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Home / Glossary / SDN
Glossary · Networking

SDN

Software-defined Networking

In plain language

A way of running a network from central software instead of setting up each device by hand.

The metaphor

Like an air traffic control tower that directs every plane, rather than each pilot picking a route.

Going deeper

How it works

  • A controller decides how traffic moves.
  • The devices carry out its instructions.
  • Changes can be made in one place.
  • Cloud-managed office networks work in a similar spirit.
In practice
  • A company changes rules for ten switches from one screen.
  • A data centre moves traffic automatically.
  • A provider manages a customer network from a portal.

A question owners ask

Do I need it?

Not as a concept. Many small offices already benefit from central management of their equipment.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Network
  • Firewall managed and monitored
  • Switches kept current
  • On-prem Active Directory auth
Start with Network
Related terms
ACLAccess Control ListAHAuthentication HeaderAPAccess PointARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBPDUBridge Protocol Data UnitCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC ProtocolCCTVClosed-circuit TelevisionCHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication Protocol

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