Software Defined Networking (SDN) is a new way of controlling computer networks that is redefining the world of computer network management. The main idea behind SDN is to separate the control plane from the data plane to allow more centralized and efficient management of computer networks. By centralizing management and separating management from the device being managed, SDN enables the commoditization of networking infrastructure equipment. It promotes scalability from small to large enterprise and provider networks. This book begins by discussing the theory behind SDN and how it is transforming traditional networking implementation and management. Next the book explores the internals of an SDN switch and controller implementation. Finally the book provides practical examples of configuration an SDN switch utilizing detailed illustrations. The book comes with an accompanying DVD that has instructional videos and sample source code, configuration python and shell scripts. It covers Open vSwitch (OVS), a popular open flow implementation showing internals. It examines the sources in the Linux kernel showing the flow of the data packets and control packets through a Linux based system. It includes specific applications of SDN such as Provider Networks, and Data Security. It includes accompanying DVD that has instructional videos and sample source code, configuration Python and shell scripts.

Author Biography

Thomas F. Herbert has over 30 years of experience with various nooks and crannies of software engineering. He holds 3 patents, 2 of which are on computer networking innovations, and he is the author of Linux TCP/IP, Networking for Embedded Engineers, 2nd edition.