Software-defined networking

Software-defined networking architecture offers a new way to oversee network control, cloud connectivity and application performance. Explore SDN's benefits and disadvantages and catch up on the latest news and trends while learning about SDN's part in the networking industry's broader move to software-based networking.

February 25, 2022 25 Feb'22
Arista embeds security software in campus switches

Arista Networks will embed network detection and response software in campus switches to provide AI-driven threat detection across the network.
January 21, 2022 21 Jan'22
Juniper adds SSR management features to Mist cloud

Network managers can configure, deploy and manage Juniper's Session Smart Routers through the Mist cloud, which monitors the company's SD-WAN on the SSR.
May 12, 2021 12 May'21
Cisco bolsters CSP portfolio with Sedona Systems acquisition

Cisco's acquisition of Sedona Systems is expected to add significant carrier technology for 5G slicing and routed optical networking.
October 22, 2020 22 Oct'20
Dell: VMware spinoff would have 'no change for customers'

Dell CEO Michael Dell says customers aren't concerned about his company's plan to possibly spin off VMware shares; VMware's CEO says the companies will continue to 'R&D together.'

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

software-defined networking (SDN)

Software-defined networking (SDN) is an architecture that abstracts different, distinguishable layers of a network to make networks agile and flexible. Continue Reading
How network virtualization works

Network virtualization uses abstraction to isolate applications and resources from the physical infrastructure. Benefits include faster provisioning, agility and operational efficiency. Continue Reading
programmable network (network programmability)

A programmable network is one in which the behavior of network devices and flow control is handled by software that operates independently of network hardware. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

What is network virtualization? Everything you need to know

Network virtualization is a method of combining the available resources in a network to consolidate multiple physical networks, divide a network into segments or create software networks between VMs. Continue Reading
The role of network virtualization and SDN in data centers

SDN, zero trust and infrastructure as code are popular forms of network virtualization within the data center, moving away from manual VLANs toward policy-driven virtualization. Continue Reading
Carrier network virtualization leads to enterprise services

Starting with MPLS VPNs and SD-WAN, new carrier network virtualization options, like 5G network slicing, are becoming virtual enterprise network services, and more will follow. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

How to secure NetOps initiatives using Agile methodology

As more NetOps teams implement Agile methods, network and security testing must be part of a holistic approach that involves developers, networking and security teams working together. Continue Reading
Who is responsible for secure remote access management?

The pandemic exposed the need for a strong secure remote access strategy. Now, organizations need to figure out which team must make it happen. Continue Reading
Pandemic pushes enterprise connectivity to take a new path

COVID-19 delivered a connectivity shock to businesses. But savvy network execs were primed -- and are now showing the way forward in 2021 with SD-WAN, 5G and Wi-Fi 6. Continue Reading

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

How enterprises can close 5 major SASE gaps

Despite five major gaps that hamper SASE implementation, Gartner recommended enterprises should plan their migration timeline and aim to consolidate to a single vendor. Continue Reading
Dental group slashes downtime by 99% with Meraki SD-WAN

In this SD-WAN case study, a dental group with chronic network outages deployed Cisco Meraki to eliminate downtime. Learn more about the software-defined win. Continue Reading
How can my company reap the advantages of SDN if its culture is risk-averse?

SDN expert Will Murrell discusses how the advantages of SDN will speak to cautious companies only when network engineers can make a case for SDN's lower cost and high functionality. Continue Reading