Software Defined
Networking (SDN) is currently a widely discussed topic in the
telecommunications industry. There are high expectations regarding the
technology, including reducing network maintenance costs and unleashing
innovation, thus opening the way to new revenue sources and better network
monetization. SDN is a concept where the main principle is to separate the
control plane from the data plane, and to move the controller function out from
today’s routers.
At first this
definition does not sound very exciting, but placing the controller function
centrally should enable much more “intelligent” network traffic control and, as
a result, efficiently deliver new, innovative services for customers. The
problem is that for now SDN is still only a concept, and currently the only
tangible specification is OpenFlow, but it only defines the protocol between a
controller and a switch.
To make the
promises of SDN technology come true, there is a need for a platform, enabling
a business application that will help opening up telecom networks. The
specifications and APIs for this kind of a business application need to be
defined to shape the network according to what is required and make it
“smarter”. In order for the latter to happen, a controller needs a
comprehensive end-to-end view of the network and all connected services.
However, the SDN concept does not define, how to provide such an end-to-end
view.
One idea is to
leverage the operators’ existing assets like the BSS/OSS ecosystems and prove
that SDN won’t make BSS/OSS
investments obsolete. IT architecture, where BSS/OSS investments
can not only be saved, but even act as a significant enabler for the SDN
“revolution”. This means that telecom operators will be able to provide
significant added value to the SDN ecosystem.
The Software
Defined Networking (SDN) technology is very promising and expected to
help operators in reducing costs and boosting service innovation. The cost
reduction factor derives naturally from centralizing the network control
functions. Following the Network Function Virtualization concept, it
ensures that the control function can be implemented on standard
equipment (even PCs).
But the real
strength of this technology is in its potential to speed up innovation and open
up the network. The “smartness” of the SDN controllers comes from the ability
to access a complete end-to-end view of the network. Instead of implementing a
completely new infrastructure for an SDN controller, the end-to-end view can be
delivered by the existing BSS/OSS systems.
For more details
visit us @ http://www.urssystems.com
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