols for SDN. Even though there are some third party service providers, still there exists security concerns. Only the ones who are expertise in handling SDN systems are able to prevent major attacks.
4. Configuration
Reconfiguring a SDN network is not a simple task since it involves lots of expenses. Especially, implementing SDN protocols and controller cannot be done by configuring each of them. The entire network needs to be reconfigured.
5. Device Security
SDN is free from the use of conventional routers and switches. As a result, the security included with them is omitted. For an example, the security that comes with firewall is not present in SDN. This means that your network is more vulnerable to external threats.
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