Software Defined Networking : The Big Two out of Three

Everywhere in the IT world, there are currently three big topics which have gained momentum in discussions, as well as early stage implementation. Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality.

In my mind, one unique architecture could be the underlying link to a successful implementation for the first two ideas. Software Defined Networking.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an emerging architecture that is dynamic, manageable, cost-effective, and adaptable, making it ideal for the high-bandwidth, dynamic nature of today’s applications. This architecture decouples the network control and forwarding functions enabling the network control to become directly programmable and the underlying infrastructure to be abstracted for applications and network services. The OpenFlow? protocol is a foundational element for building SDN solutions.

Too Technical? Imagine a Sandwich. Now imagine, magically whatever you have between the breads can be remade into anything you wish. Don't like Chicken? Boom. Tuna. Want to go Vegan? Boom, Veggies.

One of the key requirements of a successful blockchain implementation is the underlying networking infrastructure. Each Node on the Blockchain will need to verify the entry in the block and be updated. Imagine a clock, where every number needs to be updated at the same time. Now imagine the load that will have on the network.

A.I will be much more effective over a network as opposed to over a central server with a DR Backup. But in either case, the network layer underneath it will be crucial for its functioning. How will it work best? SDN.

Augmented Reality could also use SDN, but it won't really justify the cost.

Software Defined Networking, according to this author, is the Dark horse which might define the way the I.T world is moving in the coming years. All the Jazz described above might require it.

The Leaders in this market currently as per Data from 2017, are VMWare, Cisco and Huawei. Vendors who provide Managed Network solutions using the physical hardware from these Leaders, could very easily carve for themselves a massive market share, in this yet unexplored and nascent market.

Stay Connected