Software Defined Networking: In order to understand how Software Defined Networking (SDN) functions, we must first understand how

the current networks function. We know that processes that are carried out by a router, switch, or any other networking device, belong to one of the following operations:

Forwarding Plan Determining what to do with the incoming packets. Control Plan Addressing, routing, QoS.

In our current networks, each node is configured independently and operates autonomously when it comes to making forwarding decisions. Even though this allows our networks to be highly dynamic by using protocols that enable fast forwarding of the incoming data, the final result depends on each nodes independent configuration. If a network administrator ever wants to change anything with a device, they will have to Telnet to that specific device and then configure. If a network has many devices that require changes, this can be an issue. Now this is where CDN comes in. SDN is the decoupling of the control plane from the forwarding plane and offloads its functions to a centralized controller. So now, instead of each node making its own decision, a centralized controller, as the name suggests, has the control over all the nodes. This controller is responsible for the forwarding tables on all the nodes. Essentially, this allows the administrator to use less expensive, commodity switches and have more control over network traffic flow than ever before. Benefits: Centralized Approach: The centralized software based controller allows for network elements to be more programmable, designable, deployable, manageable and scalable. The controller gives the network administrator a lot more control over how the network traffic is flowing. Innovation: SDN allows organizations to create new applications, services and business models that can result in better revenue streams. Flexibility: SDN allows organizations to rapidly deploy new applications and services to quickly respond to the new requirements. Challenges: Security: For an SDN to be secure, security measures must implemented within the architecture i.e the controller must be kept secure but a service must be provided to evaluate the performance of the system as a whole and ensure secure and valid operation of the network. The implementation of this level of security is considered a challenge

Scalability: In a larger network, scalability becomes a factor as the controller must send network information to multiple nodes. This can result in latency and is thus a challenge. Integration : Although SDN provides much better service , integrating this into the pre-existing networks of today will require a massive overhaul as well as time. This can be seen as a challenge References:
http://packetlife.net/blog/2013/may/2/what-hell-sdn/ http://www.sdncentral.com/what-the-definition-of-software-defined-networking-sdn/ http://www.sdncentral.com/security-challenges-sdn-software-defined-networks/ http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=06553676