Software Defined Networking
May 1, 2024
Updated June 21, 2025
23 minute read
Embarking on the Journey of Software Defined Networking (SDN)
Software Defined Networking, or SDN, represents a paradigm shift in how networks are designed, built, and operated. At its core, SDN decouples the network's control logic (the control plane) from the underlying physical infrastructure that forwards traffic (the data plane). Imagine a traditional orchestra where each musician decides when and what to play based on their individual sheet music and cues from nearby musicians; this is akin to traditional networking where each device makes decisions somewhat independently. Now, picture that same orchestra with a conductor who has a complete view of the entire score and directs each musician precisely; this is closer to how SDN operates, with a centralized controller making intelligent decisions for the entire network. This approach allows network administrators to manage network services through abstraction of lower-level functionality, making the network more agile and easier to manage.
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Reading list
We've selected 21 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Software Defined Networking.
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern networking technologies, including a strong focus on SDN and NFV. It's an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the topic and its context within the evolving network landscape. The book is well-organized and suitable for beginners as well as those looking to solidify their foundational knowledge.
Provides a comprehensive overview of SDN, covering the fundamentals, architecture, protocols, and applications. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced network engineers.
While not solely focused on SDN, this book is highly relevant as it covers the essential skills for modern network engineers, including network programmability and automation using tools like Python and Ansible. This is crucial for understanding the practical application of SDN principles in today's networks. The second edition is more recent and covers contemporary topics.
Published recently, this book focuses on the fundamental concepts of network programmability and automation. It's highly relevant to SDN as it covers the tools and techniques used to automate network management in an SDN environment. is practical and provides hands-on examples.
A recent publication from Cisco Press, this book provides practical strategies and techniques for network automation. It's highly relevant to implementing SDN solutions and automating network operations. It offers a vendor-neutral perspective applicable to various environments.
Considered a foundational text in the field, this book offers a broad view of SDN, covering its historical context, technological advancements, and deployment considerations. It's valuable for understanding the core concepts and how SDN is being adopted in the industry. While not the newest, it provides essential background.
Delves into the definitions, protocols, and standards of SDN, with a focus on network programmability. It's a good resource for understanding the technical underpinnings of SDN and exploring various use cases. It provides a solid technical foundation for those looking to deepen their understanding.
Provides a practical guide to SDN, with a focus on hands-on implementation. It is ideal for network engineers who want to learn how to deploy and manage SDN networks.
Explores Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and its close relationship with SDN. Understanding NFV is essential for a comprehensive view of modern network architectures and how SDN plays a role in managing virtualized network functions. It's particularly useful for those interested in the broader ecosystem surrounding SDN.
Offers a perspective on the business case and motivations for adopting SDN, as well as design and deployment considerations. It helps bridge the gap between the technical aspects of SDN and its practical implementation in real-world scenarios. It's suitable for both technical and managerial audiences.
Focuses on network virtualization, a key technology often associated with SDN. It explores the concepts and techniques behind virtualizing network resources, which is crucial for implementing many SDN solutions. It provides valuable context for understanding the broader shifts in networking.
Explores networking in the context of container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes. Understanding networking in cloud-native environments is increasingly relevant to SDN, as SDN principles are applied in these dynamic infrastructures. It's suitable for those interested in contemporary networking challenges.
This guide provides a beginner's approach to network automation using tools like Python and Ansible. It's a practical resource for those looking to gain hands-on experience with automating network tasks, which is directly applicable to managing SDN environments.
Given the importance of programmability in SDN, this book on Python networking is highly relevant. It teaches how to use Python for network automation, which core skill for working with SDN. is more focused on the practical programming aspects.
Specifically examines the interaction and optimization of BGP within SDN environments. It's valuable for network engineers who need to understand how traditional routing protocols are being integrated and enhanced by SDN.
Focuses specifically on OpenFlow, a key protocol in the early development and implementation of SDN. It provides practical examples and a hands-on approach to understanding how OpenFlow enables programmable networks. While OpenFlow's prominence has evolved, this book is valuable for understanding the historical context and fundamental mechanisms of SDN.
Offers a collection of practical recipes for working with OpenFlow. It's a hands-on guide for those who want to implement and experiment with OpenFlow-based SDN solutions. It's useful for gaining practical experience with the protocol.
Delves into VXLAN and BGP EVPN, technologies often used in modern data centers and overlay networks, which are relevant in the context of SDN deployments. It provides design considerations for building virtualized network fabrics.
While focused on traditional routing protocols, this book's emphasis on designing scalable and programmable networks is relevant to SDN. It provides a strong foundation in network design principles that are still applicable in an SDN world.
A deep dive into TCP/IP routing, this book classic reference for network engineers. While not directly about SDN, a solid understanding of traditional routing is beneficial for appreciating the changes and advantages introduced by SDN. It's more of a reference for foundational networking concepts.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/6atv4e/software
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