Strategy: OpenFlow vs. Traditional Networks
By Ferro, Greg , Jan. 13, 2012URL - http://pro.networkcomputing.com/asset/8638/Strategy-OpenFlow-vs-Traditional-Networks.html
OpenFlow and SDN have the potential to simplify network operations and management while driving down hardware costs. But they would also require IT to rethink traditional network architectures. At the same time, other protocols are available or emerging that can provide many of the same benefits without requiring major changes.
We’ll look at the pros and cons of OpenFlow and SDN and how they stack up with existing options to simplify networking. (S4060112)
Table of Contents
3 Author's Bio
4 Executive Summary
5 Network Evolution or Revolution?
5 Figure 1: Central Network Command
6 Inside SDN
6 Figure 2: Control Plane
7 Figure 3: Number of LAN Vendors
8 Figure 4: Rearchitecting Data Center Network?
9 Traffic Separation
9 Figure 5: Use of Virtualization Technologies
10 OpenFlow vs. Network Management
11 Dynamic Networking Without SDN
11 A Long Road to SDN
13 Related Reports
About the Author
Greg Ferro is a consulting network architect and senior engineer/designer. He has more than 20 years of experience in IT and 12 years of experience in networking. He is a Cisco CCIE. His current focuses include data centers, security and application networking. He has worked for financial institutions, service providers, resellers and other verticals. Ferro also blogs about networking at www.etherealmind.com and hosts a podcast titled “Packet Pushers.”