Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Fundamentals

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) represents a paradigm shift in network architecture, separating the control plane from the data plane to enable programmable, agile networks. This transformation allows networks to be managed like software rather than hardware, enabling automation, rapid deployment, and dynamic configuration. This comprehensive guide explores SDN fundamentals, architectures, and practical implementations.

Understanding SDN Architecture

Traditional networks tightly couple the control plane (decision-making) with the data plane (packet forwarding) within each device. SDN decouples these planes, centralizing control logic in software controllers while switches focus purely on forwarding^[1].