Cisco SDN, or Cisco Software-Defined Networking , is a software-based technology that uses network analytics to programmatically manage and control network infrastructure. With SDN, businesses can achieve more agile, flexible, and automated network management and orchestration, enabling them to respond quickly to evolving business requirements and network conditions.
SDN architecture is based on decoupling the control plane (which determines how traffic is forwarded) from the data plane (which handles the actual forwarding of packets). This separation enables centralized network management and control through a software-based controller . This controller provides a unified view of the network and configures network devices, such as switches, routers, and access points, programmatically.
Components of the Cisco SDN architecture
Cisco’s SDN architecture consists of several components that work together to enable centralized control, programmability, and network automation . These are some of the key elements of Cisco’s SDN architecture:
- Data plane : It is responsible for forwarding network traffic. In SDN architecture, the data plane includes traditional network devices, as well as virtual switches and other devices.
- Control Plane: This plane is responsible for managing and controlling network behavior. In SDN architecture, the control plane is managed centrally through software, providing a unified view and control of the network. SDN solutions, such as Application-Centric Infrastructure (ACI), Digital Network Architecture (DNA), and Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN), provide centralized controllers that manage the control plane.
- Network devices: The SDN architecture includes a wide range of network devices, including switches, routers, firewalls, load balancers, and other devices that support scheduling and automation. These devices are managed and configured through software-based controllers, which provide scheduling and automation capabilities.
- APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): APIs enable communication and interaction between different components of the SDN architecture. Cisco provides APIs that allow network operators and administrators to programmatically interact with the SDN controller, network devices, and other components of the SDN ecosystem.
- SDN Controllers: SDN controllers are the core management components of Cisco’s SDN architecture. Cisco provides controllers such as the Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) for ACI, DNA Center for DNA, and vManage for SD-WAN. These controllers provide a single point of control for managing the network, enabling management-based automation and programmability.
Written by: Oscar Salazar Gonzalez
Project Coordinator at ITS InfoCom
