SDN in IoT: Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Internet of Things are two revolutionary technologies that are redefining the landscape of modern networks. SDN provides codable and flexible network management. On the other hand, the Internet of Things establishes connection between numerous intelligent devices and the internet, ensuring smart functionalities. When these two are combined, SDNs can enhance IoT by making sure that network management is more adaptable and efficient. 


What Is IoT? 


You can understand IoT as a sophisticated network that establishes smart connectivity between various smart devices and embedded systems. Now, these devices can be anything starting from small household appliances like electric bulbs to multi-purpose industrial machines. Thus, application of IoT exists everywhere like healthcare, home automation, agriculture, smart cities, etc. Main features of Internet of Things include data collection and storage, smart connectivity, and automation.  


What Is SDN?


SDN is an abbreviation of the term Software-Defined Networking. It is an advanced network architecture that empowers network administrators to handle network services and make it more flexible and adaptable. By smoothly abstracting numerous abstract layers, SDN in IoT transforms network control, enabling service providers and enterprises to rapidly adapt to evolving business demands. This sophisticated approach aims to streamline network management and help organizations get the agility they require to get success in a fast-moving landscape.  


Advantages of SDN


The inherent capability of SDN to ensure abstractions helps network administrators establish complete control over the network. They can execute high-level principles without having to worry about low-level configurations. As a result, utilizing SDN proves to be beneficial in aligning with heterogenous nature of IoT and serving unique requirements particular to specific applications. The key advantages of SDN in IoT are mentioned as follows-  


Simple Management-


A unified management console with comprehensive visibility into network resources streamlines planning and network setup (virtual or real). Integrating SDN in IT infrastructure helps in eliminating various configuration faults.  


Cost Minimization-


The inherent nature of SDN architecture is programmable, which makes the process of designing, deploying, management, and scaling the networks easy. The capability to automate provisioning gives more agility to networks and reduces human resource requirements. It helps in minimizing expenditures related to operations.  

Integrating SDN empowers IT administrators to utilize cost-effective hardware for enhanced effect. This is because all the new devices essentially become “white box” switches with the main control centralized at the SDN controller.  


Effective Utilization of Network Resources-


One of the major drawbacks of conventional networking architecture of IoT is the fact that the applications operating at Layer7 of the OSI model will have little or zero visibility into resources present at the network layer. Therefore, the resource requirements were barely accurate, and network elements were over-provisioned chronically.  

In SDN architecture, the centralized controller can observe the resource needs of the applications. Thus, it can match the resource availability against the resource requirements. This directly yields more effective utilization of networking hardware.  


Centralized Network Processing


In conventional architecture, decision-making and intelligence are decentralized across the network. Here, intelligence refers to algorithms to create efficient paths that are integrated within network elements like switches, routers, etc. Now, decentralizing intelligence and decision is crucial for eliminating the problem of single-point failure. However, it has caused the network elements to become more complex and bloated due to the large number of protocols in the network.  

However, SDN in IoT makes decision making and intelligence algorithms to be centered at the centralized controller. This vastly reduces the complexity of the network elements. By ensuring abstraction of data planes and control, SDN can render more agility and expedite service delivery.


Improved Security


The onset of virtualization has made network management a lot more challenging. With virtual machines becoming a major part of physical systems, it has become increasingly difficult to continuously apply content filtering policies and firewalls. When you include all the complexities like BYOD devices, the problem of security becomes more ever-present. The SDN controller ensures a central point of control to allocate policy information and security fairly throughout the organization.  

However, it must be stated that centralizing security control under one entity like the SDN controller also poses risks. For example, it can become a central point of attack. However, network administrators can leverage SDN to simplify and improve security throughout the organization if it is executed properly and securely.  


Enhanced Network Performance and Security


SDNs can be effectively utilized to shape and control data traffic. This implies that SDN can be leveraged to execute quality of services (QoS) for multimedia communications and VOIP. The responsiveness of the network is enhanced by SDN to make sure user experience is flawless.  


