Introduction
Computer networks involve the connection of multiple computers and other digital devices using hardware and software technologies. The networks are primarily designed to facilitate information sharing and communication. They may be placed in a central location or be geographically dispersed. It enhances the interaction between individuals and groups by sharing information and data across various platforms, including the internet and devices such as printers. It has yielded numerous benefits for organizations and has become a vital component in the operation of governments and businesses.
The practice was developed over five decades ago, and since then, it has continued to evolve in response to new developments and discoveries. The hardware and software components keep adjusting to meet the growing demands of users. Recent developments in computer networking involve software-defined networking (SDN) and intent-based networking (IBN). This paper aims to show that these developments are not just a marketing fad. SDN and IBN have revolutionized modern network architecture by enhancing agility, scalability, and automation, while also improving security and reliability.
Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
Software-defined networking enhances computer networking by decoupling the control plane using cloud-based technology. It offers a centralized approach to managing data and information sharing from a regulatory perspective. Its main operation is controlled using software that replaces traditional hardware components, improving the system’s flexibility and efficiency.
SDN enables a computer network to directly interact with applications through an application programming interface (API), thereby improving its performance and security. It is applied using an architecture that has transformed how people and organizations design, manage, and control computer networks practically and reliably. The architecture comprises several elements, including the control element, northbound API, and southbound API (Pradhan & Mathew, 2020).
The control element offers centralized control to the system by automating and enforcing different task commands. The northbound API conveys data between policy regulators and the applications. The southbound API facilitates the exchange of information and data between the controller planes and independent network devices. The information is relayed through firewalls, switches, access points, and routers.
The northbound and southbound interfaces help different layers of the SDN architecture communicate effectively. There are three main layers, including the controller, application, and infrastructure layers. The controller layer is the central nerve of SDN, facilitating hardware abstraction to the APIs. The application layer comprises ordinary network applications, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and load balancers. The infrastructure layer comprises the physical switches that facilitate the actual movement of data packets and form the data plane.
Different models of SDN have been developed, and they are broadly categorized. The categories include SDN via APIs, open SDN, hybrid SDN, and SDN via hypervisor-based overlay network (Pradhan & Mathew, 2020). In SDN via API, it functions in remote devices, such as switches equipped with control points, which enable the controller to operate the remote devices using APIs.
Open SDN is straightforward and operates by utilizing the OpenFlow switch to facilitate communication and information sharing through the southbound API. Hybrid software-defined networking is a combination of traditional networking and software-defined networking. SDN, via the hypervisor, connects the physical devices to the virtualized networks, so that information about other devices in the physical network is concealed.
The use of SDN can be highly beneficial to Caduceus, particularly in managing the cost and operation of its networks. First, it is programmable and can be adjusted to meet the different needs of the user. It also helps to replace traditional switches with commodity devices, such as brite boxes, which translates into savings on capital (Pradhan & Mathew, 2020). This means that using switch hardware will be cheaper, as only one switch is needed to operate a network of data panels.
Therefore, the company would not need to refresh the entire system of 2,000 Microsoft Windows desktop computers. It may also not require the current network of 10 Dell PowerEdge servers, 20 Dell PowerEdge servers, and other components. Software-defined networking operates through an architecture that comprises packet-forwarding planes, which can further reduce operational costs and speed up the time it takes to introduce new services.
Intent-Based Networking (IBN)
Intent-based networking is an improvement approach to SDN, whereby it allows different applications through the northbound interface to dictate their intent without necessarily restricting the method to be used. Even in the development stage, the technology will be applied intensively through artificial intelligence and networking insight. The insights are expected to substitute the monolithic functions of configuring networks and reacting to network problems (Pradhan & Mathew, 2020). This will enable an organization’s management to send a request to communicate the premeditated outcome to the network, rather than using codes and manually implementing the single undertakings.
The key benefit of using IBN is that it lowers the manual operation of the systems. IBN is also characterized by enhanced security and optimized analysis. It facilitates fast execution of tasks using effective troubleshooting and has lower compliance risks. By utilizing IBN, Caduceus can leverage the benefits of the network, which will facilitate the execution of various tasks to enhance operations. The company can leverage its IT experts specializing in microservices architecture to run various tasks.
