SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORKS (SDN)

Software-defined networking (SDN) is an architecture designed to make a network more flexible and easier to manage. SDN centralizes management by abstracting the control plane from the data forwarding function in the discrete networking devices.

SDN Elements

An SDN architecture delivers a centralized, programmable network and consists of the following:

• A controller, the core element of an SDN architecture, that enables centralized management and control, automation, and policy enforcement across physical and virtual network environments
• Southbound APIs that relay information between the controller and the individual network devices (such as switches, access points, routers, and firewalls)
• Northbound APIs that relay information between the controller and the applications and policy engines, to which an SDN looks like a single logical network device

SDN Features

Simplify Operations

Achieve Faster time to market

Build Programmable Networks 

Source : https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/software-defined-networking/overview.html#~stickynav=3