CIS3003: A Comparative Report on SDN and PBNM Virtualized Networks

This report provides a critical examination of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Policy-Based Network Management (PBNM) as virtualization networking approaches. It addresses key questions regarding the constitution of each network model, the processes and approaches involved in their management, and the impacts and benefits that an enterprise can leverage from each. The report compares the two models in terms of infrastructure and capabilities, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, manageability, dynamism, and adaptability. It highlights the benefits of SDN, including simplicity, automation, and centralized management, while also noting potential security concerns. For PBNM, the report emphasizes its ability to relieve system administrators, enhance automation, and adapt to changing management requirements. Ultimately, the report recommends PBNM due to its regulatory benefits, automated traffic control, and enhanced security features, especially in light of potential security vulnerabilities in SDN. The analysis is intended to inform management decisions on network infrastructure development, particularly in the context of growing concerns about data control.

1
Virtualized Network
System Models

2
Executive Summary
This is a critical examination of two virtualization networking approaches
advises management that in a dilemma over what approach to consider between SDN and
PBNM
answers the questions:
a) What really is and constitute each of the network model?
b) What processes and approaches are involved in management of network system in each?
c) What impacts and benefits can the enterprise leverage from each model?
Compares the two in terms of infrastructure and capabilities
Presentation comes amid fears of possible loss of data control.

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Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Software-Define Network
3. Policy Based Network Management
4. Capabilities & Infrastructural Needs
5. Recommendations
6. References

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Introduction
Tech domain innovations have created a digital society.
Everything is connected and/or accessible by a click of a button.
Experienced shift from traditional network model to modern day network systems.
Traditional ones have been hard to manage, due to poor policy and static computing features.

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Virtualized Network System Models
1) Software-Defined Network Model
2) Policy-Based Network Management Model
3) Capabilities
4) Recommendations

6
Software-Define Network
Definition
Processes and approaches
Benefits
Impacts

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SDN- Definition
A networking paradigm whose features of cost-effectiveness, manageability, dynamism and
adaptability make it an ideal solution for dynamic high-bandwidth network applications.
Characterized by:
i. abstraction of network logic from hardware implementation into software,
ii. a network controller that coordinates forwarding of decisions made by the networking devices
iii. separation of network forwarding and control planes

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SDN- Processes and Approach
SDN controllers
offer a centralized view of the network
Allows control of underlying network devices
Dictates how traffic is forwarded in the network system..
API- Application Programmable Interface
Uses Southbound API to relay information between routers and switches.
Northbound API help network administrators shape by use of programming techniques, network
traffic and services they deploy.

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SDN-Benefits
The network is simple to use, less prone to error since it’s not easy to modify the configured/set
policies using software applications.
Automated response to changes thus keeping high level policies in place.
Localization of the controller makes the whole process of designing even more sophisticated
networks and network functions possible.

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SDN-IMPACTS
increased revenue generation and value gain from the network.
Flexibility and agility: organizations deploy services, applications and infrastructure so as to meet
the ever changing business demands, goals and objectives.
SDN processes could be programmed and reprogrammed as deems fit,
Centralized management
Performance- networks optimize on resource utilization, traffic engineering and bandwidth
management, capacity optimization, robustness and high utilization.
Service integration: efficient and effective load balancing, intrusion detection system
SDN are transforming the remote relationship between computer networks and information
technology.

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Policy Based Network
Management
Definition
Approach and Processes
Benefits
Impacts

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PBNM-Definition
networking paradigm in which rules that govern the behavior of the network are separated from
the functionality
has been used in different architectures and paradigms. E.g. SLA-driven, autonomous, adaptive,
business-driven and self-managed systems
A policy refers to a criterion that is used to determine actions that can be executed in a network
system, and in accordance with predefined