Intent-based networking requires expertise to manage network resources at a low level of abstraction for numerous tasks, as it is prone to errors and complexity (Pradhan & Mathew, 2020). In the end, the company may have to make changes to the current preference for using computers using the Dell OptiPlex series. The IT team will be required to reduce costs by utilizing IBN, based on the defined parameters of running on an Intel Core i5 processor. The different actions, such as configuring a 256 GB hard disk drive and installing Windows 10, can be weighed against the cost. The company can utilize the quality control department to assess IBN’s viability and manage activities in line with the intent to ensure that it works appropriately.
Virtualizing the Desktop and the New Back-End Infrastructure
The significant departure between SDN and traditional networking is that it is based on software-based modern technology and rides on cloud computing. Traditional systems are hardware-based and are being replaced by fewer, more efficient devices. The platform on which SDN operates is highly flexible, allowing users to manipulate it easily. It facilitates the efficient management of resources virtually through the control command (Pradhan & Mathew, 2020).
In particular, the northbound API feature facilitates the creation of a direct exchange using the required protocols. For instance, in the case of Caduceus, IT personnel can manipulate network paths and implement a proactive configuration of network services to facilitate a linear interaction with the financial controller. However, the traditional design requires the user to apply all the available elements. It allows the company to access its resources remotely, so abstract copies of the physical networks can be generated from a central firm’s locations.
Both the traditional and IBN have an infrastructure based on a complex network, developed through automation, despite being established in different eras. However, IBN is far more beneficial due to its enhanced agility, which reduces the organization’s reliance on its network infrastructure. Traditional networking can be crippled by delaying operations.
Still, IBN enhances performance and control by utilizing its software capabilities to execute tasks across all networks (Pradhan & Mathew, 2020). It can also work across all handsets based on varying levels and permit IT experts to override any limitations realized through the graphic interface, as opposed to the traditional approach that is device-by-device. The traditional network also primarily focuses on revolutionizing networks and processes in line with the overall business objective.
The controller under the SDN and IBN may be vulnerable, which is a disadvantage. This is because a person may have to operate the network instead of switches and routers. Their security needs to be improved by verifying who can access the controller. In addition, the systems have circulated denial-of-service risks due to a high volume of unintended traffic entering the network line. If the physical switches and routers are eliminated, a firewall may be missing to avert the network’s susceptibility. Although traditional networks may lack a fully centralized system for configuration, they may be safer than SDNs and IBNs.
Relationship between SDN and IBN
IBN is considered an improved SDN as it is more modern and applies more networking architecture and principles. Therefore, the two systems use similar elements, such as a division between the network and the applications. IBN improves on SDN by authorizing network administrators to configure the system in support of the business, rather than focusing on enhancing the abilities of the workers.
IT experts can opt to adhere to SDN policies to achieve a successful attempt to fulfill a specific intent. For instance, the company may seek to set up Virtual Private Network (VPN) software to attain manageable tracking (Pradhan & Mathew, 2020). In that case, the IBN-based command may be applied to carry out self-checks, allowing the operator to operate the SDN at the authorized interface to track information and tracking.
In addition, IBN is more costly, but it offers a better return on investment due to its robust, cyber-secured functionality, which enables a streamlined workflow that generates more returns. Both IBN and SDN use a software configuration, but IBN applies it to the physical crew to carry out the assorted components. Nonetheless, both networking architectures can recast how computer networks are operated and implemented. Both options can be utilized by an organization seeking to implement an advanced program networking system.
Conclusion
SDN and IBN offer modern and practical solutions to organizations seeking to enhance their networks through cloud-based services. The recent options work much better than traditional and monolithic applications, as they are based on a modern architecture that operates more independently, resulting in cost and time savings. IBN is more advanced and is founded on SDN principles, which have expanded its functionality. It requires more enhanced monitoring and supervision to have better security.
Software-defined and intent-based networking are interrelated as they use a similar deployment capability when developing an intent. They enable an organization to have centralized operations as opposed to the older options. They are expected to significantly influence future cloud computing by improving organizational operations.
Reference
Pradhan, A., & Mathew, R. (2020). Solutions to vulnerabilities and threats in software-defined networking (SDN). Procedia Computer Science, 171, 2581–2589. Web.