Why do organizations need advanced tools and automated processes to improve networking?
It's simple … in today's world, nearly all businesses rely completely on internal and external information networks which accelerate productivity at the risk of creating difficult and changing demands from end users. Antiquated systems and processes can't keep up with rapid shift to the cloud and exponentially increasing bandwidth requirements, thus the necessity for maintaining leading edge technologies to support the rapidly changing needs of the workforce. High performing access to internal and external data has been and will continue to be a fundamental requirement for most businesses.
Understanding software-defined networking
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) abstracts network connectivity and routing from the underlying physical components and allows for flexibility, visibility and sophisticated configuration. According to Hill, SDN offers "a new approach to designing, building, and managing networks that separate the network's control (brains) and forwarding (muscle) planes to optimize each better."
To put it in basic terms, you get better control over your network with SDN. SDN simplifies the growth and expansion of your company network despite changes in physical locations. In other words, you can adjust your network in real-time, with ease, to adapt to whatever changes arise without requiring time consuming and expensive hardware reconfiguration.
Another convenience that SDN brings is to enable centrally controlled and programmatically efficient network configuration. These capabilities can as much as double network productivity with the benefit of a single control panel to monitor and optimize network performance.
In summary, SDN is leading edge technology, creating tremendous positive impacts on an organization's network by improving overall management and supporting ease of change.
The 5 ways software-defined networks enhance network management
1. Centralized Network Control
Nothing is more helpful and provides more comfort than being able to visualize your network from anywhere. SDN provides centralized network control where you can see an overview of the entire system, making it easier and faster to manage network traffic requirements and adjust to changes.
2. Simplified Configuration
With full control for the network, it becomes much simpler to make configuration changes that optimize improvement where needed. What's more, because most configurations occur at a software level and require no adjustments to hardware, they can be made in real time, quickly and easily.
3. High-level Network Policies
An in-depth approach to network management, especially when it comes to managing Network Security relies on defining and maintaining high-level network policies. SDN simplifies policy management to control routing rules, security requirements and performance optimization. This makes life easier for Network Administrators and helps assure the network operates according to design.
4. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
Another way SDN offers advanced benefits is through enabling APIs which can extend across office locations and data centers. SDN provides centralized controllers which regulate the communication of both southbound and northbound APIs for network devices traffic and network applications services. This means advanced applications can be connected to enrich network operation by connecting and controlling key features.
5. Enhanced Network Security
SDN strengthens network security by enabling Software Defined Security (SD-Security). SD-Security allows for the addition of technically advanced firewalls, highly sophisticated security software, centralized policy control and real-time monitoring. Business leaders can rest much easier with a full view of their network threats in an abstracted environment without worrying that a physical device might be compromised.
Capcon Networks helps companies advance to software-defined networking
Handling the deployment and maintenance of Software-Defined Networking requires the right expertise. Capcon Networks can be of help. The team at Capcon Networks can ease the burden of managing your network, secure your edge and optimize performance at branch offices, especially those with local internet. Get 5x Bandwidth, 100% Uptime and 20% Lower Costs with our Managed SD-WAN & Managed Connectivity solution.