Software-Defined Networking
Automate and program your network faster
Provision, manage, and program networks more rapidly with software-defined networking. In this centralized approach to network management, the underlying network infrastructure is abstracted from applications. SDN provides choice in automation and programmability across data centers, campuses, and wide-area networks. See how SDN is the foundation for automating the complete network lifecycle with intent-based networking.
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What is software-defined networking?
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 adoption
SDN has seen wide adoption across data centers (64%), WANs (58%), and access networks (40%). For more information on SDN trends, see the 2020 Global Networking Trends report.
SDN and IBN
SDN serves as a foundational element of a comprehensive intent-based networking (IBN) architecture. SDN has been limited to automated provisioning and configuration. IBN now adds "translation" and "assurance" so you can automate the complete network lifecycle and continuously align the network to business needs. Watch our Beyond SDN webinar recording to explore more ways intent is changing how we network.
Features and benefits
Simplify operations
Reduce complexity by decoupling the control and data planes, while making automation highly secure and scalable.
Achieve faster time to market
Deploy applications and services faster by leveraging open APIs. Easily integrate third-party products.
Build programmable networks
Eliminate manual configuration. Provision and manage data centers, campuses, and wide-area networks.
Lay the foundation for intent
Centralize configuration, management, control, monitoring, service delivery, and cloud automation.
Find the best SDN solution for you
For data center managers
Increase business agility: automate provisioning and operations, enhance security, and enable multicloud.
For network managers
Design, provision, and manage highly secure networks that provide access to any application.
See what customers have to say
Enhance the user experience
Montana State University has powered up intent-based networking and improved scalability with Cisco Software-Defined Access and Cisco Digital Network Architecture.
A connected digital county
Durham County has automated data center services and policies, so engineers can spend less time managing the data center network and more time focusing on strategic initiatives.
Simplicity, scalability, security
With Cisco ACI, Ameritas has increased business agility through operational efficiency, unmatched security, and a seamless path to multicloud.
AI and automation trends
Artificial intelligence and network automation have been identified as key trends impacting networking in next five years.
Accelerate your success with services from Cisco Customer Experience
Confidently move to a secure, automated, intent-based network with expert guidance, proven experience, best practices, and innovative tools.