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  • What is Software Defined Networking?

    An introduction to Ready Network from Vodafone

    The Future of Networks
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What is SDN

What is Software Defined Networking?

What is Software Defined Networking?

SDN is the long-awaited answer to the problems posed by complex and expensive networking environments. With a traditional network, each element – like a core switch or router – has to be configured manually to do a certain task, which takes time and means relying on IT specialists.

With SDN, the network is configured centrally, which means changes can be automated and made quickly, in response to new business and application demands. We’re already seeing how SDN technology is enabling new solutions.

For example, SD-WAN is an ‘overlay’ virtual solution that’s placed on top of your existing WAN or IP-VPN (your ‘underlay’ network). This brings intelligence to your network, giving you visibility and control of your network traffic, while providing a lower-cost alternative to Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) networking.

What is Network Function Virtualisation (NFV)?

Just like we can virtualise apps in the cloud, we can now virtualise network functions to add new capabilities when we need them – and remove them when we don’t. This is NFV.

For example, you can deploy a virtual firewall automatically if you detect a security threat, then remove it once the threat is thwarted. This way, you can update your security rules on an as-needed basis, rather than planning for the worst-case scenario – which saves costs and helps optimise network performance.

Key benefits

Visibility and Control

Visibility & Control

SDN gives you a single, real-time view, and centralised control, of your whole network. See where the demand is, and solve issues before they occur.
Security

Security

The virtual network environment makes it easier to update your security rules and react more quickly to threats, across all sites, devices and the cloud.
Cost

Cost

SDN saves you money on two counts. It costs less to manage, thanks to greater user control, and also lets you choose the cheapest available route for your data.
Flexibility

Flexibility

SDN lets you respond rapidly to business and application needs. You can add or remove bandwidth and capabilities to your network according to demand.

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Explore the Future of Networks with our exclusive insight pack

Let us help you understand the fundamentals of Software Defined Networking, the solutions available, and why you should care. No more hype. No more buzzwords. Everything you need to know in simple terms.

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Why the time is right for SDN

1. The data deluge

Many traditional networks are struggling with the sheer volume of data running through them.

Unfortunately, that’s not about to change any time soon. Traffic is expected to rise by 20% in the next 12 months, with ever-increasing demand for cloud services, video streaming and business digitalisation.

Ready Network gives you the flexibility to scale up bandwidth on demand.

  • Ring-fence bandwidth for business-critical apps
  • Meet the bandwidth demands of new devices and services
  • Support a wide range of new file types

2. Security: new capabilities, new vulnerabilities

New devices, apps and services open up a world of possibilities for your business – and for hackers. And whether they target them directly, or your ever-growing number of end-points, you’re only as secure as the network that connects you. And, of course, the network itself is always a target.

With Ready Network, you can quickly amend your firewall policy for all sites, or even turn up a firewall at locations that currently don’t have one when you detect a threat.

  • Detect malicious traffic at speed
  • Deploy virtual firewalls quickly
  • Visibility allowing you to make informed decisions

3. The always-on experience

It’s not easy delivering modern customer experiences on a legacy network infrastructure. People expect 24/7/365 access to digital services, and if your network can’t deliver they’re likely to go elsewhere.

The reality is, every minute of network downtime means lost revenue and, potentially, lost customers (not to mention a damaged reputation). Ready Network minimises that risk. It’s the always-on network for an always-on experience.

  • Deliver the great experiences customers expect
  • Scale bandwidth up and down, on demand
  • Launch new digital services before your competitors

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