Minimized Downtime


Since SDN helps in virtualizing physical networking platforms, upgrading the system becomes an easier task. This is because network administrators need to upgrade the one centralized system rather than performing upgrades on all devices. SDN also provides support to snapshot the configuration; this aids in fast recovering from any possible failures incurred by the upgrades.  


Disadvantages of SDN in IoT


While there are notable advantages of software defined networking over conventional networking, organizations must also be aware of its potential disadvantages. The principal shortcomings of SDN are explained in the following points:  


Complexity: SDN can be slightly more complex than conventional networking because it involves an advanced set of technologies and needs specialized skills to manage. For example, the utilization of centralized controller to handle the network requires a comprehensive understanding of SDN protocols and architecture.  


Over-reliance on the Controller: The central controller is a vital component of the SDN. This means, if it is attacked or if it fails, the entire IoT environment can be hampered. This means that businesses must make sure that the controller is available at all times. Furthermore, enterprises must have disaster recovery plan and robust backup in place in case of any problems.  


Security: While SDN has the capability to improve network security, it also poses new security challenges. For example, centralized control could mean that attackers have a single point to target. Moreover, since SDN is programmable, attackers can also easily manipulate traffic.  


Compatibility: There are some legacy networks in the industry that may not be as compatible with SDN in IoT. This means that organizations need to upgrade or replace these devices to maximize their SDN benefits. However, this can mean more initial investments.  


Performance: The central control of the SDN network can introduce the problem of latency. This could impact on the overall performance of the network in certain situations. In addition, as the network scales, the overhead of the SDN controller can also impact the network performance.  


Key Point- While SDN renders many advantages, organizations must review the major impediments before executing an SDN solution. A thorough assessment of the needs and infrastructure of the organization must be done. Understanding pros and cons of the SDN can allow network administrators to make a sound decision.  


What Are the Applications of SDN?


Software defined network gives system managers much better adaptability in handling networks. This adaptability has aided in enhancing efficiency and has established its importance in various application areas. Here are its major applications: 


Cloud Networking and Data Centers:


The major software-driven application area of SDN is cloud networking and data centers. It is applied in numerous ways as mentioned in the following points:  

  • It enables automated distribution of network services by reducing manual configurations.  
  • It enables quick assignment and reassignment of the resources of network as per the workload.  
  • SDN ensures smarter control of traffic through routing or re-routing as per the traffic patterns.  

Wide Area Networks


  • SDNs are utilized in wide area networks to allow brands to achieve a broad range of goals.

  • SDN enhances network security through improved central administration of security policies. This makes enforcement and management of security protocols a lot simpler.

  • Configuration and management of remotely allocated networks from a centralized place. This makes it easy to recognize and resolve network problems as they emerge.  

SDN in IoT


Software defined networking can be leveraged to ensure connectivity between thousands of devices. The overall goal of this interconnectedness might differ as per the industry and goals of the organization. SDN is advantageous in an IoT environment because of the following:  

  • Enhance service quality by allowing sharing of network resources as per the device or system requirements.  
  • Improving productivity as the number of interconnected devices improve.  

Service Providers and Telecommunications:


SDNs helps telecommunication businesses and service providers to enhance their service delivery to customers. Such businesses can use SDNs to fulfill the below-mentioned goals:  

  • Enhance the cost of running network via automation of processes.  
  • Dividing networks into numerous remote systems.  
  • Enabling fast deployment of solutions to meet growing customer needs.  

Conclusion


SDN is a valuable technology for various brands and businesses because of its diverse application areas and benefits. It establishes a central control point, which helps in SDN is a valuable technology for various brands and businesses because of its diverse application areas and benefits. It establishes a central control point, which helps in simplifying system configurations. Moreover, it enhances efficiency and agility, detects anomalies, and creates a robust network between devices. The blog explores the importance of SDN in IoT, discussing all the fundamentals, pros and cons, and its general applications.