How SDN is benefiting telecom operators
Software-defined networking (SDN) is a budding technology shaping the telecom industry. The architecture enables network behavior to be centrally controlled through software applications using APIs. Accompanying this capability are a host of benefits. Here is a rundown of the many ways SDN can aid telecom operators.
Lower costs
Companies do not have to break their banks in order to use SDN. Some products are even available for free. The platform significantly reduces operating expenses with the use of inexpensive switches that can perform numerous functions automatically. Furthermore, since the platform supports layer 1 through layer 3 networking models, service providers do not have to invest in expensive network devices.
Holistic management
SDN enables service operators to test various network configurations without altering the underlying network. The platform can manage both physical and virtual switches, as well as network devices, from a central controller. A virtual administrator is able to make any necessary changes without collaborating with multiple teams.
Greater speed and agility
SDN provides greater speed and agility when deploying new applications. Organizations become more flexible the faster they can pump out applications, helping them better respond to issues in real-time.
Less downtime
SDN decreases downtime by virtualizing the bulk of physical network devices, thereby making it easier to upgrade one instead of multiple devices. Moreover, the platform supports snapshotting the configuration, speeding up recovery from failures spurred by upgrades. Finally, eliminating manual intervention to individual networking devices thwarts human mistakes that can cause downtime.
Increased granular security
Virtual machines have made it harder to apply firewalls and content filtering policies regularly. SDN can filter packets as they enter the network. The switches act as firewalls at the edge of the network, which redirects suspicious traffic flow to higher layer security controls. The controller provides a central point of command that reinforces security protocols throughout the network. Although the central controller is a bullseye for hackers, it can effectively oversee security across the enterprise when implemented correctly.
Combat cyber threats
SDN helps IT departments better respond to cyber threats by providing real-time visibility to the network. Users can program the network to react to specific disturbances without human oversight. If, for instance, a computer desktop detects a malicious piece of malware, service providers can program the network to stymie traffic with suspicious characteristics.
Cloud abstraction
The cloud is indispensable to telecom operators. SDN makes it easier to utilize cloud resources.
In addition to making conventional networks less complicated, the software enables cloud service providers to support millions of virtual networks without using typical separation isolation methods like VLAN. It also allows network administrators to manage all the networking components that comprise data center platforms with the central controller.
SDN is an excellent way to address several challenges facing the telecom industry. Although the platform can vary from one network to the next, telecom operators stand to benefit from an architecture that provides greater speed, agility, security, automation, cloud abstraction and holistic management. To learn more about various SDN deployments, click here.
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